Grainger County Public Records / Grainger County Arrest Records

Grainger County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Grainger County in 2026

GraingerRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Grainger County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and court case numbers. Access to records is subject to applicable state law, and not all records may be complete or current.

Records may be searched through official resources including the county sheriff's office, the clerk of court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Grainger County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a jail roster for individuals currently or recently held at the county detention facility. Members of the public may access the Grainger County Sheriff's Office website to review available inmate information. The roster is updated on a regular basis and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. Search capabilities allow users to look up individuals by name.

2. Local Police Departments

Grainger County includes several municipalities with their own law enforcement agencies. The Rutledge Police Department serves the county seat and may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public seeking arrest information from municipal agencies should contact those departments directly, as online arrest logs are not uniformly maintained across all city departments in the county.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court cases filed in the Grainger County General Sessions Court or Circuit Court. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts maintains the Tennessee Court Information System, which allows members of the public to search criminal case records by defendant name. Searching by an arrestee's name may return associated court case numbers, charge information, and hearing dates.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the Tennessee Criminal History Records database, which includes arrest and conviction information from jurisdictions across the state. A name-based criminal history search is available to the public for a fee of $29.00 per request, submitted through the TBI's online portal. The database includes arrests, dispositions, and conviction records reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Grainger County Sheriff's Office
320 Courthouse Square, Rutledge, TN 37861
Phone: (865) 828-3591
Grainger County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the records division should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Standard copy fees apply per page for printed records.

Clerk of Court:

Grainger County Circuit Court Clerk
320 Courthouse Square, Rutledge, TN 37861
Phone: (865) 828-3513
Tennessee Courts

The clerk's office maintains criminal case files and may be inspected during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Tennessee law.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Grainger County Sheriff's Office at 320 Courthouse Square, Rutledge, TN 37861. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Grainger County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (865) 828-3591. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm general custody status but will direct requestors to in-person or written requests for detailed records. The name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date of the subject are needed for any telephone inquiry.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for records in connection with active legal proceedings. Discovery in criminal cases is governed by the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, which provide for the exchange of relevant records between prosecution and defense.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Grainger County

Arrest records in Grainger County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee unless otherwise provided by law. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.

The public interest in access to arrest records encompasses government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalism and research, background screening, and use in legal proceedings. These purposes reflect the foundational principle that records of law enforcement activity belong to the public.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Tennessee law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not subject to public disclosure
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 19, protects freedom of the press and the public's right to access government information. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions and judicial oversight. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution further supports press access to arrest records as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges and dispositions.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using background check companies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain public employers are subject to restrictions. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable state and federal law.

What's in Grainger County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, Tennessee Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Tennessee statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (General Sessions or Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests in Grainger County
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including court records, law enforcement databases, and credit history

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Grainger County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Grainger County is governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, custodians of public records may charge for the actual cost of producing copies. Standard fees at the Grainger County Clerk of Court and Sheriff's Office are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.15–$0.25 per page
Certified copies	$1.00–$5.00 per document
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
TBI criminal history search	$29.00 per request
In-person inspection	No charge for inspection only

Inspection of public records at the clerk's office or sheriff's office is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Certification fees are assessed when a document must bear an official seal or signature for legal purposes.
The TBI charges $29.00 for a name-based public criminal history search submitted through its online portal.
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; the TBI accepts credit and debit card payments online.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requestors should inquire directly with the custodial agency.
Fees may vary between the sheriff's office, the clerk of court, and municipal police departments, as each agency sets its own copy fee schedule within the limits established by state law.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Grainger County

Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or removal of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and is the standard process available under Tennessee law for eligible individuals.

Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, a person may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

The person was arrested but no charges were filed by the prosecutor
The charges were dismissed by the court
The person was acquitted (found not guilty) at trial
The person successfully completed a diversion program
The person was convicted of a qualifying low-level offense and has met all conditions of the sentence, including a waiting period

Arrests that resulted in conviction for serious felonies, violent offenses, or sex offenses are not eligible for expungement under current Tennessee law. Individuals with multiple convictions face additional restrictions on eligibility.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Grainger County Circuit Court Clerk.
Confirm eligibility based on the disposition of the case and the nature of the charges.
Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the clerk's office or the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.
File the petition with the Grainger County Circuit Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100.00 for most expungements; no fee for cases dismissed or resulting in acquittal).
Serve a copy of the petition on the District Attorney General's Office for the Third Judicial District.
Attend any scheduled hearing if the court or the District Attorney's Office objects to the petition.
Upon entry of the expungement order, the clerk will notify the arresting agency and the TBI to update or destroy the relevant records.

