Fayette County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Fayette County in 2026
FayetteCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Fayette County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. The following record categories are available for research:
- Booking and arrest records
- Criminal charge information
- Court case filings linked to arrests
- Custody and bond status
- Mugshot and demographic data
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may search current inmate information, including charges, booking dates, and bond status, through the Fayette County Sheriff's Office online portal. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status.
2. Local Police Departments
The Fayette County area is served by multiple municipal law enforcement agencies. The Somerville Police Department and other city departments may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public may contact individual departments directly to inquire about available public arrest data.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public may search criminal case records by name through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts case management portal. Court case numbers, charge descriptions, and hearing dates are available through this system.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for a standard fee. The TBI database includes arrest and disposition information from jurisdictions across the state.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Fayette County Sheriff's Office
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-3456
Fayette County Sheriff's Office
- Records division is located at the main office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Bring valid government-issued photo identification
- Provide the full name of the subject, date of arrest if known, and booking number if available
- Copy fees apply per page
Police Departments:
Somerville Police Department
203 West Market Street, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-2500
Somerville Police Department
- Records requests accepted during business hours
- Valid identification required
- Fees for copies apply per page
Clerk of Court:
Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-5213
Tennessee Courts
- Criminal records division handles case file requests
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Case file inspection available during business hours
- Copy fees apply per page
By Mail:
Written requests may be submitted to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office at One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068. Requests should include the following:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (901) 465-3456
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Limited information is available by phone; callers may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be used to obtain detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery procedures in criminal cases provide access to arrest-related documentation through the court process.
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
Are Arrest Records Public in Fayette County
Arrest records in Fayette 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 public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. Arrest records are maintained as public documents to promote government transparency, support public safety, and enable community awareness of law enforcement activity.
The public interest served by open arrest records includes the following purposes:
- Government accountability and transparency
- Public safety and community awareness
- Journalism and investigative research
- Employment and tenant background screening
- Legal proceedings and due process
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 (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Tennessee law:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-153)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access following court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information that could compromise ongoing law enforcement activity
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Tennessee Constitution and the Tennessee Public Records Act establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized the First Amendment interest of the press and public in accessing arrest information. At the same time, due process considerations and privacy protections limit disclosure of certain sensitive information.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the 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 federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though local ordinances may apply. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Fayette 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 or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, etc.)
- 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
- Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor 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 (collected but 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:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- 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
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests in the county
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charges
- Not always included in the current arrest record
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical information
- Mental health status
- Substance abuse information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account 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 arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Fayette County?
Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Fees are assessed when copies are requested. The following fee structure applies under current Tennessee law and local policy:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (standard) | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copies | Varies by office |
| Electronic records | Varies by format and volume |
| Search fee | No statutory search fee for standard requests |
- Inspection: Members of the public may inspect arrest records in person at no charge
- Paper copies: Standard copy fees apply per page
- Certified copies: The Clerk of Court charges a certification fee in addition to per-page copy costs
- Electronic format: Fees for electronic records vary based on the format and volume of the request
- Search fees: Tennessee law does not authorize agencies to charge a search fee for routine public records requests
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated. Requests for fee waivers should be submitted in writing to the records custodian of the relevant agency.
Members of the public may access the online jail roster and court case search portals at no charge for basic information.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Fayette County
Tennessee law provides two primary legal mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or removal of arrest records from law enforcement and court databases. Sealing restricts public access to records while allowing law enforcement to retain them internally.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The prosecutor declined to file charges (no-information)
- The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
- Certain low-level misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence and applicable waiting period
- Certain felony convictions after completion of sentence and applicable waiting period (limited eligibility)
Cases That Cannot Be Expunged:
- Serious violent felony convictions
- Sex offense convictions requiring registration
- DUI convictions (in most circumstances)
- Cases with pending charges
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and court case disposition from the Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge type and case outcome
- Complete the petition for expungement form available through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts
- File the petition with the Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100 for most expungements; no fee for dismissals and acquittals)
- Serve the petition on the District Attorney General's Office
- Attend the expungement hearing if scheduled by the court
- Upon entry of the expungement order, the court notifies the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement to update or destroy records
Contact Information for Expungement:
Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-5213
Tennessee Courts
25th Judicial District Attorney General's Office
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-5400
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference
Fayette County Public Defender's Office
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-5230
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference
Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may apply for representation through the Public Defender's Office for expungement proceedings if they meet income eligibility requirements.
What Happens After Arrest in Fayette County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Fayette County Jail located at One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a standard intake process that takes approximately one to four hours depending on volume. The booking process includes the following steps:
- Personal information recorded
- Miranda rights read if not previously administered
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail uniform
- Medical screening conducted
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determined
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Tennessee law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge within 72 hours of arrest for an initial appearance. At this hearing, the court:
- Formally notifies the individual of the charges
- Appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent
- Determines bond or bail
- Advises the individual of their rights
Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference in Fayette County.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- Full bond amount must be paid in cash
- Amount refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
- Amount set by the judge or magistrate at the initial appearance
Surety Bond:
- Individual hires a licensed bail bondsman
- Bondsman charges a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
- Bondsman posts the full bond amount with the court
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- Individual released on a written promise to appear
- No monetary payment required
- Granted based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment
No Bond:
- Individual held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants
Conditions of Release:
- Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Posted:
- Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours
- Personal property returned
- Written court date and conditions of release provided
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant
If Bond Not Posted:
- Individual remains in custody pending case resolution
- Housing assignment made within the facility
- Inmate orientation conducted
- Commissary account, phone privileges, and visitation schedule explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Fayette County Public Defender's Office
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-5230
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference
Eligibility for public defender representation is based on income. Individuals must complete an application and demonstrate financial need.
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. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The 25th Judicial District Attorney General's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to proceed with formal charges. The prosecutor may:
- File formal charges by information or indictment
- Request additional investigation
- Decline to prosecute
- File different or additional charges
Grand Jury (for Felonies):
Felony charges in Tennessee may be presented to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. The grand jury process results in an indictment if the panel finds sufficient cause.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges 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:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery: Both parties exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.
Pretrial Motions: Defense counsel may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.
Pretrial Conferences: Attorneys and the judge meet to discuss case status, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.
Plea Negotiations: The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant decides whether to accept or proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects. A dismissal may make the individual eligible for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible individuals may participate in pretrial intervention, 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, and a sentencing hearing is 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 or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include:
- Incarceration in jail or prison
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Drug or alcohol treatment
- A combination of the above
Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence imposed. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
- Felonies: May take six months to over a year
- 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 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:
Fayette County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-3456
Fayette County Sheriff's Office
Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-5213
Tennessee Courts
25th Judicial District Attorney General's Office
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-5400
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference
Fayette County Public Defender's Office
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-5230
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference
What to Do If You're 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 your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond or release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Fayette County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Fayette County is governed by Tennessee state law and the records retention schedules established by the Tennessee Secretary of State. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act and applicable retention schedules, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods before authorized destruction.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum period consistent with the state retention schedule
- State repository retains records permanently
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum period before authorized destruction
- Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
- State repository retains records unless updated following expungement
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement retains records consistent with the retention schedule
- Court records are often retained permanently
- Records may be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods
- May be eligible for immediate expungement petition under Tennessee law
- Local arrest logs retained for a minimum period
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement retains records for the applicable minimum period
- Often eligible for expungement
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained for the minimum period specified in the state retention schedule
- Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and charge classification
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum period
- Records management system data is often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases vary by agency policy
- Court electronic records are often retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
- Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement
- Records in third-party systems may not be updated when expungement occurs
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires accuracy in consumer reporting
Retention by Agency:
Fayette County Sheriff's Office
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-3456
Fayette County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records and arrest reports retained per state schedule
- Investigative files retained based on case classification
Somerville Police Department
203 West Market Street, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-2500
Somerville Police Department
- Arrest records and incident reports retained per state schedule
- Retention periods may vary by department
Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk
One Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-5213
Tennessee Courts
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained per state schedule
- Electronic records: Often permanent
State Repository:
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains the statewide criminal history repository. The TBI Criminal History Records database includes arrest and disposition information from all jurisdictions in Tennessee. Retention policy follows state law and federal requirements.
FBI Database:
The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal arrest records. Federal retention is typically permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and firearms purchases.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expungement is obtained. Dismissed charges are often not reported on standard employment background checks.
Expungement: Physical records are destroyed or sealed at the local level. The TBI updates its repository upon receipt of the expungement order. The FBI database may retain a notation. Removal from all systems takes time following entry of the court order.
No Charges Filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods. In some cases, individuals may petition for immediate removal.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests:
- Available online through the Sheriff's Office portal and TBI database
- Updated on a regular basis
Older Arrests:
- May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
- Possible retrieval fee for archived records
- Longer processing time for older materials
Very Old Arrests:
- Records may not be digitized
- Paper records may be held in archives
- Records destroyed per retention schedule may not be recoverable
- Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (901) 465-3456 for specific inquiries
Destruction of Records:
Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or in accordance with the state records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with pending appeals, cannot be destroyed.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 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 convictions after a set number of years, though FCRA accuracy requirements apply to all consumer reporting agencies.
Important Notes:
- Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
- Law enforcement retains access to sealed records for official purposes
- Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority with different retention rules
- Juvenile records are subject to separate retention rules and greater confidentiality protections under Tennessee law