Overton County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Overton County in 2026
OvertonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Overton 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, booking photographs, bond information, criminal case filings, and inmate rosters. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not represent complete criminal histories.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Overton County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Overton County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster for individuals held at the county detention facility. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond status. Members of the public may access current inmate information through the Overton County, Tennessee official website.
2. Local Police Departments
The Livingston Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Overton County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information may be obtained by contacting the department directly. The department periodically publishes arrest information through official channels.
Livingston Police Department
315 E. Main Street
Livingston, TN 38570
Phone: (931) 823-1282
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Overton 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 information, and hearing dates.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. A fee of $29.00 applies to public criminal history record requests submitted through the TBI. The Tennessee Felony Offender Information database is available at no cost for searching felony offenders who are or have been in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Overton County Sheriff's Office
317 E. University Street
Livingston, TN 38570
Phone: (931) 823-1182
Overton County Sheriff's Office
- Records division is located at the main office address above
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
- Fees for copies: $0.15 per page for standard copies
Clerk of Court:
Overton County Circuit Court Clerk
317 E. University Street
Livingston, TN 38570
Phone: (931) 823-5630
Tennessee Courts
- Criminal records division is located within the courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Case file inspection is available during regular business hours
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page for certified copies; $0.15 per page for standard copies
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Overton County Sheriff's Office at 317 E. University Street, Livingston, TN 38570. Requests should include the following:
- 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 for mailed requests is two to four weeks depending on volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (931) 823-1182
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Phone inquiries provide limited information; requestors 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 processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. 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, Livingston Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Overton County
Arrest records in Overton County are public records subject to disclosure under Tennessee's open records law. Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee unless otherwise provided by law. Arrest records are maintained as public documents to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, and provide information relevant to background screening and 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
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and 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
- Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of ongoing proceedings
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure
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. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions codified in Tennessee law. First Amendment protections support press access to arrest records, while due process considerations recognize that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- 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:
Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). 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 without a resulting conviction does not establish criminal liability.
What's in Overton 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
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public disclosures
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
- Booking date, time, and booking number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or 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 and judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements and victim information
- Evidence collected and investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted from public disclosures)
- 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 that occur after an arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Overton County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Overton County depends on the type of record requested and the office from which it is obtained. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-506, custodians of public records may charge reasonable fees for copies but may not charge for the inspection of records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Court) | $0.50 per page |
| TBI criminal history record check (public) | $29.00 per request |
| Tennessee Felony Offender Information search | No charge |
| Inspection of records (in person) | No charge |
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective office
- Electronic format fees may apply for records provided on digital media
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest; requestors should submit a written waiver request to the records custodian
- Inspection of public records in person is available at no cost during regular business hours
How To Delete Arrest Records in Overton County
Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and, when granted, requires the destruction or removal of the arrest record from public databases.
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101, individuals may petition for expungement in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in charges being filed
- The charges were dismissed by the court
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The individual successfully completed a diversion program
- The individual was convicted of a qualifying low-level offense and has met all conditions of the sentence, including a waiting period
Individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors and Class E felonies may be eligible for expungement after completing their sentence and satisfying a mandatory waiting period. Serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and offenses involving minors are not eligible for expungement under current Tennessee law.
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Overton County Circuit Court Clerk
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge type and case disposition
- Complete the petition for expungement form available through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts
- File the petition with the Overton County Circuit Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $350.00 for eligible convictions; no fee for dismissed charges or acquittals)
- Serve a copy of the petition on the District Attorney General's Office
- Attend any scheduled hearing on the petition
- If granted, the court order is forwarded to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies for record removal
Overton County Circuit Court Clerk
317 E. University Street
Livingston, TN 38570
Phone: (931) 823-5630
Tennessee Courts
District Attorney General, 13th Judicial District
1 Public Square, Suite 201
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1252
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference
What Happens After Arrest in Overton County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Overton County Jail located at 317 E. University Street, Livingston, TN 38570. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a standardized intake process that includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Inventory and storage of personal property
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.
