Blount County Public Records / Blount County Arrest Records

Blount County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Blount County

Arrest records in Blount County are considered public information under the Tennessee Public Records Act, codified in Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503. This statute establishes that all state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee during regular business hours, unless otherwise provided by state law.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant for members of the public seeking information. Arrest records document the initial apprehension and charging of an individual, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of the charged offense. Pursuant to Tennessee Code § 10-7-504, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information.

The Blount County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes non-confidential portions available to the public in accordance with state law. However, access may be restricted for records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile cases, or where specific privacy protections apply under Tennessee law.

Law enforcement agencies in Tennessee follow the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's guidelines regarding public access to criminal history information, which permits disclosure of adult arrest information that is less than one year old, regardless of disposition.

What's in Blount County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Blount County Sheriff's Office and other county agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Tennessee law enforcement protocols and includes the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and physical description
Address of residence
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints and photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer name/badge number
Reason for arrest (probable cause statement)
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers violated
Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Facility where individual was processed
Property inventory taken at booking

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Type of bond (cash, surety, property)
Whether bond was posted
Conditions of release if applicable

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearance dates
Name of assigned judge

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where individual is being held
Expected release date if applicable

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Vehicle information related to arrest
Witness statements (redacted as necessary)
Officer narrative reports

The Records Management and Archives department of Blount County assists in maintaining these records in accordance with Tennessee state retention requirements.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Blount County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Blount County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple avenues for obtaining these public records while adhering to applicable privacy laws and regulations.

To request arrest records in person:

Visit the Blount County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.

Blount County Sheriff's Office
940 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
865-273-5000
Blount County Sheriff's Office

Complete a public records request form, which requires:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Purpose of request (optional, but may expedite processing)
- Signature and date
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying:
- Search fee: Varies based on time required
- Copy fees: $0.15 per page for standard copies
- Certified copies: Additional $1.00 per document

To request arrest records by mail:

Download and complete the public records request form from the Blount County website.
Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and any applicable fees.
Mail the completed request to:

Blount County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
940 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503(a)(2)(B), the custodian of records must respond to requests within seven business days. The response will either provide the requested records, deny the request with explanation, or indicate additional time needed to fulfill the request.

How To Find Blount County Arrest Records Online

Blount County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official online platforms. The county has implemented electronic systems to facilitate public access to this information while maintaining compliance with Tennessee public records laws.

To access arrest records online:

Visit the Blount County Sheriff's Office website.
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section, which provides current custody status of individuals held in the Blount County Detention Facility.
For court records related to arrests, access the Online Court Records Search portal, which contains cases filed from August 1, 2019 to the present.
Enter search criteria such as:
- Defendant's name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Date range of filing
- Case type
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Defendant name
- Charges
- Case status
- Next court date

Users should note that online records may not contain complete arrest information. The online system primarily provides case status and scheduling information rather than detailed arrest reports or affidavits. Additionally, certain records may be restricted from online access due to statutory limitations or ongoing investigations.

For comprehensive arrest records, including arrest reports and affidavits, users may need to submit formal requests through the methods outlined in the previous section or contact the Records Management department directly.

How To Search Blount County Arrest Records for Free?

Blount County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest records without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options provide basic information while more detailed records may require payment of nominal fees.

Free methods to access arrest records include:

Blount County Detention Facility Inmate Search
- Available through the Blount County Sheriff's Office website
- Provides current custody status and basic booking information
- Updated regularly with new arrests and releases
- No fee or registration required
Public Access Terminals
- Located at the Blount County Justice Center
- 928 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Allows searches of court cases related to arrests
- No fee for searching, though printing may incur charges
Online Court Records Search
- Provides access to court cases filed since August 2019
- Includes case status, charges, and court dates
- No fee for basic searches
- Available 24/7 from any internet-connected device
Blount County Clerk's Office
- 345 Court Street, Maryville, TN 37804
- 865-273-5800
- Maintains public court records related to arrests
- In-person inspection of non-confidential records is free
Blount County Public Library
- 508 N. Cusick Street, Maryville, TN 37804
- 865-982-0981
- Provides public computer access for online searches
- Staff may assist with navigating public records websites

When utilizing these free resources, members of the public should be aware that pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-506, while inspection of public records is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies, certification, or extensive searches requiring significant staff time.

The Blount County Records Management and Archives department can provide guidance on accessing free public records and determining which records may require fees for reproduction or certification.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Blount County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Blount County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These distinct legal remedies are governed by Tennessee state law and require specific procedures through the court system.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Expungement refers to the complete removal of records from public view and, in some cases, physical destruction of records. Sealing restricts access to records, making them unavailable to the general public but still accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101, arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed
A "no true bill" was returned by a grand jury
A verdict of not guilty was rendered
The case was nolle prosequi (abandoned by prosecutor)
The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
The individual successfully completed a judicial diversion program
Certain non-violent misdemeanor or Class E felony convictions after waiting periods

To initiate the expungement process:

Obtain and complete an "Application for Expungement of Records" from the Blount County Circuit Court Clerk's Office:

Blount County Circuit Court Clerk
928 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
865-273-5700

Submit the completed application along with:
- Case documentation showing eligibility
- Valid identification
- Payment of applicable fees (approximately $280, though fees may be waived for dismissed charges)
The application will be reviewed by the District Attorney's Office and a judge
If approved, an Order of Expungement will be issued
The order will be distributed to all relevant agencies, including:
- Blount County Sheriff's Office
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Court Clerk's Office

For sealing records, particularly in juvenile cases, separate procedures apply under Tennessee Code Annotated § 37-1-153. Juvenile records are automatically sealed when the individual reaches 18 years of age, provided certain conditions are met.

