Criminal records in Robertson County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. RobertsonCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the county's official court systems, the Robertson County Sheriff's Office, and the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Below is a practical guide on how to search, understand, and request criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Robertson
Start with RobertsonCourt.us — here you can view public information about court cases, including charges and status. For a full search, you will need:
- The person's full name (in Latin letters)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number, if you have it
Online Search
The state-level Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) database covers individuals who were under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Correction. The search is free.
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Robertson County provides access to public court records online. Note: these records are not complete official court documents and cannot be used for legal purposes. For historical cases, the Robertson County Archives database is a useful resource, storing indexes of Circuit Court and General Sessions Court cases for various years.
In-Person Visit
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Springfield. There are terminals for public access to court records.
Written Request
You can send a request by mail to the Circuit Court Clerk's office or to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to obtain an official state-level criminal history. Include the person's full name, date of birth, and the purpose of the request in the letter. According to the Tennessee Public Records Act, citizens have the right to access public records at the state, county, and municipal levels.
Search Robertson Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Tennessee, criminal case numbers typically contain several elements:
- Filing year — a two-digit or four-digit number at the beginning
- Case type code — a letter designation indicating the category (e.g., CR for criminal cases in Circuit Court)
- Sequential number — a unique number within the year
For example, the format might look like 2024-CR-001234. If you're unsure about the format, verify it with the clerk's office. Searching by case number is the most accurate way to find a specific case, as it eliminates errors associated with identical names.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Robertson
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | Reference to the specific provision of the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) under which the charge is brought |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one during proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision has been made yet
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, a hearing is scheduled
- Disposed — the case has been resolved (verdict, closure, agreement)
- Closed — all procedures are completed, the case is archived
Hearings
Types of hearings in Robertson County criminal cases:
- Arraignment — the first meeting where the accused is informed of the charges
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — a preparatory meeting before the trial
- Sentencing — the imposition of a penalty after a guilty plea
- Review — a control meeting regarding the fulfillment of sentence conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor dropped the charge |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Robertson
Certified copies of criminal records are required for official purposes — employment, licensing, or legal proceedings. The two main sources:
- Circuit Court Clerk — issues certified copies of decisions, sentences, and other court documents stored in the county.
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) — issues an official state-level criminal history. Requests are submitted through the TBI portal or by mail with fingerprints.
What is Needed for the Request
- A valid photo ID
- The full name and date of birth of the person being inquired about
- A completed request form (check with the clerk's office)
- Payment of the applicable fee
For an in-person visit:
The Sheriff's Office can also provide information about arrests and detentions:
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Robertson
Fees for criminal records in Tennessee are regulated by state law. Below are the approximate rates set by T.C.A. § 8-21-401 and related provisions:
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification fee | $5.00 – $6.00 per document |
| Criminal history check through TBI | Depends on the type of check; usually from $29.00 |
Processing time depends on the method of submission. Requests submitted in person at the clerk's office are often processed the same day or within a few business days. Mail requests usually take one to three weeks. State-level requests to TBI may take longer, especially if fingerprint processing is required. Check the current fees and times directly with the Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Sheriff's Office before submitting a request.