Criminal records in Sevier County, Tennessee, are public documents that record arrests, charges, court decisions, and sentences. SevierCourt.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, the county law enforcement agencies, and the offices of the Circuit Court Clerk and General Sessions Clerk.
How to Search Criminal Records in Sevier
There are several ways to find criminal records in Sevier County. Which one to choose depends on what exactly you need and how quickly.
Online Search
- SevierCourt.us — start here if you need basic information about a criminal case: charges, status, hearing dates. Enter the person's full name or case number.
- Tennessee Felony Offender Information (FOIL) — the Tennessee Department of Correction database contains information about individuals convicted of felonies who are or were under TDOC supervision. The search is free, requiring only a name.
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) — to obtain an official criminal history, you can submit a TBI public records request. This is a formal process that usually requires fingerprints.
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office handles all criminal cases transferred from General Sessions Court, as well as grand jury indictments. You can visit the courthouse and use public access terminals or contact the clerk.
The General Sessions Clerk maintains records regarding state warrants, traffic violations, misdemeanor hearings, and preliminary felony hearings.
Written Request
Send a written request to the Circuit Court Clerk or the appropriate state agency. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number.
What You Need to Start the Search
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if available)
Search Sevier Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In Tennessee, criminal case numbers usually consist of several parts, each carrying information.
A typical format might look like this:
- Year — two or four digits indicating the year the case was filed
- Case type code — for example, "CR" for criminal cases, "TR" for traffic violations
- Sequential number — a unique numerical identifier within the year and type
For example, a case labeled "2024-CR-00512" indicates a criminal case filed in 2024 with the number 512. The exact format may vary depending on the court — Circuit Court and General Sessions Court sometimes use different numbering schemes.
If you have the case number, enter it on SevierCourt.us for a quick search. This will save time and eliminate confusion with namesakes.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Sevier
Each criminal case in the county contains several key elements. Below is what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific article of the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) under which the charges are brought |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (less serious), or Infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend the initial charge — for example, reduce a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is actively being considered by the court
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including sentence execution
Hearings
Criminal cases in Sevier County typically involve the following hearings:
- Arraignment — the first court appearance where the charges are read to the defendant
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — parties discuss procedural issues before the trial begins
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — checking compliance with the sentence conditions (e.g., probation)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue further prosecution |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Sevier
Certified copies of criminal records have legal force and are often required for employment, licensing, or immigration procedures. In Sevier County, different agencies are responsible for these records depending on the type of document.
Where to Apply
- Circuit Court Clerk — for certified copies of cases heard in Circuit Court (felonies, appeals from General Sessions)
- General Sessions Clerk — for records of misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary felony hearings
- TBI — for an official state-level criminal history check (fingerprints required)
How to Submit a Request
- In-Person — visit the appropriate office in the courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID.
- By Mail — send a written request with the full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a copy of the ID. Include payment in the form of a money order.
- Online — for state-level criminal history checks, TBI accepts electronic requests through its portal.
Contact Information
Circuit Court Clerk — Sevier County
General Sessions Clerk — Sevier County
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Sevier
Fees for copies of criminal records in Tennessee are regulated by T.C.A. § 8-21-401 and other provisions. Specific amounts may vary — check current rates directly with the clerk's office.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 | According to T.C.A. § 10-7-506 |
| Document certification | $5.00 and up | Depends on the type of document |
| Criminal history check through TBI | $29.00 | Includes fingerprint processing |
| FOIL database search (TDOC) | Free | Only information about felony convicts |
Processing Time
- In-Person — copies are usually issued the same day or within a few business days
- By Mail — from one to three weeks depending on the office's workload
- Check through TBI — may take from a few days to several weeks
Payment at court offices is accepted via money orders and generally personal checks. Confirm acceptable forms of payment before visiting or sending a request by mail.