Warren County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Warren County in 2026
WarrenTNRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Warren County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, bond information, and felony offender records. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following official resources are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Warren County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Warren County Sheriff's Department maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. The department publishes weekly arrest reports, which members of the public may access through the official jail information page. Available information includes arrestee name, charges, booking date, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis, with weekly reports reflecting recent bookings.
2. Local Police Departments
The McMinnville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Warren County. Press releases and arrest logs may be available through the department's official communications. Members of the public seeking arrest information specific to McMinnville city limits should direct inquiries to the McMinnville Police Department.
McMinnville Police Department
200 Morford St
McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-2177
McMinnville Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Warren County Circuit and General Sessions Courts maintain criminal case records linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search case records through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts online portal. Searching by arrestee name will return associated court case numbers, charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition.
Warren County Circuit Court Clerk
111 S. Court Square
McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-2362
Tennessee Courts
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may access the Tennessee Felony Offender Information portal to search for individuals convicted of felony offenses. Official background checks are available through the TBI for a fee. The database includes conviction records, sentence information, and current supervision status for felony offenders statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 102 Locust St, McMinnville, TN 37110
- Records division is located at the main facility
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (931) 473-2161
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking or case number
- Fees for copies: $0.15 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 111 S. Court Square, McMinnville, TN 37110
- Criminal records division handles court-related arrest documentation
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (931) 473-2362
- Case file inspection is available during regular business hours
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page for certified copies; $0.15 per page for standard copies
By Mail:
- Sheriff's Office mailing address: Warren County Sheriff's Office, 102 Locust St, McMinnville, TN 37110
- Written requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information
- Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Warren County Sheriff's Office
- Processing time is typically 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (931) 473-2161
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Information available by phone is limited; callers may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records
Through Legal Channels:
- Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
- Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative records not available through standard public access
- Discovery in active legal proceedings is governed by the Tennessee 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)
- Location of arrest (which jurisdiction within Warren County)
Are Arrest Records Public in Warren County
Arrest records in Warren County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, all public records are open for inspection by any citizen of Tennessee unless otherwise provided by law. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.
Arrest records are made public for several recognized purposes:
- Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement actions
- Public safety awareness within the community
- Support for journalism and academic research
- Use in background screening processes
- Reference in legal proceedings and civil litigation
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 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 protected
- Confidential informant information is not subject to public disclosure
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs are excluded from public records
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. The balance between public transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions under Tennessee law. First Amendment protections support press access to arrest information, while due process considerations recognize that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public and Tennessee citizens
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies conducting fitness determinations
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain public employers are subject to restrictions. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest alone does not establish criminal liability and may not be used as a definitive indicator of conduct.
What's in Warren County Arrest Records
Warren County arrest records contain several categories of documented information compiled at the time of booking and during the processing of a criminal case.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public-facing records)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, McMinnville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed at time of arrest
- Tennessee statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (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 are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time if the individual has been released
- Release conditions if made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or General Sessions Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment if available at time of record creation
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 or methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted under Tennessee law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including state and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Warren County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the relevant agency. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Court) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification fee (per document) | $2.00 |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| TBI background check (name-based) | $29.00 |
| TBI background check (fingerprint-based) | $44.00 |
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance varies by office. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application; agencies retain discretion in granting such waivers. Inspection of records without copying is available at no cost. The Tennessee Felony Offender Information portal provides online access to felony offender data at no charge to the public.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Warren County
Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or sealing of records, and judicial sealing, which restricts public access without destruction. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as if the arrest never occurred for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- The charge was 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 single eligible offense and has met all sentence requirements, including a waiting period
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Warren County Circuit or General Sessions Court. The court reviews the petition, notifies the relevant agencies, and issues an order directing the destruction or sealing of records if the petition is granted. A filing fee of $350.00 applies for expungement of eligible convictions; expungement of dismissed charges or acquittals is available at no cost.
Warren County Circuit Court Clerk
111 S. Court Square
McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-2362
Tennessee Courts
Warren County Public Defender's Office
111 S. Court Square, Suite 200
McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-2177
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference
Following a court order, the Sheriff's Office, TBI, and other agencies are directed to update their records accordingly. Third-party commercial databases are not bound by expungement orders and may retain records independently; individuals may need to contact those entities separately to request removal.
