Rutherford County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Rutherford County?

A search warrant in Rutherford County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specified location and seize designated items or evidence. Search warrants are governed by both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-6-101 through § 40-6-110, which establish the legal framework for search warrants.

For a search warrant to be valid in Rutherford County, it must:

• Be based on probable cause
• Particularly describe the place to be searched
• Specifically identify the items to be seized
• Be signed by a judge or magistrate with proper jurisdiction

Search warrants differ from other types of warrants issued in Rutherford County:

• Arrest Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to take a person into custody
• Bench Warrants: Issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
• Capias Warrants: Ordered when someone fails to comply with court orders or conditions

The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Criminal Warrants Division is responsible for executing many search warrants within the county, working in coordination with other law enforcement agencies when necessary.

Are Warrants Public Records In Rutherford County?

The public accessibility of warrants in Rutherford County depends on several factors, including the warrant type, status, and whether disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503), government records are generally open for public inspection.

However, the following considerations apply to warrant records in Rutherford County:

• Active Warrants: Warrants that have not yet been served or executed may be withheld from public disclosure if their release could impede law enforcement activities or compromise public safety.

• Executed Search Warrants: Once a search warrant has been executed, the warrant and its supporting affidavit typically become public records, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or confidential informants.

• Sealed Warrants: A judge may order a warrant sealed for various reasons, including protection of victims, witnesses, or sensitive investigative techniques. Sealed warrants are not accessible to the public until the seal is lifted.

• Juvenile Records: Warrants involving juvenile offenders are generally confidential under Tennessee law.

The Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains records of warrants issued within the county's jurisdiction and can provide guidance on which warrant information is publicly accessible.

Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk
Room 101, Judicial Center
116 W. Lytle Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7800
Circuit Court Clerk

How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Rutherford County?

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Rutherford County may utilize several official channels. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office provides multiple methods for warrant verification:

1. Contact the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division directly:

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office - Warrants Division
940 New Salem Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 898-7877
Sheriff's Division

2. Visit the Rutherford County Criminal Court Clerk's Office in person:

Rutherford County Criminal Court Clerk
Room 101, Judicial Center
116 W. Lytle Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7800
Circuit Court Clerk

3. Check online resources:

   • The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office website provides limited information about active warrants
   • For felony warrants, the Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup may contain relevant information

4. Contact a licensed attorney who can conduct a confidential search on your behalf

When inquiring about possible warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide:

• Full legal name (including any aliases or former names)
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number (for in-person inquiries only)
• Government-issued photo identification

Pursuant to Tennessee law, individuals with active warrants may be subject to immediate arrest when contacting law enforcement agencies in person.

How To Check for Warrants in Rutherford County for Free

Members of the public may verify the existence of warrants in Rutherford County through several no-cost methods:

1. Online Warrant Search:

   • Visit the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office website
   • Navigate to the Records or Warrants section
   • Enter the required identification information
   • Review the search results for active warrants

2. Telephone Inquiry:

   • Contact the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division at (615) 898-7877
   • Provide the full legal name and date of birth of the person in question
   • Request information regarding any active warrants

3. In-Person Records Check:

   • Visit the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
   • Present a valid government-issued photo ID
   • Complete a records request form
   • Wait for staff to conduct the warrant search

4. Court Records Search:

   • Visit the Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
   • Request assistance with searching public court records
   • Provide the necessary identifying information

5. Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup:

   • Access the Tennessee Felony Offender Information database
   • Enter the required search criteria
   • Review results for active felony warrants

When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be aware that:

• Some warrant information may be restricted from public view
• The most comprehensive results are typically obtained through in-person inquiries
• Online databases may not include recently issued warrants
• Individuals with active warrants may be subject to arrest when appearing in person

What Types of Warrants In Rutherford County

Rutherford County issues several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system:

1. Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office is primarily responsible for executing arrest warrants within the county.

2. Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence related to criminal activity. These warrants must describe with particularity the place to be searched and items to be seized, as required by Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-6-103.

3. Bench Warrants: Issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates court orders. These warrants direct law enforcement to bring the person before the court.

