Criminal records in Roane County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. RoaneCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the Roane County Sheriff's Office — and through the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, which handles criminal, civil, and other court cases in Kingston.
How to Search Criminal Records in Roane
Searching for criminal records begins with basic identifiers: the person's full name, date of birth, or case number. Below are the main ways to search.
Through RoaneCourt.us
- Go to RoaneCourt.us.
- Enter the name or case number in the search form.
- Review the results — information about charges, case status, and scheduled hearings.
State Online Tools
- Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) — a free database from the Tennessee Department of Corrections. It covers individuals who have been or are under supervision for felonies. Only a name is required.
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) processes criminal history check requests at the state level. Official checks usually require fingerprints.
- Department of Safety & Homeland Security accepts open records requests through form SF-1565.
In Person
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Kingston serves visitors who wish to view criminal cases. The clerk maintains records for the Circuit Court, Criminal Court, General Sessions, and other divisions.
Roane County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Public access terminals in the courthouse allow case searches by name or number. Bring a photo ID.
Written Request by Mail
Send a written request to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office including the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and a description of the documents needed. According to the Roane County Public Records Policy, adopted under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503(g), requests are processed within a reasonable time. Include contact information for follow-up and payment for copying if copies are needed.
Search Roane Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the fastest way to a specific record. In Tennessee, criminal case numbers typically consist of several elements:
- Year of Filing — a two-digit or four-digit year when the case was opened.
- Case Type Code — indicates the category: "CR" for criminal cases in Circuit/Criminal Court, "GS" or similar abbreviation for General Sessions.
- Sequential Number — a sequential number assigned by the clerk's office upon registration.
Example: 2024-CR-00123 would indicate a criminal case filed in 2024 under number 123. The format may vary slightly depending on the court division. If you do not know the exact number, contact the clerk — they can help identify the case by the defendant's name and approximate date.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Roane
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a section of the Tennessee Code Annotated, e.g., T.C.A. § 39-13-101 for assault |
| Severity Level | Felony (from Class A to E), Misdemeanor (from Class A to C), or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during proceedings; the new charge replaces the original in the case file |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, with hearings scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all procedural actions are complete, including sentence execution.
Hearings
| Type of Hearing | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Arraignment | The defendant is read the charges; they plead guilty or not guilty |
| Preliminary Hearing | The judge determines if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial |
| Pre-Trial | The parties discuss procedural issues, possible plea agreement |
| Sentencing | The court announces the punishment after a guilty plea or jury verdict |
| Review | Checking compliance with probation conditions or other court orders |
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty (by verdict or plea).
- Not Guilty — acquitted by a jury or judge.
- Dismissed — the case is closed by the prosecutor or court without a verdict.
- Nolle Prosequi — the prosecutor declined to prosecute.
- Acquitted — complete exoneration after a substantive review.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Roane
A certified copy of a criminal record is an official document with the court's seal, accepted by employers, attorneys, and government agencies. Where to obtain it depends on the type of record.
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The clerk issues certified copies of records for the Circuit Court, Criminal Court, and General Sessions. Requests can be made in person or by mail.
What you need:
- The defendant's full name and case number (if known).
- Photo ID (for in-person requests).
- Payment for certification and copying fees.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
For an official state-level criminal history check, contact the TBI. The procedure usually requires submitting fingerprints and completing the appropriate application. TBI processes requests from both individuals and employers in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-6-109.
County Records & Archives
Records & Archives maintains permanent historical records of the county in the Historic Roane County Courthouse at 119 Court Street in Kingston. Older criminal records that are no longer held by the clerk's office may be available here.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Roane
Fees for copying and certifying public records in Tennessee are regulated by Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503. Specific amounts may vary depending on the office.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Copy (per page) | $0.15–$0.50 | According to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503; check with the clerk for the exact amount |
| Document Certification | Varies | Additional fee for court seal; contact the office for the current rate |
| Criminal History Check via TBI | Depends on check type | Fingerprint-based checks cost more than name-based checks |
| FOIL (online search) | Free | Available through the FOIL portal |
Processing Times: Simple copy requests are usually processed within a few business days for in-person requests. Mail requests take longer — from one to three weeks depending on volume. Criminal history checks via TBI using fingerprints may take several weeks. According to the County Public Records Policy, a response to a request is provided within a reasonable time, and in case of delay, the applicant is informed of the reasons.