Carroll County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Carroll County in 2026
CarrollCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Carroll County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and court case filings. All information presented reflects data sourced from official public records and is subject to the limitations of those underlying sources.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Carroll County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Carroll County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status and recent arrest activity. The jail roster reflects individuals currently in custody and is updated on a regular basis. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status.
Carroll County Sheriff's Office
Courthouse Square
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Phone: (731) 986-1920
Carroll County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
Several municipalities within Carroll County maintain their own police departments, each of which generates arrest records for incidents occurring within their respective jurisdictions. The Huntingdon Police Department serves the county seat and processes arrests for offenses occurring within city limits. Members of the public may contact individual departments to request arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information.
Huntingdon Police Department
1 Huntingdon Square
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Phone: (731) 986-8940
City of Huntingdon
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may search case records by the arrestee's name to identify associated court filings, charge information, and case disposition. The Carroll County Court provides access to case information and maintains records for Circuit Court criminal proceedings.
Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk
99 Court Square
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Phone: (731) 986-1960
Carroll County Circuit Court
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the Tennessee Criminal History Records database, which contains statewide arrest and conviction information. Members of the public may submit a request for a criminal history record check through the TBI. The Tennessee Felony Offender Information lookup tool allows searches for individuals who are or have been in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction. A fee of $29.00 is currently assessed for a public criminal history records request submitted to the TBI.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: Courthouse Square, Huntingdon, TN 38344
- Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (731) 986-1920
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and specific information about the arrest
- Fees for copies: $0.15 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 99 Court Square, Huntingdon, TN 38344
- Criminal records division is located within the Carroll County Courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (731) 986-1960
- Case file inspection is available during regular business hours
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page for standard copies; certified copies are $1.00 per page plus applicable fees
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Carroll County Sheriff's Office by mail. Each request should include the following:
- Full legal name of the arrestee
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Mail requests to: Carroll County Sheriff's Office, Courthouse Square, Huntingdon, TN 38344. Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5–10 business days from receipt.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (731) 986-1920
- Basic custody status and booking information may be available by phone
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed record copies require an in-person visit or written request
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case files through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, city police department, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Carroll County
Arrest records in Carroll County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, all state and local government records are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.
As stated by the Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel, "Tennessee's Public Records Act reflects the General Assembly's recognition that government accountability requires public access to government records." This principle applies directly to arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies and courts throughout Carroll County.
Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes:
- Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement actions
- Public safety awareness within the community
- Journalism and investigative reporting
- Academic and policy research
- Background screening for employment and licensing
- Legal proceedings and civil litigation
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Tennessee law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Participants in witness protection programs are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 19, protects freedom of the press and supports public access to government proceedings and records. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through specific statutory exemptions within the Public Records Act. First Amendment protections extend to media organizations seeking arrest information for reporting purposes, and due process considerations inform the distinction between arrest records and records of conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General members of the public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies and professional boards
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- 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 when a consumer reporting agency is involved. Employers subject to FCRA requirements must follow adverse action procedures before taking employment action based on arrest record information. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a record of conviction; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may implicate state and federal anti-discrimination provisions.
What's in Carroll 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 and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Tennessee statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records releases
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if made public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (General Sessions or Circuit Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques and methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted from public releases)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information not always available in the public arrest record
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Carroll County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the Carroll County Sheriff's Office and the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's office. Fees are assessed when copies are requested. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, custodians of public records may charge reasonable fees for copies, which are currently structured as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Court) | $1.00 per page plus applicable court fees |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies by agency |
| TBI Criminal History Records Check | $29.00 per request |
| Search fee | No separate search fee assessed under current law |
Accepted payment methods at the Carroll County Clerk's office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk. The Sheriff's Office accepts cash and money orders for records copy fees.
Fee waivers are not broadly available for standard public records requests in Tennessee; however, members of the media and researchers may contact the relevant custodian to discuss the scope of a request and applicable fees. Inspection of records without copying is available at no charge.
The following records are available at no cost:
- In-person inspection of public arrest records during business hours
- Online jail roster information maintained by the Sheriff's Office
- Court case index searches through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts
How To Delete Arrest Records in Carroll 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 nature of the arrest, the disposition of the associated charges, and the individual's criminal history.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- The charges were dismissed or retired to the docket
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The prosecution declined to file charges (no-information)
- The individual successfully completed a diversion program
- The individual was convicted of a qualifying low-level offense and has met all sentence requirements, including a waiting period
Individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors and low-level felonies may be eligible for expungement of the conviction record after completing their sentence and satisfying a mandatory waiting period. Not all offenses are eligible; serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and offenses involving minors are excluded from expungement eligibility under current Tennessee law.
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case file from the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge, disposition, and waiting period requirements
- Complete the Tennessee Petition for Expungement form, available from the Circuit Court Clerk
- File the petition with the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $350.00 for conviction expungements; no fee for non-conviction expungements)
- Serve a copy of the petition on the Carroll County District Attorney General's Office
- Attend the scheduled hearing if required by the court
- If the petition is granted, the court order is forwarded to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the arresting agency for record removal
Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk
99 Court Square
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Phone: (731) 986-1960
Carroll County Circuit Court
Carroll County District Attorney General's Office
Carroll County Courthouse
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Phone: (731) 986-1919
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to review the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's guidance on the expungement process and to confirm current eligibility requirements with the Circuit Court Clerk prior to filing.
