Montgomery County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Montgomery County in 2026
MontgomeryTNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Montgomery County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, and related court data through this resource. Available record categories may include arrest logs, inmate rosters, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the disposition of the case.
Records may be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office maintains the primary booking and inmate records for individuals arrested and held in the county jail. The Jail and Inmate Services page provides access to the inmate roster search, which is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status. Members of the public may search by name to retrieve booking number, charges, bond amount, and custody status.
2. Local Police Departments
The Clarksville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Montgomery County. Arrest information may appear in press releases published on the department's official website. Members of the public may contact the Clarksville Police Department records division directly to request arrest logs or incident-related information.
Clarksville Police Department
135 Commerce St
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-0656
Clarksville Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings. Members of the public may search the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts case management system to locate court cases associated with a specific arrest. Searches may be conducted by defendant name and return case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case disposition.
Montgomery County Criminal Court Clerk
2 Millennium Plaza, Suite 101
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5703
Tennessee Courts Case Search
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a request for a criminal history record check through the TBI. Additionally, the Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) provides a publicly accessible search tool for individuals with felony convictions currently under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Correction or the Board of Parole. The FOIL search portal allows searches by name and returns offender status, conviction information, and supervision details. A fee of $29.00 applies to public criminal history record requests submitted to the TBI.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
120 Commerce St
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-0611
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and booking number. Fees for copies of records are assessed at the time of the request.
Police Departments:
Clarksville Police Department Records Division
135 Commerce St
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-0656
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Clarksville Police Department
Records requests submitted to the Clarksville Police Department are processed pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act. A fee of $0.15 per page applies to standard paper copies.
Clerk of Court:
Montgomery County Criminal Court Clerk
2 Millennium Plaza, Suite 101
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5703
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Tennessee Courts
Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Certified copies are available for a fee assessed per document.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 120 Commerce St, Clarksville, TN 37040. Each written request should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5–10 business days from receipt.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (931) 648-0611
- Clarksville Police Department: (931) 648-0656
- Phone inquiries may yield limited information; requestors are frequently directed to the online inmate roster or an in-person visit for complete records.
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available to the general public. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Clarksville PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Montgomery County
Arrest records in Montgomery County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee unless otherwise provided by law. This statutory framework reflects the state's commitment to government transparency, public safety, and community awareness.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the 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 are restricted or sealed under Tennessee law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 19, affirms freedom of the press and the public's right to access government information. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions codified in Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-504, which enumerates categories of confidential records. First Amendment protections further support press access to arrest information as a matter of public interest.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- 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 (15 U.S.C. § 1681) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Consumer reporting agencies may not report arrests that did not result in conviction after seven years in most circumstances. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between arrests and convictions when making adverse decisions.
What's in Montgomery County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public-facing records)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Clarksville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing 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
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests within the county
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charges
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: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Montgomery County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Montgomery County varies by agency and record type. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, agencies may charge fees that reflect the actual cost of producing the records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.15 per page (Clarksville PD) |
| Certified court documents | Varies by document type |
| TBI criminal history check (public) | $29.00 per request |
| Online inmate roster search | Free |
| In-person record inspection | No charge for inspection |
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and check made payable to the respective agency. Credit card acceptance varies by office.
- The Tennessee Public Records Act does not establish a uniform statewide per-page fee; individual agencies set fees based on actual duplication costs.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requestors should inquire directly with the relevant agency.
- The online inmate roster maintained by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is available at no cost and provides current booking and custody information.
- The Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup is available to the public at no charge for basic offender status searches.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Montgomery County
Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or sealing of records, and judicial sealing, which restricts public access without destruction. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though the arrest never occurred for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed or retired to the docket
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The prosecution declined to file charges (no-information)
- The individual successfully completed a diversion program
- Certain low-level misdemeanor and felony convictions, subject to eligibility criteria including completion of sentence, payment of all fines and costs, and a waiting period
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Montgomery County Criminal Court Clerk.
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge type, disposition, and applicable waiting period.
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Montgomery County Criminal Court Clerk's office.
