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Maury County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Maury County

Arrest records in Maury 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.

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

  • Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the person was convicted.
  • Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a crime through a court proceeding.

Under current Tennessee law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public. However, certain exceptions exist for juvenile records, records sealed by court order, and records pertaining to ongoing investigations. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state, including arrest records from Maury County.

Law enforcement agencies in Maury County, including the Maury County Sheriff's Department and local police departments, maintain arrest records in accordance with the Tennessee Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule, which specifies how long different types of records must be maintained.

What's in Maury County Arrest Records

Maury County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records generally includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name (including aliases or maiden names)
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Home address
  • Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
  • Fingerprints
  • Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute or ordinance citations
  • Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Charge severity level

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date issued
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

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, denied, pending)
  • Release date (if applicable)

Court Information:

  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Case number
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Judge assigned

Custody Status:

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

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Probation/parole status
  • Risk assessment scores
  • Medical alerts
  • Special custody requirements

The specific information available in any individual arrest record may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is collected and maintained in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 38-3-122, which governs the collection and reporting of arrest information.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Maury County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Maury County may utilize several methods to access this information. The primary agencies maintaining these records include:

Maury County Sheriff's Department
1300 Lawson White Drive
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-5151
Maury County Sheriff's Department

Maury County Circuit Court Clerk
41 Public Square
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 375-1101
Maury County Circuit Court Clerk

To obtain arrest records in person:

  1. Visit the appropriate agency during normal business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
  2. Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the record being sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known).
  3. Present valid identification as required by Tennessee law.
  4. Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (fees are established pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i)).
  5. Wait for the records to be retrieved (some requests may be fulfilled immediately, while others may take several business days).

To request arrest records by mail:

  1. Prepare a written request clearly stating the specific information being sought.
  2. Include your contact information and a copy of valid identification.
  3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and any required payment.
  4. Mail the request to the appropriate agency address listed above.

For official criminal history reports that include arrest information from Maury County and throughout Tennessee, individuals may also contact:

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

The TBI provides criminal history reports for a fee through their TORIS (Tennessee Open Records Information Services) system.

How To Find Maury County Arrest Records Online

Maury County offers several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests. Currently available online resources include:

  1. Maury County Sheriff's Department Inmate Search The Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information about individuals currently in custody, including arrest date, charges, and bond information. This resource is accessible through the Maury County Sheriff's Department website.

  2. Maury County Court Records Search The Maury County Circuit Court Clerk provides access to court records, which often contain information related to arrests. Users can search by name, case number, or date range.

  3. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Background Check System The TBI's TORIS system allows users to request official criminal history reports that include arrest information. This service requires payment of a fee and the submission of identifying information.

  4. Tennessee State Court System The Tennessee State Courts website provides access to court records from across the state, including Maury County. This system primarily contains case information rather than detailed arrest records.

When using online systems to access arrest records, users should:

  • Provide accurate search information to ensure relevant results
  • Be aware that some information may be redacted or limited in online versions
  • Understand that the most recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
  • Verify critical information through official channels, as online records may not always be complete

Online access to arrest records is governed by the same laws and regulations that apply to physical records, including Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503.

How To Search Maury County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Maury County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources include:

  1. Maury County Sheriff's Department Inmate Lookup The Sheriff's Department provides a free online inmate search tool that displays current custody information, including arrest date, charges, and bond status. This resource is available at no cost through the Maury County Sheriff's Department website.

  2. Public Access Terminals at Government Offices The following locations offer free public access terminals where individuals can search for basic arrest information:

    Maury County Justice Center
    1300 Lawson White Drive
    Columbia, TN 38401
    (931) 388-5151

    Maury County Courthouse
    41 Public Square
    Columbia, TN 38401
    (931) 375-1101

    These terminals are available during normal business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  3. Public Records Inspection Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, citizens have the right to inspect public records at no charge. While copying fees may apply, viewing records is free. To exercise this right:

    • Visit the appropriate agency during business hours
    • Complete a records inspection request form
    • Present valid identification
    • Specify the records you wish to view
  4. Local Library Resources The Maury County Public Library offers free internet access where individuals can utilize online resources to search for publicly available arrest information.

    Maury County Public Library
    211 West 8th Street
    Columbia, TN 38401
    (931) 375-6508
    Maury County Public Library

While these free options provide access to basic arrest information, they may not include comprehensive details found in official criminal history reports. Additionally, some information may be redacted or limited in accordance with privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-504.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Maury County

Tennessee law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through expungement or sealing processes. These legal remedies differ significantly:

Expungement refers to the legal process of erasing or destroying arrest and criminal records, making them inaccessible to the public and most government agencies. In contrast, sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official purposes.

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101, individuals may be eligible for expungement of arrest records in Maury County under the following circumstances:

  1. The charge was dismissed
  2. A no true bill was returned by a grand jury
  3. A verdict of not guilty was returned
  4. The case was nolle prosequi (abandoned by the prosecutor)
  5. The individual completed a pretrial or judicial diversion program
  6. The individual was arrested but no charges were filed within the statute of limitations

The process for expungement in Maury County involves:

  1. Filing a petition for expungement with the Maury County Circuit Court
  2. Paying the required filing fee (currently $280, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
  3. Attending a hearing if scheduled by the court
  4. Receiving a court order for expungement if approved
  5. Ensuring the order is distributed to all relevant agencies

For certain eligible non-violent offenses, individuals with convictions may also petition for expungement five years after completing their sentence, including probation and payment of all fines and restitution, under the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101(g).

Individuals seeking expungement in Maury County may contact:

Maury County Circuit Court Clerk
41 Public Square
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 375-1101
Maury County Circuit Court Clerk

Legal assistance for expungement may be available through:

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee
1121 Trotwood Avenue, Suite 4
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 381-5533
Legal Aid Society

It is important to note that even after expungement, certain government agencies may retain limited access to expunged records for specific purposes, such as law enforcement investigations and judicial proceedings.

What Happens After Arrest in Maury County?

Following an arrest in Maury County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Tennessee state law and local court procedures. This process typically includes:

  1. Booking and Processing After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Maury County Detention Center where they undergo:

    • Photographing and fingerprinting
    • Personal property inventory
    • Medical screening
    • Background check
    • Initial charge documentation
  2. Initial Appearance/Arraignment Within 48-72 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a judicial officer (typically a General Sessions Court judge) who:

    • Formally advises of charges
    • Informs of constitutional rights
    • Determines bail eligibility and amount
    • Appoints counsel for indigent defendants
    • Sets dates for preliminary hearings
  3. Bail Determination The court establishes bail based on factors including:

    • Severity of the alleged offense
    • Prior criminal history
    • Flight risk assessment
    • Community ties
    • Public safety considerations

    Bail may be posted through cash, property bond, or commercial bail bondsman services.

  4. Preliminary Hearing For felony cases, a preliminary hearing is held in General Sessions Court to:

    • Determine if probable cause exists
    • Decide if the case should proceed to grand jury
    • This hearing may be waived by the defendant
  5. Grand Jury Proceedings Felony cases proceed to the Maury County Grand Jury, which:

    • Reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor
    • Determines whether to issue an indictment
    • Meets in closed sessions not open to defendants or the public
  6. Arraignment in Circuit Court Following indictment, defendants appear in Maury County Circuit Court for:

    • Formal reading of charges
    • Entry of plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
    • Setting of trial date
  7. Pre-Trial Proceedings Before trial, various proceedings may occur:

    • Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
    • Motion hearings
    • Plea negotiations
    • Pre-trial conferences
  8. Trial If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial:

    • Misdemeanor trials occur in General Sessions Court
    • Felony trials take place in Circuit Court
    • Defendants may choose jury trial or bench trial
  9. Sentencing Upon conviction (through plea or verdict):

    • Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
    • Sentencing hearing scheduled
    • Judge imposes sentence according to Tennessee sentencing guidelines
  10. Post-Conviction Proceedings Following conviction, defendants may pursue:

    • Direct appeal
    • Post-conviction relief
    • Expungement (if eligible)

Throughout this process, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Tennessee law.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Maury County?

Arrest records in Maury County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Tennessee state law. The Tennessee Records Management Division oversees these retention requirements through the Records Management Division of the Secretary of State's office.

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-404, which establishes the framework for records management programs, different types of arrest records are subject to varying retention periods:

  1. Arrest Reports and Booking Information

    • Permanent retention for felony arrests
    • Minimum 10-year retention for misdemeanor arrests
    • Records may be maintained in electronic format after initial retention period
  2. Fingerprint Cards and Photographs

    • Permanent retention for felony arrests
    • Minimum 5-year retention for misdemeanor arrests
    • Copies forwarded to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are maintained permanently in the state's criminal history database
  3. Incident Reports Related to Arrests

    • Minimum 5-year retention
    • Longer retention for cases involving serious offenses or unsolved crimes
  4. Arrest Warrants

    • Minimum 10-year retention after service or recall
    • Permanent retention for unserved warrants
  5. Juvenile Arrest Records

It is important to note that different agencies within Maury County may maintain separate records with varying retention periods:

  • The Maury County Sheriff's Department maintains arrest records according to law enforcement retention schedules
  • The Circuit Court Clerk maintains court records related to arrests and prosecutions
  • The District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution records

Even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, information about arrests may remain in electronic databases maintained by state and federal agencies. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains the central repository of criminal history information, including arrest data, which is generally retained permanently unless expunged by court order.

How to Find Mugshots in Maury County

Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered part of the public arrest record in Maury County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and are used for identification purposes throughout the criminal justice process.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These photographs are created during the booking process at the Maury County Detention Center and become part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Maury County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Maury County Sheriff's Department
1300 Lawson White Drive
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 388-5151
Maury County Sheriff's Department

The Sheriff's Department maintains these records as part of their booking and detention documentation. Copies may also be maintained by the arresting agency if different from the Sheriff's Department.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain official copies of mugshots in Maury County, individuals may:

  1. Submit a public records request to the Maury County Sheriff's Department
  2. Provide specific identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
  3. Pay any applicable fees for reproduction of the records
  4. Allow processing time for the request (typically 5-10 business days)

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

The Maury County Sheriff's Department currently provides limited online access to recent booking information, including mugshots, through their inmate lookup system. This information is typically available only for individuals currently in custody or recently released.

Third-party websites may also publish mugshots obtained from public records. However, the accuracy and currency of information on these sites cannot be guaranteed, and some may charge fees for removal of images.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For the most accurate and current mugshot information, individuals should contact the Maury County Sheriff's Department directly. Official requests can be submitted:

  • In person at the Sheriff's Department
  • By mail with appropriate documentation and payment
  • Through an attorney or legal representative

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

While mugshots are generally considered public records in Tennessee, access may be restricted in certain circumstances: