Criminal records in Rutherford County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. RutherfordCourt.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 sheriff's office — and the Circuit Court Clerk's office. State-level online tools, such as the Tennessee Felony Offender Information database, also provide access to certain categories of records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Rutherford
There are several ways to search for criminal records in this county. Each is suitable for different situations.
Online Search
- RutherfordCourt.us — enter the person's first and last name to find publicly available court records in Rutherford County.
- Tennessee Felony Offender Information (FOIL) — a state database containing information about individuals who have been or are under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Correction. Searches can be conducted by name or State ID.
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) — through TBI, you can order an official state-level criminal history check.
- Murfreesboro Police Records Section — for obtaining police reports created by the city police.
To start a search, you typically need: the person's full name (last name and first name), date of birth, or case number.
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Court Clerk's office (criminal division) maintains all Circuit Criminal Court case records. You can visit the office in the courthouse in Murfreesboro and request access to a specific case. Public access terminals may be available on-site.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office also maintains records related to arrests and warrants. The Criminal Warrants Division processes information regarding criminal warrants.
Written Request
A request for criminal records can be sent by mail to the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Include in the letter:
- The full name of the person being inquired about
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- A copy of the requester's ID
- Payment of applicable fees
For an official state-level criminal history check, the request is submitted to TBI.
Search Rutherford Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Tennessee, criminal case numbers have a structured format. A typical case number in Circuit Criminal Court might look like this:
- Letter Prefix — indicates the type of case (e.g., "CR" for a criminal case, "F" for a felony)
- Year — a two-digit or four-digit designation of the year the case was opened
- Sequential Number — a unique number within the year and case type
For example, a number like CR-2024-01234 indicates a criminal case registered in 2024 with a sequential number of 01234. If you have the exact number, the search is significantly expedited — both in the clerk's office and through online tools. Without a case number, the clerk can conduct a search by the defendant's name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Rutherford
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) under which charges are brought |
| Severity Level | Felony (a serious crime), Misdemeanor (a less serious crime), or Infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend the initial charge — reduce its severity or add new counts |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is awaiting consideration, a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — the case has been resolved (a verdict has been rendered, closed, or dismissed)
- Closed — all procedures have been completed, including the execution of the sentence
Types of Court Hearings
- Arraignment — the first official presentation of charges; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — a procedural hearing before the start of the trial
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea
- Review — checking compliance with the terms of the sentence (e.g., probation)
The hearing schedule is available through the Circuit Court calendar.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty after trial |
| Dismissed | The case was closed by the prosecutor or court without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Acquitted — the court or jury found no guilt |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Rutherford
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions as proof. In Rutherford County, the Circuit Court Clerk's office is responsible for issuing such copies.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the Circuit Court Clerk's office in the courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the defendant's full name, case number (if known), a copy of your ID, and payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check.
For a state-level criminal history check, contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which conducts official background checks by fingerprints.
Contact Information
Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk — Criminal Division
For Murfreesboro city police reports, contact the Murfreesboro Police Records Section:
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Rutherford
Fees for criminal records in Tennessee are regulated by state law, including T.C.A. § 8-21-401 and related provisions. Specific amounts may vary depending on the type of document.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of Court Record (per page) | $0.50 per page (standard rate under TN law) |
| Certification | Additional fee for court seal — usually $2.00–$5.00 per document |
| Official TBI Background Check | Depends on the type of check; contact TBI for current rates |
| Copy of Police Report (Murfreesboro PD) | Check directly with the Records Section |
Processing Time
- In Person — copies are usually issued the same day or within a few business days
- By Mail — processing may take 5 to 15 business days, depending on the clerk's office workload
- TBI Background Check — electronic checks are processed faster; fingerprint checks may take several weeks
Before sending a request by mail, it is recommended to call the Circuit Court Clerk's office to confirm current fees and acceptable forms of payment.