Monroe County Public Records / Monroe County Arrest Records

Monroe County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Monroe County in 2026

MonroeTNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Monroe County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, mugshots, bond information, and criminal case filings. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official government sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Records may be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a jail roster for individuals currently held at the Monroe County Jail. The Monroe County inmate roster is updated regularly and includes each detainee's last name, first name, MCJ booking number, and date of entry. The roster reflects current custody status and is available for public inspection without charge. Search capabilities are limited to name-based lookups within the posted document.

2. Local Police Departments

The Madisonville Police Department and Sweetwater Police Department serve incorporated municipalities within Monroe County. Both departments may release arrest information through press releases or public records requests. Members of the public may contact each department directly to inquire about available arrest logs or incident-based press releases.

Madisonville Police Department
117 College Street
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-3911
City of Madisonville

Sweetwater Police Department
101 S. Main Street
Sweetwater, TN 37874
Phone: (423) 337-7191
City of Sweetwater

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Monroe County Circuit and General Sessions Courts maintain criminal case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search case records through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts case management portal. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated court case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions. Court records provide the most complete picture of legal proceedings following an arrest.

Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk
105 College Street, Suite 1
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-2396
Tennessee Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the state's criminal history repository. The Tennessee Felony Offender Information database allows members of the public to search for individuals who are or have been in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction. This resource includes felony offenders statewide and provides offense information, sentence data, and current supervision status. A fee may apply for certified criminal history reports requested directly from the TBI.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (615) 744-4000
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
103 College Street
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-3911
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Individuals requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Tennessee public records law.

Clerk of Court:
Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk
105 College Street, Suite 1
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-2396
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Copy fees apply per page for reproduced documents.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at 103 College Street, Madisonville, TN 37354. Each written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (423) 442-3911 during regular business hours. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by telephone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and evidence inventories are accessible through the discovery process in active litigation.

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)
Location of arrest (which jurisdiction)

Are Arrest Records Public in Monroe County

Arrest records in Monroe County are public records subject to disclosure under the Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, which establishes that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee unless otherwise provided by law. Arrest records are made public to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, enable background screening, and provide documentation for legal proceedings.

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
Current 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 an ongoing case
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 supports public access to government records. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions within the Tennessee Public Records Act. First Amendment principles support press access to booking information and court proceedings. Due process considerations inform the distinction between arrest records and records of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public and Tennessee citizens
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing 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 made through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA adverse action procedures. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a record of conviction; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may be subject to challenge under federal equal employment opportunity guidance.

What's in Monroe 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 limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, etc.)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Tennessee statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each 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 records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or General Sessions Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including state and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Monroe County?

Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, the custodian of public records may charge a reasonable fee for copies of public records. Current standard fees applicable to Monroe County arrest records are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.15 per page
Inspection of records	No charge
Certified copies	Varies by office
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by format and volume
Search fee	Not permitted under Tennessee law

Accepted payment methods at the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order made payable to the respective office. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only to reproduced copies. Fee waiver provisions may apply to indigent requesters or members of the media in certain circumstances; requesters should inquire directly with the records custodian. Certified criminal history reports requested through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation carry a separate fee schedule established by the TBI.

What Is Available at No Cost:

In-person inspection of public arrest records
Online review of the Monroe County jail roster
Online review of court case information through the Tennessee Courts portal
Online review of the Tennessee Felony Offender Information database

How To Delete Arrest Records in Monroe County

Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or sealing of records, and judicial sealing, which restricts public access without destruction. Expungement is the more complete remedy and is governed by Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, which sets forth the eligibility criteria and procedures applicable to Monroe County residents.

Eligibility for Expungement in Tennessee:

Charges that were dismissed, retired, or nolle prossed
Arrests where no charges were filed
Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
Certain misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period
Certain low-level felony convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period (as expanded under Tennessee's expungement reform statutes)
Diversion program completions

Ineligibility:

Most violent felony convictions
Sex offense convictions requiring registration
DUI convictions
Cases with pending charges or active supervision

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk.
Confirm eligibility under Tennessee expungement statutes.
Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk's office.
File the petition with the Monroe County Circuit Court or General Sessions Court, as applicable.
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $350 for eligible convictions; no fee for dismissed charges or acquittals).
Serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney General's Office for the 10th Judicial District.
Attend any scheduled hearing.
Upon entry of the expungement order, the court notifies the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies to update or destroy records accordingly.

Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk
105 College Street, Suite 1
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-2396
Tennessee Courts – Expungement Information

10th Judicial District Attorney General's Office
103 College Street
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-3981
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

Individuals who cannot afford private legal counsel may contact the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands or the Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers Project for assistance with expungement petitions.

