Criminal records in Carter County, Tennessee, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. CarterCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Carter County. Additional access points include the Circuit Court Clerk's office, the Carter County Sheriff's Department, and statewide databases maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The sections below explain each method in detail.
How to Search Criminal Records in Carter County
Several methods are available depending on what you need and how quickly you need it.
Online Search Options
- CarterCourt.us — Start here to search publicly available court record information for Carter County. You can look up cases using a defendant's name or case number.
- Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) — This free state database lets you search for individuals convicted of felonies in Tennessee. It draws data from the Tennessee Department of Correction and other agencies. Search by name or offender ID.
- Carter County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search — View currently incarcerated individuals at the Carter County Jail, including booking dates, charges, and bond information.
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) — For official criminal background checks, the TBI processes name-based and fingerprint-based searches. Fees apply, and results include statewide criminal history.
In Person
Visit the Carter County Circuit Court Clerk's office at the Carter County Courthouse to search criminal court records. The Criminal Court Clerk handles felony convictions, appeals, and bindovers from General Sessions Court. Public access terminals may be available for on-site searches.
By Mail or Written Request
Carter County requires that public records requests be submitted in writing using the county's Public Records Request Form. You can mail or deliver the completed form to the appropriate clerk's office. For statewide criminal history reports, submit a request directly to the TBI.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (recommended for narrowing results)
- Case number (if known)
- Social Security Number (required only for TBI background checks)
Search Carter County Criminal Cases by Case Number
Tennessee courts assign case numbers that follow a structured format. Understanding this format helps you locate the right record quickly.
A typical Tennessee case number includes these components:
- County code or court designation — identifies the court (e.g., Criminal Court, General Sessions)
- Case type prefix — indicates the nature of the case. Common prefixes include "CR" for criminal cases and "GS" for General Sessions matters
- Year filed — a two- or four-digit year indicating when the case was opened
- Sequential number — a unique number assigned in the order the case was filed
For example, a case number like CR-2024-0123 would indicate a criminal case filed in 2024 as the 123rd case of that type. If you have a case number, use it as your primary search term — it returns the most precise results and avoids confusion when defendants share similar names.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Carter County
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) section the defendant is charged under |
| Felony | Serious offenses (Classes A–E) carrying potential prison time over one year |
| Misdemeanor | Less serious offenses (Classes A–C) with jail time up to 11 months 29 days |
| Amended charges | Original charges modified through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
- Pending — Case is open and awaiting court action
- Active — Proceedings are underway
- Disposed — A final decision has been entered
- Closed — All matters resolved, including sentencing and any post-judgment actions
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally notified of charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary hearing — Judge determines whether probable cause exists to proceed
- Pre-trial conference — Attorneys discuss plea options, evidence, and scheduling
- Sentencing — Judge imposes penalties after a conviction or guilty plea
- Review hearing — Court checks compliance with probation or other conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant found or pleaded guilty
- Not guilty — Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the court or prosecution
- Nolle prosequi — Prosecution chose not to pursue the case
- Diversion — Defendant placed in a program; charges may be dismissed upon completion
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Carter County
Certified copies of criminal records carry an official court seal and can be used for legal proceedings, employment verification, and licensing applications.
Where to Request
- Carter County Criminal Court Clerk — Handles certified copies of felony case records, judgments, and orders
- General Sessions Court Clerk — For misdemeanor cases heard in General Sessions
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation — For official statewide criminal background checks
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Criminal Court Clerk's office at the Carter County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail — Send a written request using the Public Records Request Form to the clerk's office. Include your name, contact information, the specific records you need, and payment for applicable fees.
- TBI background checks — Submit requests through the TBI's online portal or by mail. Fingerprint-based checks require submission through an authorized Live Scan provider.
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID for in-person requests
- For TBI fingerprint checks: completed fingerprint card or Live Scan submission
Contact Information
The Public Records Request Coordinator for Carter County is Heather Yates. Contact the coordinator for questions about the status of your request or the county's public records policy, which was adopted under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503(g).
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Carter County
Tennessee law governs the fees that counties may charge for copies of public records. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503), charges must be reasonable and reflect the actual cost of producing copies.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copies (per page) | $0.15–$0.50 | Per Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506; actual charge set by the clerk's office |
| Certified copy | Varies | Includes certification seal; contact the Criminal Court Clerk for the current fee |
| TBI name-based background check | $29.00 | Submitted through the TBI; processing typically takes several business days |
| TBI fingerprint-based background check | $29.00+ | Additional Live Scan vendor fees may apply |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often fulfilled the same day or within a few business days, depending on the complexity
- Written/mailed requests — Tennessee law requires a prompt response. Carter County will acknowledge your request and provide an estimated timeline. Complex requests may take longer.
- TBI background checks — Name-based results typically arrive within 3–5 business days. Fingerprint-based checks may take longer.
Contact the Criminal Court Clerk at (423) 542-1872 to confirm current fees before submitting your request. Payment methods accepted may vary — ask the clerk's office about cash, check, or money order requirements.