Smith County Public Records / Smith County Arrest Records

Smith County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Smith County in 2026

SmithRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Smith County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through the resources described below. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Access and completeness vary by agency and record type.

Records may be searched through official resources including the county sheriff's office, clerk of court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online tools.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Smith County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may view current inmate information, recent bookings, charges, and bond status through the sheriff's official web presence. The roster is updated on a regular basis as new bookings occur and releases are processed.

2. Local Police Departments

The Carthage Police Department serves the county seat and publishes arrest-related press releases and incident summaries. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal jurisdictions within Smith County may contact the respective department's records division directly. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically posted to official city and department websites.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Smith County Circuit and General Sessions Court Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search case records by the arrestee's name through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts case lookup portal to identify court proceedings associated with a specific arrest.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the Tennessee Felony Offender Information database, which provides public access to information on felony offenders who are or have been in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction. The TBI also administers the Tennessee Criminal History Records program, through which individuals may request their own criminal history. A fee of $29.00 currently applies to civilian criminal history record requests submitted through the TBI.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Smith County Sheriff's Office
122 Turner High Circle
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-2626
Smith County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office address above.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Visitors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date.
Copy fees apply per page; cash and money orders are accepted.

Police Departments:

Carthage Police Department
312 Spring Street
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1270

Records requests are processed through the records division during regular business hours.
Requestors should provide the subject's full name, date of birth, and the approximate date of the incident.
Per-page copy fees apply.

Clerk of Court:

Smith County Circuit Court Clerk
211 North Main Street
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1504

Criminal records division handles case file inspection and copy requests.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Members of the public may inspect case files at the clerk's office during business hours.
Copy fees are assessed per page; certification fees apply to certified copies.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Smith County Sheriff's Office at 122 Turner High Circle, Carthage, TN 37030. Each written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be enclosed in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Smith County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is subject to agency workload and is not guaranteed within a specific timeframe.

By Phone:

Smith County Sheriff's Office: (615) 735-2626
Carthage Police Department: (615) 735-1270
Basic custody status and booking information may be available by phone; detailed record copies require an in-person visit or written request.
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated reports through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access channels. In active legal proceedings, records are exchanged pursuant to applicable rules of criminal procedure.

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, Carthage PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Smith County

Arrest records in Smith County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee unless otherwise provided by law. Arrest records are maintained as public documents to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, and enable background screening for employment and licensing purposes.

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
Current custody status
Basic demographic information (age, 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
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 19, protects freedom of the press, which courts have interpreted to include access to government records including arrest information. The balance between public transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions under the Tennessee Public Records Act. First Amendment principles support press access to booking records and court proceedings, while due process considerations recognize that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
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 (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check reports must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish guilt and may not be used as a sole basis for adverse employment action in certain jurisdictions.

What's in Smith 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 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, 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
Tennessee 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 during booking 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 (Circuit Court or General Sessions Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests in Smith County
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Prior arrest history is not always included in a 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 are subject to separate public records request procedures
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Smith County varies by agency and record type. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, the charge for copies of public records is limited to the actual cost of materials and labor. Current standard fees are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.15–$0.25 per page (standard)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
TBI criminal history (civilian request)	$29.00 per request
Inspection of records (in-person)	No charge for inspection only

Accepted payment methods at the Smith County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order payable to the respective agency.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest; requestors should inquire directly with the custodial agency.
Inspection of public records at the clerk's office or sheriff's office is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Fees for certified copies of court records are set by the clerk's office and may differ from standard copy fees.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Smith County

Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure of the record) and sealing (restricting public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes). Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public databases, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement agencies to retain and view the record.

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 offense and has completed the sentence, paid all fines and costs, and meets the statutory waiting period

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Smith County:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Smith County Circuit Court Clerk.
Confirm eligibility under Tennessee expungement statutes.
Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the clerk's office.
File the petition with the Smith County Circuit Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $350.00 for most expungements; no fee for certain dismissed or acquitted cases).
Serve a copy of the petition on the District Attorney General's Office for the 15th Judicial District.
Attend any scheduled hearing if the court or the District Attorney's Office objects.
Upon entry of the expungement order, the clerk will notify the TBI and other relevant agencies to update their records.

Smith County Circuit Court Clerk
211 North Main Street
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1504
Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

District Attorney General, 15th Judicial District
1 Public Square, Suite 201
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1712

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

Individuals who are not eligible for expungement may explore whether their records qualify for judicial sealing under applicable Tennessee law. Sealing does not destroy the record but removes it from public view. An attorney familiar with Tennessee criminal law can advise on eligibility and the appropriate procedural pathway.