Individuals with complex cases or questions about eligibility should consult with a licensed attorney familiar with Tennessee expungement law. The Blount County Bar Association may provide referrals to attorneys specializing in record expungement.

What Happens After Arrest in Blount County?

Following an arrest in Blount County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition. This process adheres to Tennessee state law and local court procedures.

Initial Custody and Booking: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Blount County Detention Facility where they undergo the booking process. This includes:

Photographing and fingerprinting
Collection of personal information
Medical screening
Property inventory
Criminal history check

Initial Appearance/Arraignment: Within 48 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a judicial commissioner or judge who:

Informs the defendant of charges
Advises of constitutional rights
Determines if probable cause exists for the arrest
Sets bail or conditions of release
Appoints counsel for indigent defendants

Bail Determination: The court sets bail based on factors including:

Severity of the alleged offense
Criminal history
Flight risk
Community ties
Public safety considerations

Preliminary Hearing (for felonies): Held within 10-30 days of arrest, this hearing:

Determines if sufficient evidence exists to bind the case over to the grand jury
May result in dismissal if evidence is insufficient
Is often waived by defendants who proceed directly to grand jury consideration

Grand Jury Proceedings (for felonies): The Blount County Grand Jury reviews evidence presented by the District Attorney's Office and:

Issues indictments if probable cause is found
Returns "no true bills" if evidence is insufficient
Typically meets monthly at the Blount County Justice Center

Arraignment (post-indictment): Following indictment, defendants appear in Blount County Circuit Court for formal arraignment where they:

Hear the formal charges
Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
Receive trial dates if pleading not guilty

Pretrial Proceedings: Before trial, several proceedings may occur:

Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
Pretrial motions (e.g., suppression of evidence)
Plea negotiations
Status conferences

Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial:

Misdemeanors are tried in Blount County General Sessions Court
Felonies are tried in Blount County Circuit Court
Defendants may choose jury trial or bench trial (judge only)

Sentencing: Following conviction (by plea or trial):

Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
Sentencing hearing is scheduled
Judge imposes sentence based on Tennessee sentencing guidelines
Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative sanctions

Post-Conviction: After sentencing, defendants may:

File appeals within 30 days
Seek post-conviction relief
Apply for sentence modification
Pursue expungement if eligible

Throughout this process, case information becomes part of the public record maintained by the Blount County Sheriff's Office and court system, accessible through the methods previously described.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Blount County?

Arrest records in Blount County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Tennessee state law, primarily governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 and the guidelines set forth by the Tennessee Public Records Commission. These retention periods ensure proper documentation while balancing public access rights with individual privacy concerns.

The standard retention periods for arrest records in Blount County include:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention
Incident Reports: Minimum of 5 years after case closure
Investigation Files:
- Felonies: Permanent retention for murder/homicide; 25 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention
Mugshot Photographs: Permanent retention
Arrest Warrants: 10 years after execution and return
Juvenile Arrest Records: Sealed upon individual reaching age 18, if eligible

Different agencies within Blount County maintain separate retention schedules:

The Blount County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and investigative files according to law enforcement retention schedules.
The Blount County Circuit Court Clerk maintains court records related to arrests, including case files, judgments, and dispositions.
The Records Management and Archives department oversees the proper retention and eventual disposition of county records according to established schedules.

Records retention serves several critical purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintains documentation for statistical and analytical purposes
Ensures accountability of law enforcement and judicial systems
Provides historical documentation of county operations
Facilitates background checks and public safety measures

Even after the minimum retention period has expired, many arrest records in Blount County are maintained indefinitely, particularly those related to serious offenses or cases of significant public interest. Digital conversion of older paper records has expanded the county's capacity to maintain historical arrest records.

Individuals seeking to limit the retention of their arrest records should explore expungement options as outlined in the previous section, as this represents the only legal mechanism to remove records before their scheduled retention period expires.

How to Find Mugshots in Blount County

Mugshot photographs, formally known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and maintained as part of Blount County's arrest records. These images serve both administrative and identification purposes within the criminal justice system.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process after an arrest. Typically, these photographs include:

Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
Profile (side) view of the arrestee
Identification information (name, booking number, date)
Height measurement markers in the background

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Blount County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Blount County Sheriff's Office
940 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
865-273-5000
Blount County Sheriff's Office

These photographs become part of the individual's booking record and are stored in the county's records management system. Digital copies are maintained in law enforcement databases, while physical copies may be stored in case files.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain official copies of mugshots in Blount County:

Submit a public records request to the Blount County Sheriff's Office Records Division, specifying:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or booking number (if known)
- Your contact information
Pay applicable fees for reproduction:
- Standard photograph reproduction: $5-10 per image
- Certified copies may incur additional fees

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

The Blount County Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. Unlike some jurisdictions, Blount County does not publish a "recent arrests" gallery on its official website. However, limited booking information may be available through the online inmate search function.

Third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained through public records requests, but these sources:

May not be current or accurate
Often charge fees for removal
Are not officially sanctioned by Blount County
May violate Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-11-118, which prohibits charging fees to remove mugshots

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official purposes such as legal proceedings, individuals should request certified copies directly from the Blount County Sheriff's Office Records Division or through the Records Management and Archives department.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to certain mugshots may be restricted under Tennessee law, including:

Juvenile arrestees (under 18 years of age)
Expunged arrest records
Ongoing sensitive investigations
Cases where release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

Individuals concerned about their mugshots being publicly accessible should consult with an attorney regarding expungement eligibility or other legal remedies available under Tennessee law.