Union County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Union County in 2026
UnionTNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Union County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and court case data through this resource. Record categories available through public channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, and felony offender histories. Information presented reflects what law enforcement and court agencies have made available under applicable public records law and may not reflect final case outcomes.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline each available method in detail.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody at the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the Sheriff's Department and Jail page on the official county website. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis to reflect current detainee information.
2. Local Police Departments
Union County is a predominantly rural jurisdiction; the primary law enforcement authority for unincorporated areas is the Union County Sheriff's Office. The City of Maynardville, which serves as the county seat, is policed by the Maynardville Police Department. Arrest-related press releases and public safety notices may be issued through the department's official channels. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal police should direct requests to the respective department's records division.
Maynardville Police Department
106 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-5411
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings. The Union County Circuit and General Sessions Courts maintain case records that members of the public may search by defendant name. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts provides an online case search portal through which court filings, hearing dates, and case dispositions associated with an arrest may be retrieved. Searching by the arrestee's full legal name will return associated criminal case numbers and charge information.
Union County Circuit Court Clerk
901 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3061
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the state's criminal history repository. The Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup allows members of the public to search for individuals convicted of felony offenses in Tennessee at no charge. This tool returns conviction data, supervision status, and offense information. For a certified criminal history report, the TBI charges a fee of $29.00 per request, payable through the agency's online portal. The TBI database draws from arrest and disposition records submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Union County Sheriff's Office
901 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3906
Union County Sheriff's Department and Jail
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Standard copy fees apply per page for printed records.
Clerk of Court:
Union County Circuit Court Clerk
901 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3061
The Clerk's office maintains criminal case files that correspond to arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may inspect case files during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with state fee schedules.
By Mail:
Written public records requests may be submitted to the Union County Sheriff's Office at 901 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807. A written request should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
The Union County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (865) 992-3906. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide general booking information. Detailed record copies are not provided by phone and require an in-person visit or written request.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings may include materials withheld from general public access.
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)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Maynardville PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Union County
Arrest records in Union County are public records under Tennessee law. The Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, establishes that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee unless otherwise provided by law. As the Tennessee Comptroller's Office notes, "The Tennessee Public Records Act grants Tennessee citizens the right to access state, county and municipal public records." Arrest records fall within the scope of this statute because they are created and maintained by government agencies in the course of official duties.
The public nature of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:
- Government transparency: Public access to law enforcement activity promotes accountability for official conduct.
- Public safety: Disclosure of arrest information allows community members to make informed decisions.
- Journalism and research: Media organizations and academic researchers rely on arrest records to document law enforcement patterns.
- Background screening: Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies use arrest information as part of lawful screening processes.
- Legal proceedings: Parties to civil and criminal litigation may require access to arrest histories.
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
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Tennessee law)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information that would compromise ongoing law enforcement activity
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 19, protects freedom of the press and the public's right to scrutinize government conduct. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions within the Tennessee Public Records Act, which permit agencies to withhold specific categories of information while maintaining broad public access to arrest data.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public and Tennessee citizens
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act restrictions)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing and regulatory agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when a consumer reporting agency is involved. Employers subject to the FCRA must follow adverse action procedures before taking employment action based on arrest or criminal history information. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action and does not establish guilt.
What's in Union County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- 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 such as scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- 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 booking
- Tennessee statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per 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 (collected but not typically included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
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 (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, where publicly available
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction (General Sessions or Circuit Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available at time of record creation
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests processed through Union County
- Historical booking numbers
- Prior charges, where retained in the booking record
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report content)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques and methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted under state and federal 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 initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences rather than the arrest event itself
- Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Union County?
Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, which provides that the right of inspection is free. Fees are assessed only when copies are requested. Current standard fees applicable to Union County public records requests are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.15 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies | Varies by office; typically $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic copies | May be provided at no charge or at cost of reproduction |
| TBI certified criminal history | $29.00 per request |
| Court case copies (Clerk of Court) | Set by Tennessee Supreme Court Rule |
Accepted payment methods at the Union County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash and money order. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods directly with the relevant office prior to submitting a request.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in circumstances where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated. Agencies are not required to waive fees but retain discretion to do so. Inspection of records at a public terminal or during an in-person visit does not incur a fee; charges apply only to reproduced copies.
The following may be obtained at no cost:
- Online jail roster review (no copy requested)
- Online court case status lookup through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts
- Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (conviction data only)
How To Delete Arrest Records in Union County
Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or removal of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as though the arrest did not occur for most purposes, while a sealed record remains 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 pretrial diversion program
- The individual was convicted of a qualifying low-level offense and has met all sentence conditions, including a waiting period
Individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors and Class E felonies may be eligible for expungement of the conviction record after completing their sentence and satisfying a mandatory waiting period, provided they have no subsequent convictions and the offense is not among those statutorily excluded.
Steps to Petition for Expungement in Union County:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Union County Circuit Court Clerk.
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge, disposition, and applicable waiting period under Tennessee law.
- Complete the Tennessee petition for expungement form, available through the court clerk's office.
- File the petition with the Union County Circuit or General Sessions Court, as appropriate to the case.
- Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $350.00 for conviction expungements; no fee for dismissals and acquittals under most circumstances).
- Serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney General's Office for the 8th Judicial District.
- Attend any scheduled hearing; the court will issue an order if the petition is granted.
- The court order is transmitted to the TBI and arresting agency for record removal or sealing.
Union County Circuit Court Clerk
901 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3061
8th Judicial District Attorney General's Office
900 Main Street, Suite 201
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3081
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may seek assistance from Tennessee's Legal Aid Society or the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services, which provide guidance on expungement eligibility and petition preparation for qualifying individuals.
What Happens After Arrest in Union County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Union County, the arrested individual is transported to the Union County Detention Facility, located at the Sheriff's Office complex in Maynardville. 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.
Union County Detention Facility
901 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3906
Union County Sheriff's Department and Jail
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the TBI
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- Issuance of jail clothing
- Medical screening
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Tennessee law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 72 hours following arrest. At the initial appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are reviewed
Initial appearances in Union County are conducted before a General Sessions Court judge or magistrate. The proceeding may be conducted via video conference in certain circumstances.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: Full payment of the bond amount in cash is required. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable court costs and fees. The bond amount is set by the judge or magistrate at the initial appearance or pursuant to a bond schedule.
Surety Bond: The arrested individual or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who 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 individual's court appearances.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all scheduled court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.
No Bond: Certain individuals are held without bond. Grounds for no-bond status include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration detainers, or the existence of an out-of-state warrant.
Conditions of Release:
Conditions imposed at release may include:
- Regular check-in with pretrial supervision
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision reporting requirements
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release following bond payment typically takes between one and eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a capias warrant.
If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual remains in custody at the Union County Detention Facility, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel and face charges that may result in incarceration are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is determined based on income. The Tennessee District Public Defender for the 8th Judicial District serves Union County.
8th Judicial District Public Defender's Office
900 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3081
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 for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
Following arrest, the District Attorney General's Office for the 8th Judicial District reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an information, present the matter to a grand jury, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file charges different from those listed at booking. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest.
Grand Jury (for Felonies):
Felony charges in Tennessee may be initiated by grand jury indictment. The grand jury, composed of citizens, reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor and determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. An indictment is returned if the grand jury finds probable cause.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas include not guilty, guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery: Both parties exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings.
Pretrial Motions: Defense counsel may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.
Pretrial Conferences: Attorneys and the judge meet to assess case status, discuss resolution, and confirm trial readiness.
Plea Negotiations: The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant retains the right to accept or proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may create eligibility for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant enters a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges. A sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or, by agreement, a bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. A guilty verdict proceeds to sentencing.
Sentencing (if Convicted):
The sentencing judge may impose:
- Incarceration (jail or prison)
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Substance abuse treatment
- A combination of the above
Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence of incarceration. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to first appearance | Within 72 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to weeks |
| Arraignment to resolution (misdemeanor) | Weeks to several months |
| Arraignment to resolution (felony) | Several months to over one year |
| Right to speedy trial | Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 9 |
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Union County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
901 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3906
Union County Sheriff's Department and Jail
Union County Circuit Court Clerk
901 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3061
8th Judicial District Attorney General's Office
900 Main Street, Suite 201
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3081
8th Judicial District Public Defender's Office
900 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3081
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement officers.
- Do not physically resist arrest under any circumstances.
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent.
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present.
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney.
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable.
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
- Comply with all conditions of release as ordered by the court.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Union County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Union County is governed by Tennessee state law and the records retention schedules established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Agencies are required to maintain records for minimum periods specified in the applicable schedule and may not destroy records prior to the expiration of the retention period without authorization.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions: Records associated with felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the TBI's criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records form part of the individual's permanent criminal history and are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and the TBI. Local law enforcement agencies retain booking records for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule, which at present requires retention of arrest records for a minimum of five years following case disposition.
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges: Records of arrests resulting in dismissed charges are retained by local law enforcement and the court for a minimum period under the state retention schedule. These records remain in databases unless the subject obtains a court order of expungement. The TBI retains arrest records regardless of disposition until notified of an expungement order.
Acquittals: Court records of acquittals are retained permanently by the Clerk of Court. Law enforcement booking records are retained for the minimum period under the applicable retention schedule. These records may be expunged upon petition.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests in which no charges were filed are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be eligible for immediate expungement under Tennessee law.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained for the minimum period required by the state retention schedule. Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification.
Digital Records: Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained in accordance with the state schedule. Electronic court records maintained by the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts are retained permanently. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial operators are not subject to state retention schedules and may retain images indefinitely.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of five years following disposition under current Tennessee retention schedules. Investigative files are retained for periods that vary based on offense classification and case outcome.
Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of ten years. Traffic case files are retained for a minimum of five years. Electronic records are retained permanently.
TBI State Repository: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains the state's criminal history repository and retains arrest and disposition records submitted by all law enforcement agencies in Tennessee. Records are retained in accordance with TBI policy and are updated upon receipt of expungement orders from courts of competent jurisdiction.
FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records submitted by Tennessee agencies at the federal level. Federal retention is effectively permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Local Retention | State Repository | Federal Database |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felony conviction | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor conviction | Minimum 5 years | Permanent | Permanent |
| Dismissal | Minimum 5 years | Until expunged | Until notified |
| Acquittal | Minimum 5 years | Until expunged | Until notified |
| No charges filed | Minimum 5 years | Until expunged | Until notified |
| Expungement ordered | Destroyed or sealed | Updated per order | Notation added |
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to state retention schedules. These entities are required to maintain accuracy under the FCRA but may not update records promptly following expungement. Individuals who have obtained expungement orders may need to contact third-party operators directly to request removal of outdated information.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most consumer reporting agencies limit reporting of non-conviction arrest records to seven years. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Tennessee does not at present impose a separate state-level restriction on the reporting period for conviction records in employment background checks. Arrests without convictions are treated differently from convictions, and employers subject to the FCRA must follow applicable adverse action procedures before relying on such information.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Union County Sheriff's Records Division at (865) 992-3906 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 901 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.