4. Capias Warrants: Similar to bench warrants, these are issued for failure to comply with court orders, particularly in cases involving unpaid fines or fees.

5. Criminal Summons: While not technically a warrant, this document orders an individual to appear in court to answer criminal charges without authorizing immediate arrest.

6. Material Witness Warrants: Issued to secure the testimony of individuals believed to have crucial information about a criminal case who may be unwilling to appear voluntarily.

7. Governor's Warrants: Used in extradition cases to authorize the transfer of individuals from Rutherford County to other states where they face criminal charges.

The Rutherford County Criminal Warrants Division processes and maintains records of these various warrant types, working in coordination with the courts and other law enforcement agencies.

What Warrants in Rutherford County Contain

Warrants issued in Rutherford County must contain specific information to be legally valid under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-6-103. The content requirements vary slightly depending on the warrant type, but generally include:

For Arrest Warrants:

• The name of the defendant (or detailed description if name is unknown)
• The specific offense(s) charged
• The county where the offense allegedly occurred
• A command to any lawful officer to arrest the named individual
• The signature of the issuing judicial officer
• The date of issuance
• The amount of bail, if applicable

For Search Warrants:

• A detailed description of the property or premises to be searched
• Specific identification of items to be seized
• The factual basis establishing probable cause
• The time frame during which the search must be conducted
• Limitations on how the search may be executed
• The signature of the issuing judicial officer
• The date and time of issuance

All warrants in Rutherford County must be supported by:

• An affidavit establishing probable cause
• Sworn testimony from law enforcement or complainants
• Specific facts connecting the person or place to criminal activity

The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office maintains records of warrants issued within the county, while the Murfreesboro Police Department handles warrants within city limits. Both agencies ensure that warrants contain all legally required elements before execution.

Who Issues Warrants In Rutherford County

In Rutherford County, the authority to issue warrants is vested in specific judicial officers as prescribed by Tennessee law. The following officials have the legal capacity to issue warrants within the county:

1. Circuit Court Judges: These elected judges preside over the 16th Judicial District, which includes Rutherford County. They have broad authority to issue all types of warrants in criminal matters.

2. General Sessions Court Judges: Rutherford County's General Sessions Court judges regularly issue arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants for cases within their jurisdiction.

3. Municipal Court Judges: Within the city limits of Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne, municipal judges may issue certain types of warrants for violations of municipal ordinances.

4. Magistrates: Judicial commissioners appointed in Rutherford County are authorized to issue arrest and search warrants after reviewing affidavits and determining that probable cause exists.

The warrant issuance process typically involves:

• Law enforcement officers or prosecutors presenting sworn affidavits to the judicial officer
• The judicial officer reviewing the affidavit to determine if probable cause exists
• If satisfied, the judicial officer signing and dating the warrant
• The warrant being entered into the county's record system
• The warrant being assigned to appropriate law enforcement for execution

The Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk maintains official records of warrants issued by the county's judicial officers. For warrants to be valid, they must be issued by authorized judicial officers with jurisdiction over the alleged offense and the geographic area where the warrant will be executed.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Rutherford County

Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Rutherford County may utilize several official channels to conduct their search:

1. Contact the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division:

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office - Warrants Division
940 New Salem Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 898-7877
Sheriff's Division

Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

2. Search Online Resources:

   • Visit the Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup for felony warrants
   • Check the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office website for publicly available warrant information
   • Note that not all warrant information is available online, particularly for recently issued warrants

3. Visit the Rutherford County Judicial Center:

Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk
Room 101, Judicial Center
116 W. Lytle Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7800
Circuit Court Clerk

Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

4. Contact Municipal Police Departments for warrants issued within city limits:

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

When conducting a warrant search, be prepared to provide:

• Full legal name (including any aliases)
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number (for in-person inquiries only)
• Valid photo identification

Individuals should be aware that appearing in person to check for warrants may result in immediate arrest if active warrants exist.

