Rutherford Public Records / Rutherford County Arrest Records

Rutherford County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Rutherford County

Arrest records in Rutherford County are considered public information under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, codified in Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection by any Tennessee citizen unless specifically exempted by state law. This includes arrest records maintained by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity. An arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt.
Conviction records indicate that an individual has been found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings.

Under Tennessee law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply. For example, records pertaining to juvenile arrests (individuals under 18) are typically confidential under Tennessee Code Annotated § 37-1-153, and records related to certain expunged cases may be restricted from public access.

What's in Rutherford County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Rutherford County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. The content of these records generally includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing officer information
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, property)
Bond status (posted or not)
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case number

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Vehicle information
Emergency contact information
Medical alerts or special needs

The specific content may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office may differ slightly from those kept by municipal police departments within the county, such as the Murfreesboro Police Department.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Rutherford County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Rutherford County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:

In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Records Section of the appropriate law enforcement agency
- Complete a public records request form
- Present valid identification
- Specify the records being requested with as much detail as possible
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
940 New Salem Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 898-7770
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Murfreesboro Police Department Records Section
1004 N. Highland Avenue
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 893-1311
Murfreesboro Police Records Section

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax
- Include requestor's full name and contact information
- Provide specific details about the records being sought
- Include a copy of valid identification
Online Requests:
- Visit the official website of the relevant law enforcement agency
- Locate the public records request portal or form
- Complete all required fields
- Submit the request electronically
Court Records:
- For case disposition information, contact the Rutherford County Court Services
- Request records related to specific cases using the case number if available
Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk
116 W. Lytle Street, Room 200
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7812
Rutherford County Circuit Court

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503(a)(2)(B), records custodians must promptly make requested records available for inspection, unless otherwise provided by state law. If a record cannot be made available within seven business days, the custodian must provide a reason for the delay and an estimated time when the record will be available.

Fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with the schedule of reasonable charges established by the Office of Open Records Counsel.

How To Find Rutherford County Arrest Records Online

Rutherford County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are available for searching arrest records:

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- Visit the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Detention & Inmate Links" section
- Select the inmate search option
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review the results for current inmates and recent arrests
Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL):
- Access the Tennessee Felony Offender Information database
- Enter search criteria such as name, TDOC ID, or other identifying information
- Review results for felony conviction and incarceration information
- Note that this system primarily contains felony conviction records, not all arrests
TBI Criminal History Information:
- Visit the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation website
- Request a criminal history check (fees apply)
- Provide required identifying information
- Receive comprehensive criminal history information including arrests
Rutherford County Court Records:
- Access the Rutherford County Courts online portal
- Search by name or case number
- Review case information including charges and court dates
- Note that this provides case information but may not include detailed arrest records
Municipal Police Department Records:
- Visit the Murfreesboro Police Department website
- Navigate to the Records Section
- Follow the online request procedures for specific arrest records
- Submit required information and payment if applicable

When searching online, users should be prepared to provide specific information to narrow search results, such as:

Full name of the individual (including possible aliases)
Approximate date of arrest
Date of birth or age
Case numbers (if known)

Online access to certain records may be restricted based on privacy laws, ongoing investigations, or other statutory exemptions. Additionally, the completeness and currency of online records may vary compared to official records maintained by the respective agencies.

How To Search Rutherford County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Rutherford County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:

In-Person Record Inspection:
- Tennessee law provides for free inspection of public records
- Visit the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office or Murfreesboro Police Department Records Section during business hours
- Complete a records request form
- Specify that you wish to inspect records rather than obtain copies
- Note that while inspection is free, copying fees may apply if you request physical copies
Rutherford County Jail Inmate Lookup:
- Access the free online inmate search through the Sheriff's Office website
- This resource provides information on currently incarcerated individuals
- Search by name to view booking information and charges
- Information typically includes arrest date, charges, and bond information
Court Docket Information:
- Visit the Rutherford County Courthouse
- Access public terminals in the clerk's office
- Search court dockets for criminal cases
- Review basic case information including charges and court dates
Public Access Terminals:
- Use computer terminals available at the Sheriff's Office or courthouse
- These terminals provide access to certain public records databases
- No fee is charged for using these terminals for basic searches
Online News Sources:
- Local news outlets often report on significant arrests
- Many maintain searchable online archives
- This information is typically limited to newsworthy arrests and may not be comprehensive

When utilizing free search methods, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:

Records that require redaction or special processing may incur fees
Comprehensive background checks typically involve fees
Free resources may provide limited information compared to official record requests
Some records may not be available through free access methods due to statutory restrictions

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i), records custodians may require payment of fees before producing copies of records, but they cannot charge for inspection of records unless otherwise provided by state law.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Rutherford County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Rutherford County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These distinct legal remedies are governed by Tennessee state law and administered through the county court system.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement refers to the complete removal of records from public view and, in some cases, physical destruction of records
Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official purposes

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Charges resulting in dismissal or acquittal
Arrests that did not result in indictment or presentment
Successful completion of diversion programs
Certain non-violent first offenses after completion of sentence
Cases where the governor grants a pardon

The process for expungement in Rutherford County includes:

Determine Eligibility:
- Consult with an attorney to determine if your case qualifies
- Review the specific statutory requirements for your situation
File Petition:
- Complete an Expungement Petition form
- File the petition with the Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk
- Pay the required filing fee (fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants)
Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk
116 W. Lytle Street, Room 200
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7812
Rutherford County Circuit Court
Court Review:
- The court will review the petition
- The District Attorney's office may provide input
- A hearing may be scheduled in some cases
Order of Expungement:
- If approved, the court issues an Order of Expungement
- This order directs all relevant agencies to expunge records
Implementation:
- The court clerk distributes the order to all agencies holding records
- Agencies must comply with the expungement order
- This includes the Sheriff's Office, police departments, TBI, and courts

For certain minor offenses, Tennessee's "Clean Slate" law, enacted in 2021, provides for automatic expungement of eligible cases without requiring a petition. However, this process is limited to specific non-violent misdemeanors and requires a waiting period.