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 those who qualify
- Bond or bail is determined
- The individual is advised of their rights
Hearings may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances. Court schedules are available through the Tennessee Courts case management system.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash
- The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
- Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate according to a bond schedule
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Tennessee law
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
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 status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk
No Bond:
- The individual is held without bond when charged with serious violent offenses, when assessed as a flight risk or danger to the community, when on probation or parole, or when subject to an immigration hold or out-of-state warrant
Conditions of Release:
Release conditions may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, 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 takes approximately one to eight hours
- Personal property is returned
- A written court date and conditions of release are provided
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody pending trial or case resolution
- Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, and visitation schedule information are provided
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is based on income and is determined at the initial appearance.
Overton County Public Defender's Office (13th Judicial District)
1 Public Square
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1252
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Tennessee Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits at the jail are confidential and may be arranged through the facility.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The District Attorney General's Office for the 13th Judicial District reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on case complexity.
Grand Jury (Felonies):
Felony charges in Tennessee may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. A grand jury indictment is required for certain serious felony charges.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea, and subsequent court dates are set.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
- Discovery involves the exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery
- Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution and trial readiness
- Plea negotiations may result in a reduced charge or agreed sentencing recommendation
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects; dismissed charges may be eligible for expungement
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, 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 in exchange for an agreed disposition
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial; a verdict of not guilty results in immediate release
Sentencing (If Convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programs. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 48 to 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: May take six months to two or more years
- 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
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- 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:
Overton County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
317 E. University Street
Livingston, TN 38570
Phone: (931) 823-1182
Overton County, Tennessee
Overton County Circuit Court Clerk
317 E. University Street
Livingston, TN 38570
Phone: (931) 823-5630
Tennessee Courts
District Attorney General, 13th Judicial District
1 Public Square, Suite 201
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1252
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference
Public Defender's Office, 13th Judicial District
1 Public Square
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-1252
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference
What to Do If You're 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 members, or anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Overton County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Overton County is governed by state law and the policies of the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The Tennessee Public Records Commission establishes records retention schedules applicable to county law enforcement agencies and courts. Members of the public may consult the Tennessee State Library and Archives for applicable retention schedules.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of ten years
- The state repository retains records permanently
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years
- Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- Records may remain in state and local databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement
Acquittals:
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
- Court records are often retained permanently
- Records may be eligible for expungement under Tennessee law
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Arrest logs may be retained for five or more years
- Individuals may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable state retention schedule
- Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period
- Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Records management system entries are often retained permanently
- Court electronic records are retained permanently in most cases
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information
Retention by Agency:
Overton County Sheriff's Office
317 E. University Street
Livingston, TN 38570
Phone: (931) 823-1182
Overton County, Tennessee
- Booking records: Minimum five years for non-conviction arrests; permanent for felony convictions
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies by offense classification and case outcome
Overton County Circuit Court Clerk
317 E. University Street
Livingston, TN 38570
Phone: (931) 823-5630
Tennessee Courts
- 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
- The TBI maintains the state criminal history repository and retains records from all jurisdictions in Tennessee
- Retention policy follows state law and federal reporting requirements
FBI Database:
- The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records that are accessible to law enforcement nationwide
- Federal retention is permanent for most criminal history records
- These records are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported on standard employment background checks
- Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from all systems takes several weeks to months following the court order
- No Charges Filed: Records have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after three to five years; immediate expungement may be available
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests are available online through the Sheriff's Office inmate roster and the court case management system
- Arrests from five or more years ago may require an in-person request and may involve retrieval from archives
- Very old arrests may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form; some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
- Requestors seeking historical records should contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (931) 823-1182
Destruction of Records:
Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or pursuant to the records retention schedule approved by the Tennessee Public Records Commission. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the custodial agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offense records, and sex offense records, may not be destroyed.
Impact on Background Checks:
- Standard employment background checks under the FCRA cover a seven-year period for most positions, though positions with salaries above $75,000 annually are not subject to this limitation
- Tennessee does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years
- Arrests without convictions may not be reported on background checks in certain circumstances
- Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases, and individuals should monitor their records following a granted expungement petition
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Overton County Sheriff's Records Division at (931) 823-1182 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 may be required to obtain specific information about a record's status. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.