Washington County Public Records / Washington County Arrest Records

Washington County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washington County in 2026

WashingtonTNRecords.us provides publicly available data related to arrest records in Washington County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking information, charge details, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and criminal case filings. This information is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Records may be searched through official resources including the county sheriff's office, clerk of court, public access terminals, and online government portals. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may view the Washington County Sheriff's Office inmate roster online, which is updated on a regular basis. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Johnson City Police Department publishes arrest-related press releases and maintains records accessible through formal public records requests. The Johnson City Police Department processes records requests through its records division. Jonesborough, the county seat, is served by the Washington County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement purposes.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Washington County Criminal Court Clerk maintains case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts case search portal by defendant name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, and court dates.

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 Criminal History Records portal. A fee of $29.00 currently applies to public criminal history requests. The database includes arrests from all jurisdictions across Tennessee.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Washington County Sheriff's Office Washington County Detention Center 107 W. Jackson Blvd., Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 788-1414 Washington County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Valid government-issued photo identification is required
Copy fees apply per page

Police Departments:

Johnson City Police Department 601 E. Main St., Johnson City, TN 37601 Phone: (423) 434-6000 Johnson City Police Department

Records requests submitted in person or by mail
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Copy fees apply per page

Clerk of Court:

Washington County Criminal Court Clerk 100 E. Main St., Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 753-1695 Washington County Courts

Criminal records division handles case file inspection
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Copy fees: $0.50 per page for standard copies; certified copies carry an additional fee

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 107 W. Jackson Blvd., Jonesborough, TN 37659. Requests should include:

Full legal name of the arrestee
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

Washington County Sheriff's Office: (423) 788-1414
Johnson City Police Department Records: (423) 434-6000
Automated systems are not currently available for arrest record inquiries
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed records are not released by phone and require in-person or written requests

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal discovery requests or subpoenas for detailed arrest records, investigative files, and police reports in connection with active legal proceedings. Records obtained through legal channels may include materials not available to the general public.

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
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Johnson City PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County

Arrest records in Washington 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 statute establishes the foundational right of public access to government-held information, including law enforcement booking records and arrest logs.

Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes:

Government transparency and accountability
Public safety awareness
Journalism and investigative reporting
Academic and policy research
Employment and tenant background screening
Legal proceedings and civil litigation

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 including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Tennessee law:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed under Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-153
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access by court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active criminal investigations
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim identifying information in applicable cases
Information pertaining to witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 19, protects freedom of the press and the public's right to access government information. Courts have consistently recognized that arrest records serve a legitimate public interest in government transparency. At the same time, Tennessee law acknowledges the privacy interests of individuals, particularly those whose charges were dismissed or who were never convicted.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
Licensing agencies and professional boards
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest alone does not establish guilt and may not be used as conclusive evidence of criminal conduct.

What's in Washington County Arrest Records

Washington County arrest records contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during the initial stages of the criminal process.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
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, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Johnson City PD, Tennessee Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Tennessee statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if applicable
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (General Sessions or Criminal Court)
Scheduled arraignment or initial appearance date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Washington County varies by agency and record type. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, custodians of public records may charge reasonable fees for copies but may not charge for the inspection of records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.15–$0.50 per page (varies by office)
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$1.00–$5.00 per document
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies; may be provided at no charge
TBI Criminal History Check (public)	$29.00 per request
Sheriff's Office booking records	$0.15 per page (standard)

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person requests)
Money order or cashier's check (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (where available at specific offices)
Personal checks may be accepted at certain offices

Fee Waiver Provisions:

Tennessee law does not mandate a blanket fee waiver for public records requests. However, indigent individuals involved in active legal proceedings may request that the court waive copy fees in connection with their case. Journalists and researchers should inquire directly with the records custodian regarding any applicable reduced-fee policies.

What Is Available at No Charge:

In-person inspection of public arrest records (no copy fee for viewing only)
Online jail roster and inmate search through the Sheriff's Office website
Online case search through the Tennessee court system portal
Press releases published by law enforcement agencies

How To Delete Arrest Records in Washington County

In Tennessee, the legal process for removing arrest records from public access is referred to as expungement, which involves the destruction or sealing of records by court order. A separate process of sealing restricts public access without destroying the underlying records. 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 filed)
The individual successfully completed a diversion program
Certain low-level misdemeanor and felony convictions, subject to eligibility criteria including completion of sentence and a waiting period

Circumstances Where Expungement Is Not Available:

Convictions for serious violent offenses
Sex offense convictions requiring registration
DUI convictions (in most circumstances)
Cases where the individual has subsequent criminal convictions

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Washington County Criminal Court Clerk
Confirm eligibility based on the disposition of the case and the nature of the charges
Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the clerk's office
File the petition with the Washington County Criminal Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $350.00 for eligible convictions; no fee for dismissals and acquittals under current law)
Serve a copy of the petition on the District Attorney General's Office
Attend the scheduled hearing if the court requires one
If granted, the court order is forwarded to the arresting agency, the TBI, and other relevant repositories for record destruction or sealing

Contact Information for Expungement:

Washington County Criminal Court Clerk 100 E. Main St., Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 753-1695 Washington County Courts

District Attorney General's Office – First Judicial District 109 E. Main St., Suite 10, Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 542-1820 First Judicial District Attorney General

Washington County Public Defender's Office 100 E. Main St., Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 753-1631 Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may apply for representation through the Public Defender's Office for expungement matters related to their original case. Private attorneys specializing in criminal record clearing are also available through the Tennessee Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.

