Criminal records in Knox County, Tennessee, are accessible through several channels. KnoxCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information on criminal cases. Additionally, data can be obtained through the county's official court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the Knox County Sheriff's Office — and the Criminal Court Clerk's Office. Below are specific methods for searching, requests for certified copies, service fees, and processing times.
How to Search Criminal Records in Knox
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Case number
Through KnoxCourt.us
The fastest way to check public information on a criminal case is to use KnoxCourt.us. Enter the name or case number, and the system will display available court records from Knox County.
Online through Official Portals
- County Court Docket Search. Online search for criminal, traffic, and ordinance cases allows you to find hearing dates and case details by name or number.
- Arrest List for the Last 24 Hours. The Sheriff's Office publishes a list of individuals brought to the detention facility within the last day.
- Current Inmate Population. Check if an individual is in custody through the inmate search tool.
- State-Level Felony Offender Information. The Tennessee Felony Offender Information database contains data on individuals who are or have been under the supervision of the Department of Correction.
- Appellate Cases. Public Case History on the Tennessee judiciary's website covers the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Court of Criminal Appeals.
- Federal Cases. The PACER system provides access to federal court materials.
In Person
The Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office welcomes visitors who wish to view case materials or order copies. Public terminals in the courthouse allow on-site record searches.
By Mail or Written Request
A written request for criminal records can be sent to the Criminal Court Clerk's Office. Requests can also be submitted through the Knox County Public Records Portal. At the state level, requests for criminal history are accepted by the Tennessee Department of Safety — you need to complete the Public Records Request (SF-1565) form.
Search Knox Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in Tennessee typically consists of several elements separated by dashes. Here is a typical structure:
- Alphabetic Prefix — indicates the type of case or court (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases in Criminal Court, "GS" for General Sessions).
- Year — two or four digits indicating the year the case was opened.
- Sequential Number — a unique ordinal number assigned by the clerk's office.
For example, the format might look like CR-2024-12345. The exact format depends on the court level. If you have the case number, enter it in the search field on the criminal court docket search page — this is the most accurate way to find a specific case without the risk of confusion with namesakes.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Knox
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific paragraph of the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) under which the charge is brought |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Violation/Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecution may change the qualification — for example, reduce a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, a hearing is scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — the case is completed, all obligations fulfilled.
Hearings
In Knox County's criminal process, a case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first formal presentation of charges; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — the court assesses whether there is enough basis to continue the case (primarily for felonies in General Sessions).
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss evidence, possible agreements, and procedural issues.
- Sentencing — punishment is imposed after a guilty plea or jury verdict.
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with probation conditions or other court requirements.
Court Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court verdict or own admission |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict — at the initiative of the prosecution or court |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Knox
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office. This office maintains and services records for the Criminal Court, General Sessions (criminal division), and Fourth Circuit Court.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the office with a valid photo ID.
- Online — the clerk offers a criminal history search service for $15.00.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the full name of the individual, date of birth, and type of document needed.
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Full name and date of birth of the individual for whom the request is made
- Case number (if known) — speeds up processing
Contact Information
Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
For state-level requests — such as a complete criminal history with fingerprints — contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Open records requests from law enforcement agencies are also accepted by the Knoxville Police Department Records Unit (copies of reports — $0.15 per page).
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Knox
| Service | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Background Search Package | $15.00 | Knox County Criminal Court Clerk |
| Document Copy (per page) | $0.15 | According to Knox County public records policy |
| Police Report Copy (per page) | $0.15 | Knoxville Police Department Records Unit |
| Document Certification | Check with the clerk's office | Knox County Criminal Court Clerk |
Processing Times
- Online Docket Search — results appear instantly.
- Criminal History Search Request — usually processed within a few business days.
- Written Requests by Mail — may take one to two weeks depending on the volume and complexity of the request.
Payment is typically accepted in cash or money order for in-person visits. For online requests, check the available payment methods on the clerk's website. The county's public records processing policy is governed by the official Knox County Public Records Policy document in accordance with the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503).