Franklin County Public Records / Franklin County Arrest Records

Franklin County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Franklin County in 2026

FranklinTNRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Franklin County. Members of the public seeking arrest records may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and court case associations through official county and state resources. Available record categories include booking records, jail rosters, court case filings, criminal history reports, and law enforcement press releases. Information retrieved may be incomplete or subject to legal restrictions.

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

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may view the Franklin County Sheriff's Office online resources for recent arrest and booking information. Available data includes arrestee name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a rolling basis, with new bookings reflected within hours of processing.

2. Local Police Departments

The Winchester Police Department, which serves the county seat, publishes arrest logs and press releases through its official communications channels. Members of the public may contact the department directly for arrest log inquiries. Departments in smaller municipalities within Franklin County, including Cowan and Decherd, maintain their own records divisions and may provide arrest information upon written request.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Franklin County Circuit and General Sessions Courts maintain case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts case management portal to locate court cases associated with a specific arrest. Searching by the arrestee's full legal name returns associated case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and disposition information.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the Tennessee Criminal History Records database, which includes arrest and conviction data from jurisdictions statewide. Members of the public may submit a name-based criminal history request through the TBI. A processing fee of $29.00 currently applies to public requests. The database includes arrests, dispositions, and conviction records reported by law enforcement agencies across Tennessee.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office
1 S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 967-2744
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Valid government-issued photo identification is required
Fees for copies: $0.15 per page for standard copies

Police Departments:

Winchester Police Department
209 S. High St., Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 967-2335
Winchester Police Department

Records requests are processed at the front desk during business hours
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Copy fees apply per page; cash and check accepted

Clerk of Court:

Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk
One S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 967-2906
Tennessee Courts

Criminal records division handles case file inspection
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Case file inspection is available at public access terminals in the clerk's office
Copy fees: $0.50 per page for certified copies; $0.15 per page for standard copies

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 1 S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time is two to four weeks depending on volume.

By Phone:

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office records division may be reached at (931) 967-2744 during business hours. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers are directed to submit written requests or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case files through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access. Records obtained through legal channels may include materials withheld from general public inspection under applicable exemptions.

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, Winchester PD, or other municipal department)

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County

Arrest records in Franklin County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, all public records are open for 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.

Arrest records are maintained as public documents for several recognized purposes:

Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement actions
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism, academic research, and civic oversight
Use in background screening by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies
Access by parties in legal proceedings

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Tennessee law and applicable federal statutes:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed under Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-153
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access by court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim identifying information in applicable cases
Information relating to witness protection participants

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. Courts have recognized that arrest records, as products of official government action, carry a presumption of openness. This presumption is balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where charges were not pursued or resulted in acquittal.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may impose additional restrictions. A critical distinction exists between arrest records and conviction records: an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish guilt and may not be used as a basis for adverse employment action in certain regulated contexts.

What's in Franklin County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at time of booking
Tennessee statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions in plain language
Classification of each charge (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Inventory of personal property taken at intake

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court, General Sessions Court, or other)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within Franklin County may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charge information. This information is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by courts
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge at the offices of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Court Clerk during regular business hours. Fees apply when copies are requested.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies (per page)	$0.15
Certified court record copies (per page)	$0.50
TBI criminal history name-based search	$29.00
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by office

Inspection of records at public access terminals is available at no charge
Certification fees apply when official court certification is required for legal or administrative purposes
The TBI charges $29.00 per name-based criminal history request submitted by members of the public
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office

The Tennessee Public Records Act does not authorize agencies to charge fees for the inspection of records, only for the production of copies. Fees for copies must be reasonable and are subject to the limitations established under state policy.

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who are indigent may request a fee waiver for court record copies. Waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Clerk of Court. Journalists and researchers may also request reduced fees in certain circumstances, though no automatic waiver applies.

What Is Available at No Cost:

In-person inspection of public arrest records
Online jail roster review through the Sheriff's Office website
Court case status searches through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts portal

How To Delete Arrest Records in Franklin 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. These remedies are distinct, and eligibility depends on the outcome of the underlying case.

Expungement results in the physical destruction or electronic removal of arrest and court records. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, individuals may petition for expungement in the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed or retired to the docket
The individual was acquitted at trial
The prosecution declined to file charges (no information filed)
The individual successfully completed a diversion program
The individual was convicted of a qualifying offense and has completed the sentence, paid all fines, and met the applicable waiting period

Certain offenses are not eligible for expungement under Tennessee law, including most violent felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, and DUI convictions.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain the case number and disposition from the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk
Confirm eligibility based on the charge type and case outcome
Complete the petition for expungement form available from the Clerk's Office
File the petition with the Franklin County Circuit Court or General Sessions Court, as applicable
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $350.00 for most expungement petitions; no fee applies for dismissals and acquittals)
Attend any scheduled hearing if the court requires one
Upon entry of the expungement order, the Clerk notifies the TBI and arresting agency to update or destroy records

Sealing restricts public access to records without destroying them. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies. Sealing is available in limited circumstances, including for juvenile records and certain diversion program completions.

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk
One S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 967-2906
Tennessee Courts

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Records Unit
901 R.S. Gass Blvd., Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (615) 744-4000
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Franklin County Public Defender's Office
One S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 962-0037
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

What Happens After Arrest in Franklin County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Franklin County, the arrested individual is transported to the Franklin County Jail, located at the Sheriff's Office facility at 1 S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398. 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 investigation activities require completion before departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Franklin County Jail, the booking process begins. The process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and secured
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening conducted
Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Tennessee law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a magistrate or judge within 72 hours of arrest for an initial appearance. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify as indigent
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the jail or clerk's office
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or by a bond schedule for certain offenses

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond
Circumstances include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, and out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed at release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court's pretrial services program.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written court date is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending further proceedings
Housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Franklin County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income and assets.

Franklin County Public Defender's Office
One S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 962-0037
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The Tennessee Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits to the Franklin County Jail are conducted in designated confidential consultation areas.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney's Office for the 17th Judicial District reviews arrests and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges by information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at booking.

17th Judicial District Attorney General's Office
One S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 967-2323
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

Grand Jury:

For felony offenses, the District Attorney may present the case to a grand jury. The grand jury determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. A finding of probable cause results in an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas in Tennessee include not guilty, guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all options for future proceedings. Court dates for subsequent hearings are set at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Pretrial conferences bring together the attorneys and the judge to discuss case status, potential resolution, and trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the individual eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, with a negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.

Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty results in a sentencing hearing; a verdict of not guilty results in immediate release.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The judge imposes sentence following conviction. Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: resolved within weeks to a few months in most instances
Felony cases: resolved within six months to over one year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: guaranteed under the Tennessee Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
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:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1 S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 967-2744
Inmate information: (931) 967-2744
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk
One S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 967-2906
Tennessee Courts

17th Judicial District Attorney General's Office
One S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 967-2323
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

Franklin County Public Defender's Office
One S. Jefferson St., Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 962-0037
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 waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Franklin County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Franklin County is governed by Tennessee state law and the records retention schedules established by the Tennessee Secretary of State's office. The Tennessee Public Records Commission establishes minimum retention periods for records maintained by state and local government agencies. Under current law, retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the underlying case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the TBI state criminal history repository
Entered into the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) for indefinite retention
Appear on background checks without time limitation

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years under state retention schedules
State repository retains records permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years
Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
State repository retains the record unless an expungement order is received
Records may remain in databases unless the individual petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
Court records are retained permanently
State repository retains the record unless expunged
Individuals acquitted at trial are eligible to petition for expungement

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of five years by local law enforcement
Individuals whose charges were not filed are among those most immediately eligible for expungement under Tennessee law

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
Individuals in this category are eligible for expungement and may petition the court promptly

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: minimum five-year retention
Fingerprint cards: retained permanently or transferred to state repository
Booking photographs: minimum five-year retention; may be retained longer in digital systems

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: minimum three years
Records management systems: often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: retention varies; may persist beyond minimum periods
Court electronic records: retained permanently in the Tennessee court case management system

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are not required to update records when expungements are granted, though the FCRA requires accuracy in consumer reporting. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact third-party websites separately to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: minimum five years
Arrest reports: minimum five years
Investigative files: varies by case type; serious felony files may be retained permanently
Contact: (931) 967-2744

Police Departments:

Arrest records: minimum five years per state retention schedule
Incident reports: minimum five years
Retention periods may vary slightly by department policy

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: minimum ten years
Traffic cases: minimum five years
Electronic records: permanent retention in the court case management system

State Repository:

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains the state criminal history repository
Retention policy: permanent for all reported arrests and dispositions
Includes arrests from all jurisdictions in Tennessee
Contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for repository inquiries

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index retain records submitted by Tennessee agencies
Federal retention is permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all applicable databases and appear on background checks without time limitation.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the individual obtains an expungement order. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but may appear as arrest records.

Expungement: Following entry of an expungement order, local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court are directed to destroy or seal the records. The TBI updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. Removal from all systems may take several weeks to months following the court order.

No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable minimum period. Individuals may also petition for immediate expungement.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office jail roster and the Tennessee courts case management portal
Updated on a rolling or daily basis

Older Arrests (More Than Five Years Ago):

May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Archived records may require additional retrieval time
A retrieval fee may apply for records stored off-site

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
Paper records are subject to destruction after the applicable retention period has expired
Contact the Sheriff's Office records division at (931) 967-2744 for availability

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or pursuant to the records retention schedule approved by the Tennessee Public Records Commission. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction files, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and records in cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Tennessee does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the FCRA framework, though employers in regulated industries may be subject to additional requirements. Arrests without convictions are not evidence of guilt and their use in employment decisions is subject to federal and state anti-discrimination guidance.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (931) 967-2744 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.