- File the petition with the Criminal Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $350.00 for eligible convictions; no fee for dismissals and acquittals).
- Serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney General's office and the arresting agency.
- Attend any scheduled hearing; the court will grant or deny the petition.
- Upon entry of the expungement order, the clerk forwards the order to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and all relevant agencies for record destruction or sealing.
Montgomery County Criminal Court Clerk
2 Millennium Plaza, Suite 101
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5703
Tennessee Courts
District Attorney General's Office – 19th Judicial District
204 Franklin St, Suite 200
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5481
19th Judicial District DA
Following entry of an expungement order, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation updates the state criminal history repository. Third-party commercial databases are not legally required to remove expunged records, and individuals may need to contact those entities separately to request removal.
What Happens After Arrest in Montgomery County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Montgomery County Jail, located at 120 Commerce St, Clarksville, TN 37040. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and includes the following steps:
- Personal information recorded
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history and outstanding warrant checks
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
- Medical and brief mental health screening conducted
- Housing classification determined
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Tennessee law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in practice within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are reviewed
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender's Office – 19th Judicial District
108 Franklin St
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5450
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Montgomery County Jail during designated attorney visitation hours, and all consultations are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The District Attorney General's office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea. Court dates for pretrial proceedings are set at this stage.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (including drug court, mental health court, or veterans court), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by charge complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
- Felonies: May take six months to over one year
- The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 9 of the Tennessee Constitution
Important Contacts:
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
120 Commerce St
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-0611
Sheriff's Office
Montgomery County Criminal Court Clerk
2 Millennium Plaza, Suite 101
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5703
Tennessee Courts
District Attorney General's Office – 19th Judicial District
204 Franklin St, Suite 200
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5481
19th Judicial District DA
Public Defender's Office – 19th Judicial District
108 Franklin St
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5450
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- 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 Montgomery County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Montgomery County is governed by Tennessee state law and applicable local records management policies. The Tennessee Public Records Commission establishes retention schedules for government records, and law enforcement agencies are required to adhere to those schedules.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently in most cases by local law enforcement and the state criminal history repository
- Court records for misdemeanor cases are retained for a minimum of ten years under Tennessee records schedules
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years
- Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
- Records may remain in state and federal databases unless expungement is ordered
Acquittals:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years
- Court records are often retained permanently
- Eligible for expungement under Tennessee law
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of five years
- May be eligible for expungement upon petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Minimum five years
- Photographs: Retained consistent with the associated case record
Digital Records:
- Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most cases
- Mugshot databases maintained by third parties: Retention varies and is not controlled by law enforcement
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
- These entities are not subject to expungement orders and may not update records following court action
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information
Retention by Agency:
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
120 Commerce St
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-0611
Sheriff's Office
Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of five years. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case.
Clarksville Police Department
135 Commerce St
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-0656
Clarksville Police Department
Arrest records and incident reports are retained for a minimum of five years. Retention periods may vary based on charge classification and case outcome.
Montgomery County Criminal Court Clerk
2 Millennium Plaza, Suite 101
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5703
Tennessee Courts
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of ten years. Electronic court records are retained permanently.
State Repository:
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains the state's criminal history repository and retains arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions within the state. Retention is permanent for felony records and for records associated with convictions.
FBI Database:
The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest and conviction records at the federal level. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and for firearms purchase eligibility determinations.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all applicable databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not reported on most consumer background checks
- Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; the state repository is updated; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after five years; eligible for expungement petition in some circumstances
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests are available through the online inmate roster and court case search systems
- Arrests from five or more years ago may require an in-person request and may involve retrieval from archives
- Very old records may not be digitized and may require extended processing time
- Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (931) 648-0611 for information about specific historical records
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to seven years of arrest history for positions with annual compensation below $75,000. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Tennessee does not currently impose additional statewide restrictions on the reporting period for criminal records beyond federal requirements. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not reportable as convictions and must be accurately characterized in any consumer report.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (931) 648-0611 or submit a written public records request to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 120 Commerce St, Clarksville, TN 37040 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.