It is important to note that expungement in Tennessee generally does not apply to:

Violent felonies
Sexual offenses
DUI convictions
Multiple felony convictions

Even after expungement, certain government agencies may retain access to records for specific purposes, such as law enforcement investigations and judicial proceedings.

What Happens After Arrest in Rutherford County?

Following an arrest in Rutherford County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. Understanding this process provides context for how arrest records are generated and maintained.

Booking and Processing:
- The arrestee is transported to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Initial charge information is entered into the system
Initial Appearance/Arraignment:
- Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest
- Judge informs the defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail/bond determination is made
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
- Preliminary hearing date is set for felony cases
Bail/Bond Consideration:
- Judge determines if release is appropriate
- Bail amount is set based on several factors:
  - Severity of alleged offense
  - Flight risk assessment
  - Community ties
  - Prior criminal history
  - Public safety considerations
- Defendant may be released upon posting bail or on own recognizance
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):
- Held in General Sessions Court
- Prosecution presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Judge determines if case should proceed to grand jury
- May be waived by defendant
Grand Jury Proceedings (Felony Cases):
- Grand jury reviews evidence presented by District Attorney
- Determines if sufficient evidence exists to issue indictment
- Proceedings are confidential
- Defendant is not present during deliberations
Arraignment in Circuit Court (Post-Indictment):
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Case management conferences
Trial:
- Jury selection (unless jury trial is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trials)
Sentencing (If Convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
  - Statutory guidelines
  - Offense severity
  - Criminal history
  - Mitigating/aggravating factors
Post-Conviction:
- Appeal rights explained
- Sentence implementation
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration if ordered

Throughout this process, records are generated and maintained by various agencies including the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, Rutherford County Court Services, and the District Attorney's Office. These records become part of the official case file and, unless sealed or expunged, remain accessible as public records.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Rutherford County?

Arrest records in Rutherford County are subject to retention requirements established by Tennessee state law and local records management policies. The Tennessee Public Records Commission establishes retention schedules that govern how long different types of records must be maintained.

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-504 and related statutes, law enforcement agencies must maintain certain records for specified periods. The retention periods for arrest records vary based on several factors:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 10-year retention
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 5-year minimum retention
Fingerprint Records:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: Retained for 5 years after case disposition
- Juvenile fingerprints: Special rules apply under TCA § 37-1-155
Photographs/Mugshots:
- Generally retained for the same duration as the corresponding arrest record
- May be retained longer for identification purposes
Investigation Files:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Other felony investigations: 25-year minimum retention
- Misdemeanor investigations: 5-10 year retention depending on offense type
Court Records Related to Arrests:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10-year minimum retention after case disposition
- Traffic violations: 3-year minimum retention

Different agencies within Rutherford County may maintain separate records with varying retention periods:

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and investigation files
Murfreesboro Police Department and other municipal police departments maintain their own arrest and investigation records
Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk maintains court records related to criminal cases
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains statewide criminal history information

Records retention serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system

It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, digital records and database entries may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been expunged pursuant to court order are removed from public access regardless of standard retention schedules.

How to Find Mugshots in Rutherford County

Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered part of the arrest record in Rutherford County. Access to these images is governed by Tennessee public records laws and agency policies.

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
Side profile view (in some cases)
Booking information board showing name and booking number
Date of arrest

Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Rutherford County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office for arrests by county deputies and at the county jail
Murfreesboro Police Department and other municipal police departments for their arrests
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for statewide records

Finding Mugshots: To locate mugshots in Rutherford County, several methods are available:

Direct Request to Law Enforcement:
- Submit a public records request to the arresting agency
- Specify the individual's name, approximate arrest date, and request the booking photo
- Pay any applicable fees for reproduction
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Records Division
940 New Salem Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 898-7770
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office

Murfreesboro Police Department Records Section
1004 N. Highland Avenue
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 893-1311
Murfreesboro Police Records Section
Online Inmate Search:
- Some recent booking photos may be available through the county jail inmate search function
- These typically only include currently incarcerated individuals
- Access is provided through the Sheriff's Office website
Court Records:
- In some cases, mugshots may be included in court files
- Request access to case files through the Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk
- Not all court files will contain booking photographs

Can Mugshots Be Found Online: While some mugshots may be available online, their availability varies:

The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office may post recent booking photos of current inmates
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots may publish these images
News media outlets may publish mugshots for newsworthy arrests

It is important to note that Tennessee has enacted legislation (Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-37-101 through § 29-37-104) regulating websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal. These laws prohibit charging fees for removing mugshots if the person was not convicted of the crime for which they were arrested.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest photos are generally confidential
Photos related to expunged cases should not be publicly available
Ongoing investigations may result in temporary restrictions
Privacy concerns may limit distribution in certain sensitive cases

When seeking mugshots, requestors should be aware that these images are taken at a difficult moment in a person's life and may not represent their normal appearance. Additionally, an arrest does not indicate guilt, and many arrested individuals are later found not guilty or have charges dismissed.

Lookup Arrest Records in Rutherford County

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