Court records of Roane County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. RoaneCourt.us allows searching for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official court resources, the Circuit Court Clerk's office, and public terminals located directly in the courthouse in Kingston. Below is a practical guide to the county's court system, searching hearing calendars, and obtaining document copies.
Roane Court System & Jurisdictions
Roane County operates several court divisions, all served by the Circuit Court Clerk's office. This office maintains records for six main categories of cases.
- Circuit Court — handles civil claims for significant amounts, serious criminal cases (felonies), and appeals from General Sessions Court. This is where serious cases are heard: from contract disputes to felony charges.
- Criminal Court — a separate division for criminal cases, including cases by grand jury indictment.
- General Sessions Court — a court of limited jurisdiction dealing with minor civil claims (similar to Small Claims), preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and misdemeanors. Most county residents first encounter the court system here.
- Juvenile Court — cases involving minors: offenses, custody, and child protection issues. Access to these records is restricted according to Tennessee law.
- Traffic Court — traffic violations, fines, and related cases.
- Collections Court — debt collection, including unpaid fines and court fees.
Probate matters in Tennessee are handled by the Chancery Court. Roane County belongs to the state's 9th judicial district. To search for information about felony offenders who are or were under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Correction, use the Tennessee Felony Offender Information search system.
Roane Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, contact the clerk's office directly. Roane County does not have a single publicly accessible online portal with a real-time hearing calendar.
Here's how to get current information:
- Call the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 865-376-5578 and inquire about the schedule of a specific division — Circuit, Criminal, General Sessions, or Traffic.
- Visit the courthouse in person. Hearing schedules are usually posted near courtrooms or available on public terminals.
- Attorneys and parties to a case may receive notifications of hearing dates by mail or through their representative.
If you are interested in a specific case, prepare the case number or the full name of the party — this will significantly speed up the search.
How to Get a Copy of a Roane Court Document
Most court documents in Tennessee are public records pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, although certain categories — juvenile cases, sealed records, some Grand Jury materials — remain closed. The Roane County Public Records Policy outlines the procedure for submitting requests.
Certified and Non-Certified Copies
- Non-Certified Copy — a regular photocopy of a document from the case. Suitable for review.
- Certified Copy — bears the seal and signature of the court clerk, confirming authenticity. Required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or employers.
Methods of Obtaining
- In Person — visit the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 200 East Race Street, Kingston, TN 37763. Bring identification and know the case number or party names.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case number, document type, number of copies (certified or not), and return address. Include payment by check or money order payable to Roane County Circuit Court Clerk.
- Public Records Request — for documents that are not court-related but stored in the county archives, submit a request according to the Tennessee Public Records Act.
Land records and real estate documents are stored separately in the Register of Deeds office. These records are public (except for military discharge documents) and available online by paid subscription.
Roane Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Tennessee are regulated by Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-21-401 and local administrative orders. Specific amounts may vary, so confirm current rates with the court clerk at 865-376-5578 before making a request.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Certified Copy (per page) | $0.15–$0.50 | Depends on the volume of the request; according to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506 |
| Certified Copy | $5.00–$10.00+ | Includes seal and clerk's signature; exact amount depends on document type |
| Record Search (by name) | May be charged | Check with the office; some searches are free when requested in person |
| Online Property Tax Payment | Service fee | Through the Trustee's office; convenience fee for online payments |
Payment Methods
- In Person: cash, check, money order. Some offices accept credit/debit cards.
- By Mail: check or money order payable to Roane County Circuit Court Clerk.
If your request involves a large volume of copies, the office may provide a cost estimate and notify you before proceeding — this is provided for by the county public records policy. To verify property information and assess property value, use the TN Property Viewer — this tool is free.