What Happens After Arrest in Monroe County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Monroe County Jail, operated by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. The facility is located at 103 College Street, Madisonville, TN 37354. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The arrested person remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Monroe County Jail, 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 given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
Outstanding warrants check conducted
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Tennessee law, an arrested person must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and within 72 hours of arrest for most offenses. The initial appearance serves to:

Formally notify the defendant of the charges
Determine eligibility for appointed counsel (public defender)
Set bond or bail
Advise the defendant of rights

Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility. Court schedules are available through the Tennessee Courts case management system.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount paid in cash to the jail or clerk's office
Refunded at case conclusion, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or per a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

Defendant held without bond pending further proceedings
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
Written court date and conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a capias warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The defendant remains in custody at the Monroe County Jail
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance. The Tennessee District Public Defender for the 10th Judicial District serves Monroe County.

10th Judicial District Public Defender's Office
103 College Street
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-3981
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The Tennessee Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Monroe County Jail during designated visitation hours, and consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney General's Office for the 10th Judicial District reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. Options available to the prosecutor include filing a formal information or seeking a grand jury indictment, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different or additional charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest.

Grand Jury (Felonies):

Felony charges in Tennessee may be initiated by grand jury indictment. The grand jury meets to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. A true bill results in a formal indictment; a no-bill results in dismissal of the charges.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas in Tennessee include not guilty, guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow counsel and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a reduced charge or agreed sentencing recommendation.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
Plea Agreement: Defendant enters a guilty or no contest plea to agreed charges with a negotiated sentence
Trial: Jury trial or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by charge complexity
Misdemeanors: Typically resolved within weeks to a few months
Felonies: Typically resolved within several months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under Article I, Section 9 of the Tennessee Constitution

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:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
103 College Street
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-3911
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk
105 College Street, Suite 1
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-2396
Tennessee Courts

10th Judicial District Attorney General's Office
103 College Street
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-3981
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

10th Judicial District Public Defender's Office
103 College Street
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-3981
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

What to Do If You Are Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Monroe County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Monroe County is governed by Tennessee state law and the records retention schedules established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Under Tennessee's public records framework, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for minimum periods established by the applicable retention schedule. The Tennessee Public Records Commission oversees compliance with these requirements.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Permanent retention is required regardless of the passage of time

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the court clerk
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years, with many agencies maintaining records permanently in digital systems
State repository retains records permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of five years under Tennessee retention schedules
Court records: Retained permanently in electronic case management systems
State repository: Records remain unless expungement is ordered
Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement: Minimum five-year retention
Court records: Permanent retention in electronic systems
Eligible for expungement under Tennessee law upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum five-year retention at the local level
Arrest logs: Retained per applicable schedule
May be eligible for expungement petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per Tennessee State Library and Archives schedules, minimum five years for non-conviction records
Photographs: Retained in digital systems, often indefinitely

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum two to five years depending on incident type
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Permanent retention in the Tennessee Courts case management system

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate and current information, but enforcement varies

Retention by Agency:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office:
103 College Street
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-3911
Booking records and arrest reports: Minimum five years for non-conviction records; permanent for conviction records

Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk:
105 College Street, Suite 1
Madisonville, TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-2396
Felony case files: Permanent; misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years; electronic records: Permanent

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (State Repository):
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (615) 744-4000
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Maintains criminal history records for all arrests statewide; retention is permanent for conviction records and subject to expungement orders for non-conviction records

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records permanently
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all applicable databases
Reported on background checks indefinitely under Tennessee law
No automatic removal mechanism

Dismissal:

Remains in databases unless expungement is obtained
Consumer reporting agencies subject to FCRA may not report dismissed charges after seven years in certain employment contexts

Expungement:

Local records physically destroyed or sealed per court order
TBI updates the state criminal history repository
FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
Removal from third-party commercial databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action by the individual

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Monroe County jail roster and Tennessee Courts case search
Updated regularly

Older Arrests (More Than Five Years Ago):

May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Court Clerk
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be longer for archived materials

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (423) 442-3911 for specific inquiries

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard Background Check Period:

Most employment background checks conducted through consumer reporting agencies cover seven years of non-conviction records under the FCRA
Convictions may be reported indefinitely
Tennessee does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for convictions beyond federal FCRA requirements

Important Notes:

Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party commercial databases
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed and expunged records for law enforcement purposes
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal jurisdiction with different retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to separate, more restrictive retention and access rules under Tennessee law