Contact Information for Expungement:

Grainger County Circuit Court Clerk
320 Courthouse Square, Rutledge, TN 37861
Phone: (865) 828-3513
Tennessee Courts

Third Judicial District Attorney General's Office
P.O. Box 1991, Rogersville, TN 37857
Phone: (423) 272-0000
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (615) 744-4000
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Following entry of an expungement order, the TBI updates the state criminal history repository. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the expungement order and may retain records independently; individuals may need to contact those companies separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Grainger County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Grainger County Detention Center, located at 320 Courthouse Square, Rutledge, TN 37861. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires it.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process begins. This process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. During booking, the following steps occur:

Personal information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the TBI and FBI databases
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are checked
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screenings are conducted
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Tennessee law, a person arrested without a warrant must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 72 hours after arrest. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who are indigent
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained
The hearing may be conducted via video conference

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus any applicable fees. The amount is set by the magistrate or judge based on the charge and the defendant's history.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Tennessee law. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No money is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk assessment.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives personal property, a court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Grainger County Public Defender (Third Judicial District)
109 South Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-5015
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. An application is completed at or shortly after the initial appearance.

Private Attorney: Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Tennessee Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for those seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The District Attorney General's Office for the Third Judicial District reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment: At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal, or other legal issues.

Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs such as pretrial intervention or drug court, plea agreements, or trial. Tennessee offers several diversion programs for eligible defendants; successful completion results in dismissal of charges and eligibility for expungement.

Sentencing (if convicted): The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks depending on charge level
Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: resolved within several months to over a year in complex cases
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 9 of the Tennessee Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Grainger County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
320 Courthouse Square, Rutledge, TN 37861
Phone: (865) 828-3591
Grainger County Sheriff's Office

Grainger County Circuit Court Clerk
320 Courthouse Square, Rutledge, TN 37861
Phone: (865) 828-3513
Tennessee Courts

Third Judicial District Attorney General's Office
P.O. Box 1991, Rogersville, TN 37857
Phone: (423) 272-0000
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

Third Judicial District Public Defender's Office
109 South Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-5015
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Grainger County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Grainger County is governed by Tennessee law and the records retention schedules established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Local agencies are required to follow the Tennessee Public Records Commission retention schedules, which specify minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions: Records of felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the TBI's state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without a time limitation.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Records of misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and the TBI. Local law enforcement agencies retain booking records for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule, which is at least five years for most misdemeanor arrest records.

Dismissed Charges: Arrest records for charges that were dismissed remain in local law enforcement databases and court records unless the subject obtains an expungement order. The TBI retains these records in the state repository until notified of an expungement.

Acquittals: Court records of acquittals are retained permanently by the Clerk of Court. Local law enforcement booking records are retained for a minimum period per the state schedule. These records may be expunged upon petition.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are retained for a minimum period and are among the most readily eligible for expungement under Tennessee law.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the state schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are often retained permanently. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to state retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Retention by Agency:

Grainger County Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of five years for misdemeanor arrests and permanently for felony arrests, consistent with the state retention schedule. The records division may be contacted at (865) 828-3591.

Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of five years following final disposition. Electronic court records are retained permanently.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation: The TBI maintains the state criminal history repository and retains arrest records from all jurisdictions in Tennessee. The retention policy follows state law and federal requirements for participation in the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III).

FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index retain records at the federal level, accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Federal retention is permanent for most records. These databases are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and law enforcement inquiries.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported on most standard employment background checks. An expungement order directs local agencies and the TBI to destroy or seal the record; the FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. Records for arrests where no charges were filed have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after the minimum retention period expires.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background check companies report criminal records going back seven years for positions paying under $75,000 annually; there is no time limit for higher-paying positions or for convictions. Tennessee does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by statute. Arrests without conviction may not be reported by compliant background check companies, though the underlying records may remain in law enforcement databases.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Grainger County Sheriff's Records Division at (865) 828-3591 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of records retrieved in response to such requests.