What Happens After Arrest in Smith County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Smith County, the arrested individual is transported to the Smith County Jail located at 122 Turner High Circle, Carthage, TN 37030. 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 transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Smith County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes 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 the TBI and FBI databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Tennessee law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance:

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

The Tennessee Judicial Branch provides information on court schedules and locations for Smith County proceedings.

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.
The amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or pursuant to a bond schedule.

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, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment.

No Bond:

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

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours after bond is posted.
Personal property is returned.
The individual receives written notice of upcoming court dates and conditions of release.
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant.

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Smith County Jail.
Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained during intake.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Tennessee District Public Defender's office serving the 15th Judicial District.

District Public Defender, 15th Judicial District
1 Public Square
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1712
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by the court. Application is made at or before the initial appearance.

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 visits to the Smith County Jail are conducted in designated confidential consultation areas.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney General's Office for the 15th Judicial District reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. Options include filing an information or seeking a grand jury indictment, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different or additional charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on case complexity.

Grand Jury (for Felonies):

Felony charges in Tennessee are presented to a grand jury, which 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 of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

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 or video recordings.

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

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 are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects. Dismissal may create eligibility 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 negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if Convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 48–72 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 depending on complexity
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 9

Important Contacts:

Smith County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
122 Turner High Circle
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-2626
Smith County Sheriff's Office

Smith County Circuit Court Clerk
211 North Main Street
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1504
Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

District Attorney General, 15th Judicial District
1 Public Square, Suite 201
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1712

District Public Defender, 15th Judicial District
1 Public Square
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1712
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 without an attorney present.
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 if bond is granted.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Smith County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Smith County is governed by Tennessee state law and applicable local records management policies. The Tennessee Public Records Commission establishes retention schedules for government records, and law enforcement agencies are required to follow the schedules applicable to their record types. Under Tennessee records retention policy, the retention period for a given arrest record depends on the outcome of the associated case and the classification of the offense.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Smith County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, the TBI criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retention: Permanent at the state repository level
Local law enforcement and court records: Retained for a minimum of several years; many agencies retain permanently in digital systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a period of years unless expunged by court order
Court records: Often retained permanently unless expunged
State repository: Records may remain unless the TBI is notified of an expungement order
Records may remain in databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Retained for a period of years
Court records: Often retained permanently
State repository: Policy varies; records may be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained for a period of years
Local arrest logs: Retained for a period of years
May be eligible for expungement under Tennessee law

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records: Retained for a period of years
Often eligible for expungement under applicable Tennessee statutes

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable Tennessee records retention schedule
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum period per state schedule
Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency
Court electronic records: Often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not controlled by law enforcement.
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information; however, third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement.

Retention by Agency:

Smith County Sheriff's Office
122 Turner High Circle
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-2626
Smith County Sheriff's Office

Booking records, arrest reports, and investigative files are retained according to the Tennessee records retention schedule applicable to law enforcement agencies.

Carthage Police Department
312 Spring Street
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1270

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per applicable state retention schedules; retention periods may vary by record type.

Smith County Circuit Court Clerk
211 North Main Street
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1504
Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

Felony case files: Often permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum number of years per state schedule
Electronic records: Often retained permanently

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (State Repository)
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (615) 744-4000
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

The TBI maintains the statewide criminal history repository and retains records from all jurisdictions in Tennessee. Retention policy follows state law and TBI administrative rules.

FBI Database:

The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records on a typically permanent basis.
These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in most databases; part of the permanent criminal history record; appears on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.
Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; TBI updates its repository upon receipt of the court order; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from all systems may take weeks to months following entry of the order.
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after a set number of years; immediate removal may be available in some cases upon petition.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests: Available online through the sheriff's office or court case search portals; updated on a regular basis.
Older arrests: May require an in-person request at the records division; possible retrieval fee; longer processing time.
Very old arrests: May not be digitized; paper records may be held in archives; some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule.

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of arrest records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or pursuant to the records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the custodial agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements—including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals—may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard employment background checks under the FCRA cover a period of seven years for most positions; positions with salaries above a certain threshold may involve searches of longer duration.
Some states prohibit the reporting of non-conviction records after a specified period; Tennessee does not currently impose a blanket prohibition on reporting arrest records without conviction, though the FCRA's accuracy requirements apply.
Convictions may be reported indefinitely under federal law absent a state-specific restriction.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Smith County Sheriff's Records Division at (615) 735-2626 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request may be required, and applicable fees for copies may apply.

Lookup Arrest Records in Smith County

Tennessee Felony Offender Information