Davidson County Criminal Records
What Is Davidson County Criminal Records
Davidson County criminal records are official documents maintained by various government agencies that detail an individual's criminal history within Davidson County, Tennessee. These records document interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions. Criminal records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with law enforcement and the courts within the jurisdiction.
The maintenance of these records is governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, which establishes the legal framework for public records in the state. Criminal records in Davidson County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:
Davidson County Sheriff's Office
506 2nd Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: (615) 862-8170
Davidson County Sheriff's Office
Criminal Court Clerk's Office
Justice A.A. Birch Building
408 2nd Avenue North, Suite 2120
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: (615) 862-5601
Criminal Court Clerk
These records typically include information from multiple stages of the criminal justice process, from initial arrest through final disposition. The information contained within these records is used by law enforcement agencies, courts, employers, and members of the public for various purposes, including background checks, statistical analysis, and public safety considerations.
Are Criminal Records Public In Davidson County
Criminal records in Davidson County are generally considered public records pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This statute establishes that government records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee during regular business hours. However, certain exceptions and limitations apply to the accessibility of these records.
Members of the public may access Davidson County criminal records through several means:
- In-person requests at the Criminal Court Clerk's Office
- Online portals maintained by county agencies
- Written requests submitted to the appropriate records custodian
While most criminal records are publicly accessible, certain categories of information may be restricted or redacted, including:
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Information protected by other state or federal laws
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Information that would compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest
The Davidson County District Attorney's Office plays a significant role in determining which information may be released to the public in certain cases.
Davidson County District Attorney's Office
Washington Square, Suite 500
222 2nd Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: (615) 862-5500
Davidson County District Attorney
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-504, certain personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers, may be redacted from public records before they are released. Requestors seeking criminal records should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search process, including the individual's full name, date of birth, and case numbers if available.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Davidson County in 2025
As of 2025, Davidson County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records. The process has been streamlined to provide greater accessibility while maintaining necessary security protocols. Individuals seeking criminal records may utilize the following procedures:
In-person requests remain the most comprehensive method for obtaining criminal records. Requestors may visit:
Criminal Court Clerk's Office
Justice A.A. Birch Building
408 2nd Avenue North, Suite 2120
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: (615) 862-5601
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Criminal Court Clerk
When submitting an in-person request, individuals should:
- Complete the official records request form
- Provide valid government-issued identification
- Pay applicable fees ($5.00 per name search, additional fees for copies)
- Specify the exact records being requested
For those unable to visit in person, the Criminal Court Clerk's Office accepts written requests via mail. Written requests must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Check or money order for applicable fees
The Criminal Court Clerk's online portal provides 24-hour access to basic case information. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number. The system has been upgraded in 2024 to provide enhanced search capabilities and more detailed information than previously available.
For comprehensive background checks, individuals may need to contact multiple agencies, as records may be distributed across different departments depending on the nature and status of the case.
How To Find Criminal Records in Davidson County Online?
Davidson County has implemented robust online systems that allow for efficient searching of criminal records through digital platforms. The primary online resources for accessing criminal records in Davidson County include:
The Criminal Court Clerk's Case Information System serves as the central online repository for criminal case information. This portal allows users to:
- Search cases by defendant name, case number, or citation number
- View case status and scheduled court dates
- Access docket information and case histories
- Review judgment information and disposition details
The search system requires users to enter at least a last name and first initial. For more accurate results, users should provide as much identifying information as possible. The system displays cases filed in General Sessions Criminal Court and Criminal Court (felonies and misdemeanors).
For records related to civil matters that may connect to criminal cases, the Circuit Court Clerk's online system provides access to civil court records that may contain information about restraining orders, civil judgments related to criminal activities, and other relevant documentation.
The Davidson County Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate search function that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals, including:
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Scheduled release dates (when available)
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, particularly for cases predating digital record-keeping. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions of records in accordance with privacy laws and court rules.
Can You Search Davidson County Criminal Records for Free?
Davidson County provides limited free access to basic criminal record information, though comprehensive searches may incur fees. The availability of free record searches varies by platform and the depth of information requested.