What Happens After Arrest in Washington County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Washington County, the arrested individual is transported to the Washington County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability. The individual remains handcuffed during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before departure.

Washington County Detention Center 107 W. Jackson Blvd., Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 788-1414 Washington County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention center, 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 to the TBI and FBI
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Tennessee law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. The initial appearance serves the following purposes:

Formal notification of charges
Appointment of public defender for indigent defendants
Bond and bail determination
Advisement of constitutional rights

Initial appearances in Washington County may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount paid in cash to the court or detention facility
Refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable court costs
Amount set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or by a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

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

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

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

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond
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:

Conditions imposed at the time of release may include:

Regular check-in 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 after bond payment
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 individual remains in custody at the Washington County Detention Center
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation covers commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Eligibility for public defender representation is based on financial need. Applications are submitted through the court at the initial appearance.

Washington County Public Defender's Office 100 E. Main St., Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 753-1631 Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. Attorney visitation at the Washington County Detention Center is conducted in designated confidential consultation areas. Referrals are available through the Tennessee Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney General's Office for the First Judicial District reviews the arrest and determines whether to proceed with formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may:

File a formal information or present the case to a grand jury for indictment
Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
Decline to prosecute and dismiss the matter
File different or additional charges beyond those listed at booking

District Attorney General's Office – First Judicial District 109 E. Main St., Suite 10, Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 542-1820 First Judicial District Attorney General

Grand Jury (Felony Cases):

Felony charges in Tennessee are presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are not open to the public, and defense counsel is not present during deliberations.

Arraignment:

Following indictment or the filing of a formal information, the defendant is arraigned in Criminal Court. At arraignment:

Formal charges are read
The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere
The majority of defendants enter an initial not guilty plea
Future 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 and video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled before the assigned judge.

Pretrial conferences bring together the attorneys and the court to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or nolo contendere plea to agreed-upon charges, with a negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.

Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose:

Incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction or local jail
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
A combination of the above

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence of incarceration. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 48–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved in General Sessions Court, often within weeks to a few months
Felonies: May take six months to over a year from arrest to resolution
Tennessee's constitutional right to a speedy trial applies throughout the process

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Washington County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 107 W. Jackson Blvd., Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 788-1414 Inmate Information: (423) 788-1414 Washington County Sheriff's Office

Washington County Criminal Court Clerk 100 E. Main St., Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 753-1695 Washington County Courts

District Attorney General's Office – First Judicial District 109 E. Main St., Suite 10, Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 542-1820 First Judicial District Attorney General

Washington County Public Defender's Office 100 E. Main St., Jonesborough, TN 37659 Phone: (423) 753-1631 Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

What to Do If 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 retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail arrangements
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washington County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Washington County is governed by Tennessee state law and applicable local records management policies. The Tennessee Public Records Commission establishes retention schedules for government records, including law enforcement and court records. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, TBI criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without a time limitation

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in most Tennessee repositories
Court records for misdemeanor cases are maintained by the General Sessions Court Clerk
State repository retains records indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years under standard Tennessee retention schedules
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
State TBI repository retains the record unless an expungement order is received

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years
Court records are often retained permanently
The individual may petition for expungement following acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of five years
Local arrest logs are retained according to the applicable retention schedule
Individuals may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years
These cases are among the most straightforward for expungement eligibility

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Minimum five years
Fingerprint cards: Retained per TBI policy, often permanently
Booking photographs: Retained per agency policy, often five or more years
Physical evidence: Retention varies based on case outcome and evidence type

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three to five years
Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency
Court electronic records: Often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregator websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies are required to maintain accuracy in their records, but they are not automatically notified when a government agency expunges or seals a record. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact third-party websites separately to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies based on case type and outcome
Contact: (423) 788-1414

Police Departments:

Arrest records: Minimum five years (Johnson City PD and other municipal agencies)
Incident reports: Minimum five years
Retention policies may vary slightly between departments

Clerk of Court:

Felony criminal case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Often permanent

State Repository: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains the state's criminal history repository and retains arrest records from all jurisdictions in Tennessee. The TBI's retention policy provides for permanent retention of records associated with convictions and indefinite retention of arrest records pending expungement orders. Members of the public may access TBI criminal history information through the TBI Criminal History Records portal.

FBI Database: The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Tennessee agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all major databases and appear on background checks without a standard time limitation.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the individual obtains an expungement order. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but may appear as arrest records.

Expungement: Following a court-ordered expungement under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, local law enforcement and the TBI are required to destroy or seal the applicable records. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. Removal from third-party databases requires separate action by the individual.

No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest standard retention periods and may be purged automatically after five years. Individuals may request immediate expungement in appropriate circumstances.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (Last Five Years):

Available online through the Sheriff's Office inmate search and the Tennessee court case portal
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests (Five to Twenty Years Ago):

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

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (423) 788-1414 for availability

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or in accordance with the Tennessee records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony conviction records, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and records in cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Tennessee does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain regulated industries, and employers are advised to consult applicable federal and state guidance when evaluating arrest records.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (423) 788-1414 or submit a written public records request to 107 W. Jackson Blvd., Jonesborough, TN 37659. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.