What Happens After Arrest in Carroll County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Carroll County, the arrested individual is transported to the Carroll County Jail, located at the Carroll County Sheriff's Office complex in Huntingdon. 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 the investigation requires additional processing.
Carroll County Jail
Courthouse Square
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Phone: (731) 986-1920
Carroll County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Carroll County Jail, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:
- Personal information recorded by jail staff
- Miranda rights advisement, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the TBI
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued clothing
- Medical and mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Tennessee law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge for an initial appearance within 72 hours of arrest. The initial appearance serves the following purposes:
- Formal notification of the charges
- Appointment of a public defender for indigent defendants
- Bond and bail determination
- Advisement of constitutional rights
Initial appearances in Carroll County are conducted before a General Sessions Court judge and may be held via video conference in certain circumstances. The Carroll County Court maintains scheduling information for criminal proceedings.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the Carroll County Jail
- The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
- The bond amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate at the initial appearance
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 total bond amount
- The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance at all court dates
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all scheduled court dates
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk
No Bond:
- The defendant is held without bond in the following circumstances:
- Serious violent offenses
- Demonstrated flight risk
- Danger to the community
- Violation of probation or parole
- Immigration hold
- Out-of-state warrant
Conditions of Release:
The court may impose conditions of release including regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the Carroll County Probation Office, reachable at (731) 986-0612.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Posted:
- Processing time for release following bond payment is typically one to eight hours
- Personal property is returned upon release
- The defendant receives a written notice of the next court date
- Written conditions of release are provided and must be followed
If Bond Not Posted:
- The defendant remains in custody at the Carroll County Jail
- Housing assignment is made following classification
- Inmate orientation covers commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Indigent defendants in Carroll County are represented by the Tennessee District Public Defender's office serving the 24th Judicial District. Eligibility is based on financial need and is determined at the initial appearance.
District Public Defender – 24th Judicial District
Carroll County Courthouse
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Phone: (731) 986-8960
Charging Decision:
The Carroll County District Attorney General's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment. The arraignment, at which the defendant enters a formal plea, is scheduled following the filing of charges.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies; the defendant may petition for expungement
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants 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 with a recommended sentence
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial; if convicted, a sentencing hearing is scheduled
Sentencing (if convicted):
The sentencing judge may impose a combination of incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment requirements. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant retains the right to appeal a conviction and sentence.
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 by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
- Felonies: May take six months to over one year depending on complexity
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 9 of the Tennessee Constitution
Important Contacts:
Carroll County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
Courthouse Square
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Phone: (731) 986-1920
Carroll County Sheriff's Office
Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk
99 Court Square
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Phone: (731) 986-1960
Carroll County Circuit Court
Carroll County District Attorney General's Office
Carroll County Courthouse
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Phone: (731) 986-1919
District Public Defender – 24th Judicial District
Carroll County Courthouse
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Phone: (731) 986-8960
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 a retained or appointed attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail arrangements
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release imposed by the court
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Carroll County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Carroll County is governed by Tennessee state law and the policies of the Tennessee State Library and Archives, which establishes records retention schedules for local government agencies. Under Tennessee's records management framework, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the nature of the record and the disposition of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- Maintained in the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) indefinitely
- Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk for court case files
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years under current Tennessee 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 records may remain unless the individual successfully petitions for expungement
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
- Court records are retained permanently unless sealed or expunged
- The individual may petition for expungement of the arrest record following acquittal
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of five years at the local level
- The individual may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement of the arrest record
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Minimum five-year retention
- Booking photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record retention period
- Evidence: Retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three years
- Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts system
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest record information indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals who have obtained an expungement order may need to contact third-party websites directly to request removal of information.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum five years
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies by offense classification; serious violent offenses retained permanently
- Contact: (731) 986-1920
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent
State Repository (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation):
- The TBI maintains the Tennessee Criminal History Records database for all jurisdictions statewide
- Retention policy: Permanent for all arrest and conviction records unless modified by court order
- The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security open records page provides guidance on submitting records requests to state agencies
FBI Database:
- NCIC and III records are retained permanently at the federal level
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
- Used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Local Retention | State Repository | Background Check Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felony conviction | Permanent | Permanent | Indefinite |
| Misdemeanor conviction | Permanent | Permanent | Indefinite |
| Dismissal | Minimum 5 years | Permanent unless expunged | May appear unless expunged |
| Acquittal | Minimum 5 years | Permanent unless expunged | May appear unless expunged |
| No charges filed | Minimum 5 years | Permanent unless expunged | Eligible for expungement |
| Expungement granted | Destroyed or sealed | Updated per court order | Removed from public access |
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent arrest records are available through the Carroll County Sheriff's Office online resources and the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Older records that predate digital systems may require an in-person request and may be subject to retrieval fees and longer processing times. Records that have exceeded their retention period and have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule are no longer available.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal 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 the reporting period for conviction records. Arrests without conviction may appear on background checks unless the record has been expunged. Individuals who have obtained an expungement order should retain a certified copy of the order to present to prospective employers or background check companies as needed.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Carroll County Sheriff's Records Division at (731) 986-1920
- Submit a public records request for information about a specific arrest record
- Contact the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk at (731) 986-1960 for court case retention information
- Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to a public records request