What Happens After Arrest in Warren County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Warren County Jail, located at 102 Locust St, McMinnville, TN 37110. 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 prior to departure.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Warren County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include recording of personal information, administration of Miranda rights if not previously given, photograph (mugshot), fingerprint collection, criminal history check, outstanding warrants check, personal property inventory and storage, issuance of jail clothing, and medical and mental health screening. Housing classification is completed prior to placement in a cell.
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 within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. At the first appearance, the individual is formally notified of the charges, advised of the right to counsel, and a bond determination is made. Hearings may be conducted via video conference. The Warren County General Sessions Court handles initial appearances for most criminal matters.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of release on bond. Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release:
- Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders in domestic or victim-related cases
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring in certain cases
- Pretrial supervision reporting
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a capias warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Warren County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income and asset criteria established by the Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference.
Warren County Public Defender's Office
111 S. Court Square
McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-2177
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference
Private Attorney:
Individuals retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Tennessee Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits to the Warren County Jail are conducted in designated confidential consultation areas.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The District Attorney General's Office for the 31st Judicial District reviews all arrests and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file modified charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of arrest.
District Attorney General – 31st Judicial District
111 S. Court Square
McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-2428
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
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. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the court to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. Dismissed cases may be eligible 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 negotiated charges with an agreed-upon sentencing recommendation.
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The court may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to 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 extend six months to over one year depending on complexity
- Right to speedy trial: Protected under Article I, Section 9 of the Tennessee Constitution
Important Contacts:
Warren County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
102 Locust St
McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-2161
Warren County Sheriff's Department
Warren County Circuit Court Clerk
111 S. Court Square
McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-2362
Tennessee Courts
District Attorney General – 31st Judicial District
111 S. Court Square
McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-2428
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive that right
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends prior to consulting with counsel
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release as written
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Warren County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Warren County is governed by Tennessee state law and the policies of the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The Tennessee Public Records Commission establishes retention schedules applicable to county law enforcement and court records. Under current law, retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent
- Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, 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 records: Minimum of ten years
- Court records: Permanent for most classifications
- State repository: Permanent
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years
- Court records: Often permanent unless expunged
- State repository: Retained unless expungement order received
- Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years
- Court records: Often permanent
- State repository: Retained unless expunged
- Eligible for expungement under Tennessee law
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Minimum of three years
- Local arrest logs: Minimum of three years
- May be eligible for expungement upon petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Retained per applicable retention schedule, minimum five years
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for felony arrests; minimum five years for misdemeanors
- Photographs: Retained per booking record schedule
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three years
- Records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Retention varies by platform
- Court electronic records: Often permanent
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and are not subject to expungement orders unless separately notified
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum five years; felony-related records retained permanently
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Minimum ten years for felony matters
- Contact: (931) 473-2161
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor cases: Minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Often permanent
State Repository:
- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains the statewide criminal history repository
- Retention policy: Permanent for all entries unless an expungement order is received
- Includes arrests from all jurisdictions within Tennessee
- TBI Criminal History Records
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records
- Federal retention: Permanent
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
- Used in employment background checks, firearms purchases, and immigration proceedings
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all major databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on standard background checks.
Expungement: Following a court order, local records are destroyed or sealed, the TBI updates its repository, and the FBI database is notated. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies and may take 60 to 90 days following issuance of the order.
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period applies. Records may be purged automatically after three years in some systems. Immediate expungement may be available upon petition.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests (Last Five Years):
- Available online through the Warren County jail information page and the TBI portal
- Updated on a weekly or real-time basis
Older Arrests (Five to Twenty Years Ago):
- May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
- Possible retrieval fee applies
- Processing time may be longer for archived materials
Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):
- Records may not be digitized
- Paper records may be held in county archives
- Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
- Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (931) 473-2161 for availability
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Tennessee does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment action in certain regulated industries.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Warren County Sheriff's Records Division at (931) 473-2161
- Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date, and booking number if known
- Fees may apply for copies of responsive records