Sullivan County Arrest Records provide documentation of local incarcerations. Tennessee law allows law enforcement officers to conduct a brief investigatory stop if they reasonably suspect the individual has been involved in criminal activity. This reasonable suspicion can be formed partially by determining if the subject matches a detailed suspect description. The reasonable suspicion standard for such a brief check is less than the probable cause required for a full-fledged arrest.
During such a stop, the officer may ask for the individual's identification and temporarily detain them to investigate. If the officer has good reason to believe that the suspect is armed and dangerous, he or she may perform a pat-down search for weapons.
Following an arrest, the suspect is often taken to a nearby law enforcement facility for booking. This includes collecting and recording personal identifying information, fingerprints, and a comprehensive account of the suspected offense to generate an official arrest record. Following that, the arrestee may be released on their recognizance with a court appearance planned, or they may be held in jail until their first appearance before a judge.
The primary law enforcement agency for Sullivan County is the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. According to Tennessee law, the Sheriff's Office provides access toSullivan County Court Records, including criminal records and other public documents, as stated in the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tenn, Code Ann. § 10-7-503.
Are Arrest Records Public in Sullivan County?
Citizens of Tennessee have the right to access public records unless state law specifically restricts or prohibits such. Under theTennessee Code Annotated Section 10-7-503(a), public documents include any materials created or received by a government entity while doing official business. While the act only provides the right to inspect and receive copies of public records to Tennessee citizens, it does not preclude non-citizens of Tennessee from obtaining copies of these records.
Moreover, the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tenn. Code Ann. Section 10-7-503(a)(7)(A) permits a records custodian to request individuals seeking to inspect or receive copies of public records to present government-issued photo identification. If they do not have such identification, the records custodian may accept alternative forms of identification.
However, certain arrests and court records may be subject to more restrictive access. These records may only be disclosed to authorized requesters, including witnesses or victims, their legal representatives, insurance carriers, and juvenile court presiding judges who have granted permission for information requests.
What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?
A culture of openness in Sullivan County, Tennessee, encourages elected officials to be accountable and allows for active engagement in the governance process. Public arrest records contain:
- The name of the individual arrested
- The name of the law enforcement agency responsible for making the arrest
- The date, time, and location where the arrest took place
- The specific charges filed against the arrestee
- The final disposition of the case
Sullivan County Crime Rate
A 2022 report by theTennessee Bureau of Investigation(TBI) reveals that Sullivan County experienced a total of 359 violent crimes. This includes 2 cases of murder, 84 instances of sexual assault, and 273 cases of aggravated assault. Furthermore, the report highlights a significant number of property crimes, with four reported robberies, 160 incidents of burglary, 147 cases of auto theft, and 159 cases of fraud.
Sullivan County Arrest Statistics
Over three years, law enforcement agents made 4,351 arrests inSullivan County. In 2017 alone, Sullivan County recorded an arrest rate of 957.45 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the national average of 739.02 per 100,000 residents. This represents a 29.56% increase above the national average. The total arrests in 2017 show that 315 were for violent offenses, including murder, rape, and robbery.
Find Sullivan County Arrest Records
TheSullivan County Sheriff's Officeis the county's primary custodian of arrest records. Individuals seeking to obtain arrest records can submit a request directly to the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office through their official channels. The arrest records maintained by the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office include arrests made by various law enforcement agencies operating within Sullivan County, including the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. However, followingTennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-504and § 10-7-505, certain information may be redacted or withheld from disclosure under specific circ*mstances, such as ongoing investigations or protections for minors.
To facilitate the request process, providing the following information may be helpful when inquiring about arrest records:
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Names of the individuals involved
- Case number
- Type of record being requested
In addition to submitting a request directly to the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, individuals in Tennessee can utilize the following state and federal resources to look up arrest records and inmate information:
- TheSullivan County Jailmaintains a publicly accessible online database that provides daily arrest reports for incarcerated individuals.
- VINELink is anationwide servicethat provides details on offenders or criminal cases in U.S. jails and prisons, including those in Sullivan County.
Free Arrest Record Search in Sullivan County
Individuals seeking to review arrest records in Sullivan County can visit the arresting agency's physical location or check the agency's website for online access to arrest and booking records. However, to facilitate the request, it is highly recommended that the individual know the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, the approximate date and time the arrest occurred, and the location of the arrest.
TheSullivan County Clerkmaintains the county's official records. Individuals can contact the Public Records Department for assistance. However, some sensitive records may be restricted.
Get Sullivan County Criminal Records
In Tennessee, criminal records document an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. TheTennessee Department of Correctionmaintains a database of offenders in state correctional facilities, and this information is available to the public through various means.
TheTennessee Bureau of Investigation(TBI) is responsible for maintaining a criminal history database known as the Tennessee Crime Information Center (TCIC). This database contains information on arrests, charges, and convictions in Tennessee. The public can search the TCIC database using an individual's name, date of birth, or social security number. Other law enforcement agencies in Tennessee also maintain a public jail roster of current inmates, which can be accessed online or in person.
Sullivan County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records
In Sullivan County, an arrest record is maintained by the law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest. This record only documents that an individual was taken into custody, but it does not indicate guilt or conviction of any crime. The arrest record is a factual account of the individual's apprehension by law enforcement.
On the other hand, a criminal record is typically maintained by the court system. This is a formal, comprehensive document that details an individual's convictions, the nature of the offenses, the sentences imposed, and any probationary terms. The criminal record is an official account of an individual's criminal history.
How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?
Once created, an arrest record becomes part of an individual's criminal history and persists even if the charges are dismissed or the individual is acquitted. This record is initiated at the arraignment stage and includes arrest details. While the case's final disposition is also documented, the initial arrest information remains, regardless of the outcome.
Expunge Sullivan County Arrest Records
Tennessee has a well-established process for both expungement and sealing criminal records. In Sullivan County, Tennessee, sealing a record effectively hides it from public view. Expungement goes a step further by entirely removing the charge or charges from the individual's criminal record.
Tennessee law allows for the expungement of charges in situations where the charges were dismissed, a decision not to prosecute was entered, the jury returned a "no true bill", or the defendant was found "not guilty" by a judge or jury. In these instances, the expungement of the record is provided at no cost to the defendant.
On the other hand, individuals who pleaded guilty or were found guilty at trial are ineligible for record sealing or expungement. Certain crimes, such as sex offenses and stalking, domestic violence, drug trafficking or manufacture, public-officer offenses, and major felonies like arson, home burglary, robbery, carjacking, aggravated assault, kidnapping, manslaughter, and murder, cannot be expunged from an individual's record.
Individuals seeking to have their records sealed or erased must first acquire a certificate of eligibility before filing their request with the court. On their Application for Certificate of Eligibility, they must also provide a certified copy of the outcome of each charge they want erased or sealed.
Sullivan County Arrest Warrants
In Sullivan County, Tennessee, an arrest warrant is issued when there is probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime. This warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest the person and bring them to court. Failure to comply with such a warrant, when able, could be considered contempt of court underTN Code § 29-9-103.
A law enforcement officer must gather corroborating evidence demonstrating probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant. This evidence is then presented to a prosecutor, who evaluates its sufficiency under the applicable legal standards. If the prosecutor determines that the evidence is sufficient to prove probable cause, they will file a complaint or affidavit with the court. This filing formally requests the issuance of an arrest warrant. The judge then reviews the evidence and, if satisfied, issues the warrant. Once issued, the warrant is entered into law enforcement databases, and officers may proceed to execute the arrest.
An arrest warrant normally includes the following information:
- The name of the court that issued the warrant.
- The name of the defendant.
- Their physical description includes height, weight, hair color, eye color, and other unique features that may help identify them.
- The criminal offense charged against the individual.
- The official issuing date of the warrant
- The signature of the judge issuing the warrant.
- The bail amount
Sullivan County Arrest Warrant Search
Individuals can check if someone has an outstanding warrant through various methods. TheSullivan County Sheriff's Officelists individuals with active warrants. They can contact the Sheriff's Office to inquire about a specific individual. Requesters may be required to provide a government-issued photo ID to verify their identity. Also, theClerk of Courtsfor Sullivan County maintains records of active warrants.
In addition, each municipality in Sullivan County has its own police department. Individuals can contact the specific police department to inquire about active warrants within their jurisdiction. Also, theTennessee Bureau of Investigation(TBI) maintains a statewide database of active warrants.
Do Sullivan County Arrest Warrants Expire?
Arrest warrants in Sullivan County, Tennessee, stay active until certain events occur. Either the warrant was executed upon the individual, the judge recalls or quashes the order, the charges related to the warrant are dropped, or the individual dies.