How To Check Federal Warrants In Rutherford County

Federal warrants operate under a separate jurisdiction from state and county warrants in Rutherford County. These warrants are issued for violations of federal law and are processed through the federal court system. To check for federal warrants:

1. Contact the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee:

U.S. District Court - Middle District of Tennessee
801 Broadway, Room 800
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 736-5498
U.S. District Court - Middle District of Tennessee

2. Consult the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

FBI Nashville Field Office
2868 Elm Hill Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 232-7500
FBI Nashville

3. Contact the U.S. Marshals Service:

U.S. Marshals Service - Middle District of Tennessee
801 Broadway, Suite 1170
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 736-5417
U.S. Marshals Service

4. Search the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator:
   • Visit the Federal Bureau of Prisons website
   • This resource can help determine if someone is in federal custody

Important considerations regarding federal warrants:

• Federal warrant information is not typically accessible through county or state databases
• The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation may have information about federal warrants but does not maintain the primary records
• Federal warrants remain active across all 50 states
• Federal agencies generally do not provide warrant information over the phone
• Legal counsel is strongly recommended when dealing with potential federal warrants

Individuals concerned about possible federal warrants should consult with an attorney who specializes in federal criminal law before contacting federal agencies directly.

How Long Do Warrants Last In Rutherford County?

Warrants issued in Rutherford County remain legally valid and enforceable until they are executed, recalled by the issuing court, or otherwise resolved through legal processes. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-6-107, there is no statutory expiration date for most warrants.

The duration of different warrant types in Rutherford County:

1. Arrest Warrants: Remain active indefinitely until the named individual is apprehended or the warrant is recalled by judicial order. These warrants do not expire with the passage of time.

2. Search Warrants: Must typically be executed within a specific timeframe, usually within 5-10 days of issuance, as specified on the warrant itself. After this period, the search warrant expires and cannot be legally executed.

3. Bench Warrants: Remain active until the subject appears before the court or the warrant is withdrawn by the issuing judge. These warrants have no statutory expiration date.

4. Capias Warrants: Similar to bench warrants, these remain active until resolved through court appearance or judicial recall.

While warrants themselves do not expire, certain practical considerations may affect their enforcement:

• Warrants for minor offenses may receive lower priority for execution as they age
• The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office periodically reviews older warrants to determine if continued pursuit is warranted
• Some warrants may be subject to administrative review after extended periods
• Statute of limitations for the underlying offense does not affect the validity of an issued warrant

Individuals with knowledge of outstanding warrants against them are encouraged to resolve these matters through proper legal channels rather than relying on the passage of time.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Rutherford County?

The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Rutherford County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. Under normal circumstances, the process typically follows this timeline:

1. Preparation Phase: 1-24 hours

   • Law enforcement officers gather evidence establishing probable cause
   • Officers prepare a detailed affidavit outlining facts supporting the warrant request
   • The warrant application is reviewed by supervisors and/or prosecutors

2. Judicial Review: 30 minutes - 2 hours

   • The completed application is presented to an authorized judicial officer
   • The judge or magistrate reviews the affidavit and may question the officer
   • If probable cause is established, the warrant is signed and issued

3. Expedited Circumstances: 1-2 hours total

   • In emergency situations involving imminent danger or risk of evidence destruction
   • Rutherford County has judicial officers on call 24/7 for urgent warrant requests
   • The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office maintains protocols for after-hours warrant processing

4. Electronic Warrants: Variable timeframe

   • Tennessee law permits electronic warrant applications in certain circumstances
   • This process may expedite warrant issuance, particularly during non-business hours

The entire process, from initial application to warrant issuance, typically takes between 2-24 hours in standard cases. However, complex investigations or special circumstances may extend this timeframe.

Once issued, search warrants in Rutherford County must be executed within the time period specified on the warrant, typically within 5-10 days of issuance, as mandated by Tennessee law.

Search Warrant Records in Rutherford County

Sheriff & Staff - Rutherford County

Sheriff's Division - Rutherford County

Criminal Warrants Division - Rutherford County

Murfreesboro Police Department

Circuit Court Clerk - Rutherford County

Tennessee Felony Offender Information

Tennessee Felony Offender Search

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation