Criminal records in Sullivan County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. SullivanCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the county's official court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office — and the office of the county court clerk. Below is a practical guide on how to search, understand, and request criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Sullivan
Start by determining what specific information you are looking for — details about a specific case, a criminal background check, or inmate status. This will dictate where to go.
Online Search
- SullivanCourt.us — Enter the full name of the person or the case number to find publicly available information about criminal court cases in Sullivan County.
- Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) — A free state database containing information about individuals convicted of felonies and who were or are under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Correction. Only the last name is required for the search.
- Criminal Background Check through TBI — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation offers criminal history checks for the public and organizations. Each type of check has its own rules and costs.
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Court Clerk maintains records for the Circuit Court, General Sessions Court, and Juvenile Court. You can visit the Sullivan County Justice Center in Blountville and use the public access terminals or contact the office staff directly.
Sullivan County Circuit Court Clerk
Also, the County Clerk maintains various public records created by other county offices.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the Circuit Court Clerk specifying:
- The full name of the person (first and last name)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Your contact information and the purpose of the request
For an official state-level criminal history check, send a request to TBI. Details are in the section below.
Search Sullivan Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the quickest way to find a specific record. In Tennessee, the case number format typically consists of several elements:
- Year of filing — a two-digit number indicating the year the case was filed
- Letter code for case type — for example, "CR" for Criminal cases, "GS" for General Sessions
- Sequential number — a unique numerical identifier within the year and type
Example: 24-CR-1234 indicates a criminal case filed in 2024 under number 1234. The exact format may vary slightly depending on the court — Circuit Court and General Sessions use their own numbering. If you have a case number, enter it in the search field on SullivanCourt.us to access available information about the case.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Sullivan
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of them in the context of the county's judicial system.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) under which the charges are brought |
| Severity | Felony — a serious crime with a punishment of more than a year; misdemeanor — a less serious offense; infraction/violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or add charges during the proceedings — this is reflected in the case record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting consideration
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the case is resolved (verdict rendered, closed, dismissed)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed
Types of Hearings
The case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first official hearing where the defendant learns about the charges and pleads guilty/not guilty
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — parties discuss procedural issues, possible agreements
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — checking compliance with the terms of the sentence (e.g., probation)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant is acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Acquittal after a full trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Sullivan
A certified copy of a criminal record bears the court's official seal and can be used as a legal document. Here's how to obtain it.
Through Circuit Court Clerk
The Circuit Court Clerk's office is the primary place to request certified copies of court cases. Visit in person or send a written request by mail to:
What is needed for the request:
- The full name of the person for whom the record is requested
- Date of birth or case number (if available)
- Valid photo ID (for in-person visit)
- Payment of established fees
Through Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
For a complete state-level criminal history check, contact the TBI. The bureau offers several types of checks — for the public, employers, and organizations. Each type has its own identification and application submission requirements, including the possibility of fingerprinting.
Through Sheriff's Office
The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office can provide information about arrests and detentions.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Sullivan
Fees are determined by Tennessee law and the internal rules of each office. Below are approximate amounts based on current state regulations.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $0.50 per page | Standard rate for most Tennessee court offices |
| Certification | $5.00–$6.00 per document | Added to the copying cost; confirm the exact amount with the clerk |
| Criminal history check through TBI (for the public) | $29.00 | Online request; name-based check |
| Fingerprint-based check through TBI | Depends on type | Additional FBI processing fees may apply |
Processing Times
- Copies of court documents — usually issued the same day for in-person requests, or within 5–10 business days by mail
- Check through TBI (by name) — results are received within 3–5 business days
- Fingerprint-based check — may take from several days to several weeks depending on the volume of requests
Fees may change. Before submitting a request, contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office or the relevant office to confirm current amounts and acceptable forms of payment.