Free search options include:
- Basic case information through the Criminal Court Clerk's online portal, which provides fundamental case details including defendant name, charges, and case status
- The Davidson County Sheriff's Office inmate search function, which allows free searches for currently incarcerated individuals
- Public access terminals located at the Criminal Court Clerk's Office, which provide on-site access to the case management system without charge
However, users should be aware of the following limitations to free searches:
- Online systems typically do not include complete case files or documents
- Historical records may not be fully digitized or searchable online
- Certain case types may be restricted from public view
Fee-based services provide more comprehensive information:
- Certified copies of court documents cost $5.00 per document plus $0.50 per page
- Background checks conducted through the Clerk's Office cost $5.00 per name search
- Extensive record searches requiring staff assistance may incur additional research fees
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 8-21-401, the Criminal Court Clerk is authorized to collect statutory fees for records services. These fees support the maintenance of the records system and ensure the accuracy and accessibility of criminal records.
What's Included in a Davidson County Criminal Record?
Davidson County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records typically include multiple components that collectively provide a detailed account of criminal proceedings.
Standard elements found in Davidson County criminal records include:
- Demographic information: Full legal name, date of birth, address, and other identifying information
- Arrest data: Date of arrest, arresting agency, location, and circumstances
- Charging information: Specific charges filed, including Tennessee Code citations and offense classifications
- Court proceedings: Hearing dates, judge assignments, attorney information, and courtroom locations
- Case disposition: Final outcome of the case, including dismissals, plea agreements, or trial verdicts
- Sentencing details: Imposed penalties, including incarceration terms, probation requirements, fines, and court-ordered programs
- Post-conviction information: Compliance with sentencing terms, probation violations, and completion of requirements
Additional documentation may include:
- Bench warrants and failure to appear notices
- Bond information and conditions of release
- Protection or restraining orders related to the case
- Probation reports and compliance records
- Diversion program participation and outcomes
The Davidson County District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution records that may contain additional details about the state's case against defendants, while the Criminal Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records and maintains the comprehensive case files.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with Tennessee law, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain victim information in cases involving sensitive crimes.
What Are the Penalties for a Davidson County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Davidson County is governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-405 and carries specific penalties based on the nature and circumstances of the offense. The Metropolitan Nashville legal system processes these cases through established protocols with standardized potential consequences.
Criminal trespass is generally classified as a Class C misdemeanor in Tennessee, which carries the following potential penalties:
- Maximum jail sentence of 30 days
- Fine of up to $50, not including court costs
- Possible probation period
- Restitution to property owners if applicable
Aggravating factors that may enhance penalties include:
- Trespassing on school property, which may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor with up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500
- Trespassing in connection with stalking or harassment charges
- Repeat offenses, particularly if previous warnings were documented
- Trespassing that involves damage to property, which may result in additional vandalism charges
The General Sessions Criminal Court typically handles initial proceedings for criminal trespass cases:
General Sessions Criminal Court
Justice A.A. Birch Building
408 2nd Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: (615) 862-5601
Criminal Court Clerk
First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs through the Davidson County District Attorney's Office, which could result in dismissal of charges upon completion of program requirements. These programs typically involve community service, educational components, and a probationary period.
Individuals charged with criminal trespass should consult with legal counsel to understand their rights and potential defenses, as circumstances such as implied permission, lack of notice, or necessity may affect case outcomes.
How Long Does Davidson County Keep Criminal Records?
Davidson County maintains criminal records in accordance with Tennessee state retention schedules and local archival policies. The duration of record retention varies based on the type of record, case disposition, and applicable statutes.
General retention periods for Davidson County criminal records include:
- Felony case files: Permanently maintained in accordance with T.C.A. § 18-1-202
- Misdemeanor case files: Maintained for 10 years after case disposition
- Traffic violations: Retained for 3 years after case disposition
- Arrest records without prosecution: Typically maintained for 3 years
Certain categories of records receive special treatment:
- Capital offense records: Permanently maintained regardless of outcome
- Sexual offense records: Extended retention periods of 75 years
- Juvenile records: Subject to different retention schedules and confidentiality requirements
The Criminal Court Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for court records and maintains the official record retention schedule. Physical records may be converted to digital format after specified periods, though the information remains accessible through appropriate channels.
Individuals seeking expungement of criminal records may petition the court under T.C.A. § 40-32-101, which provides for the removal of eligible records from public access. Expungement does not necessarily mean records are destroyed; rather, they are sealed from public view and may be maintained for administrative purposes.
The Davidson County Sheriff's Office maintains separate retention schedules for arrest records and booking information, which may differ from court record retention periods. These records are typically maintained in accordance with law enforcement retention standards established by the Tennessee Records Commission.
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