Franklin County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Franklin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Franklin County, Tennessee, may access publicly available information through official government channels, court systems, and third-party aggregators such as FranklinTNRecords.org. Franklin County maintains criminal records through multiple agencies, and the scope of accessible information depends on the type of record, the requesting party, and the method of access. Records that may be available include arrest logs, booking records, court case filings, conviction histories, sentencing information, and active warrant data. The following categories are among those that may appear in a criminal records search:
- Arrest and booking records
- Felony and misdemeanor charges
- Court case dispositions and sentencing orders
- Probation and parole records
- Sex offender registration entries
- Active and recalled warrants
- Protective and restraining orders
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary avenues available to the public:
1. County Court Records
The Franklin County Circuit and General Sessions Courts maintain case files for criminal proceedings originating within the county. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the courthouse during regular business hours.
Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk
One South Jefferson Street
Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 967-2906
Franklin County Circuit Court
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full name of the subject and an approximate case date or case number. Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for on-site case searches at no charge.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate rosters. Requests for jail records may be submitted in person or in writing.
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
302 Dinah Shore Boulevard
Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: (931) 967-2526
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Fees for copies of records are assessed in accordance with Tennessee public records law. The Sheriff's Office publishes a current inmate roster that is accessible to the public.
3. Online Court Search
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts operates the Tennessee Court Case Search portal, which allows members of the public to search for case information by party name, case number, or attorney. Users should enter the subject's full legal name and refine results by county. The portal reflects case filings and dispositions but may not include all historical records or sealed matters.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) serves as the state's central repository for criminal history records. Individuals and authorized entities may submit requests for criminal background checks through the TBI's online portal.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (615) 744-4000
TBI Criminal History Records
Fingerprint-based background checks are required for certain employment and licensing purposes. Processing times and fees vary by request type; at present, the standard fee for a name-based check is $29.00 and a fingerprint-based check is $44.00.
5. Written and Mail Requests
Written requests for court records may be submitted to the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk at One South Jefferson Street, Winchester, TN 37398. Requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and the approximate date or case number of the record sought. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, the custodian of records must respond to a written request within seven business days.
What Is Franklin County Criminal Records
A criminal record is an official government document that reflects an individual's history of contact with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions. In Tennessee, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process, beginning at the point of arrest and continuing through sentencing, appeals, and post-conviction supervision.
The distinction between record types is significant for legal and practical purposes:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt or a finding of criminal liability. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt, whether by plea or verdict.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the more serious classification of criminal offense and carry potential sentences of more than one year of incarceration. Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties. Both categories are reflected in the criminal record.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals adjudicated as juveniles are subject to confidentiality protections under Tennessee law and are not accessible to the general public in the same manner as adult records.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest and are maintained as current records. Historical records document past proceedings regardless of current warrant status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Franklin County include the Franklin County Sheriff's Office (arrest and jail records), the Franklin County Circuit and General Sessions Courts (case files and dispositions), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (statewide criminal history repository), and local municipal police departments. Records are created when an individual is arrested, charged, or arraigned, and are updated as the case progresses through the court system. Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101 governs the expungement and maintenance of criminal records in the state.
Are Criminal Records Public In Franklin County
Criminal records in Franklin County are public records under Tennessee law. The Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, establishes that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee unless otherwise provided by law. As stated in the statute, "All state, county and municipal records shall, at all times during business hours, be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee."
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, sentencing orders, and booking information are among the categories of records that are accessible to the public. However, certain categories of records are restricted or exempt from public disclosure:
- Juvenile adjudication records, which are sealed by operation of law
- Records that have been expunged pursuant to court order
- Records subject to a sealing order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction
- Ongoing criminal investigations, where disclosure would compromise law enforcement operations
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to federal confidentiality requirements
The Tennessee Attorney General's Office provides guidance on the application of the Public Records Act and the scope of permissible exemptions. Federal criminal records maintained by agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to Tennessee's open records framework.
How To Find Criminal Records in Franklin County Online
Official County Resources
The primary online resource for Franklin County court records is the Tennessee Court Case Search portal maintained by the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts. This portal allows users to search by party name, case number, or filing date. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office publishes a current inmate roster on its website, reflecting individuals currently held in the county jail. Users should note that online portals reflect available electronic data and may not include all historical records, particularly those predating the digitization of court files.
State-Level Resources
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provides a statewide criminal history background check system accessible to the public and authorized entities. The TBI's portal allows name-based and fingerprint-based searches of the state's criminal history repository. The Tennessee Court Information System provides access to statewide court case data across all Tennessee counties.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases
- Case number searches yield the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all records
- Be aware that records predating electronic filing may not appear in online searches
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in public-facing search tools
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event. Records that predate electronic filing systems may require an in-person request at the clerk's office. Online searches do not constitute an official background check for employment or licensing purposes.
Can You Search Franklin County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
Tennessee law mandates that public records be available for personal inspection at no charge. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-506, custodians of records may charge fees for copies but may not charge for the act of inspection itself. Members of the public may inspect criminal records at the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk's office and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases
The following online resources are available at no cost:
- Tennessee Court Case Search — case filings and dispositions statewide
- Franklin County Sheriff's Office inmate roster — current jail population
- Tennessee Sex Offender Registry — maintained by the TBI
3. Sheriff's Logs
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains daily arrest and booking logs that are available for public inspection. These logs reflect recent arrests and bookings and are updated on a regular basis.
What Costs Money
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of court record | $1.00–$5.00 per page (varies by document) |
| Official TBI name-based background check | $29.00 |
| Official TBI fingerprint-based background check | $44.00 |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Varies by agency |
| Expedited processing | Additional fee may apply |
Fees for copies of public records are governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-506, which permits custodians to charge a reasonable fee for duplication. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the records custodian.
What's Included in a Franklin County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A Franklin County criminal record at present includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), photograph (mugshot), last known address, state identification number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records reflect the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond amount, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court case records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome of the case, conviction date where applicable, sentencing information (type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Categories
- Active and recalled warrants
- Protective and restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI and DWI adjudications
- Traffic violations adjudicated in criminal court
- Pending charges
NOT Included in a Public Criminal Record
- Juvenile adjudication records (sealed by law)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Records from completed diversion programs where expungement has been granted
Accuracy Note
Individuals who identify errors in their criminal record may seek correction through the originating agency or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The TBI's criminal history records challenge process provides a formal mechanism for disputing inaccurate or incomplete information.
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Tennessee's records retention requirements for criminal records are established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts. Retention schedules mandate minimum periods for which records must be preserved before destruction is authorized.
Retention by Record Type
- Felony convictions: Retained permanently by the court and the TBI
- Misdemeanor convictions: Retained permanently in most cases; specific schedules vary by court
- Arrest records without conviction: Retained for a minimum period; subject to expungement under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101
- Dismissed or acquitted cases: Retained with disposition noted; eligible for expungement in certain circumstances
- Juvenile records: Sealed upon the subject reaching adulthood; destruction timelines governed by state statute
- Pending cases: Retained until final resolution of the matter
Agency Differences
County courts retain case files permanently in accordance with the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts retention schedule. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office retains jail and booking records for a period determined by the applicable retention schedule. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation retains conviction records permanently in the state criminal history repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records in many instances. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digitization, with the electronic copy serving as the official record of retention.
Destruction, Sealing, and Expungement
Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record at the end of its retention period. Sealing restricts public access to a record without eliminating it from government databases. Expungement, governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101, results in the removal of a record from public access and, in certain cases, from law enforcement databases. Eligibility for expungement depends on the nature of the offense, the disposition of the case, and the passage of a required waiting period. Even where a county destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged.
Expungement
Eligible individuals may petition the court for expungement of qualifying records. Forms and eligibility information are available through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts. Expunged records are removed from public access but may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specified purposes.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are subject to federal retention rules and are maintained separately from state and county records. Federal records are not subject to Tennessee's expungement statutes.
Practical Implications
Felony convictions and many misdemeanor convictions remain on an individual's criminal record permanently and will appear on background checks conducted for employment, housing, or licensing purposes. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act at present reflect criminal history for seven to ten years in most contexts, though professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of all criminal history regardless of age.