What are Marion County Public Records?
According to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, Marion County public records encompass all records produced or received by a local entity as required by law to transact a public business, including papers, documents, maps, letters, books, etc. The law obliges Marion County government agencies to allow the public access to records that are not considered confidential or sensitive. These confidential/sensitive records include:
- Security records, including information on assessments, procedures, systems, or plans if public disclosure can negatively affect public safety or welfare
- Circulation and registration records of the college, public school, university, or public libraries
- Subpoenas used for confidential proceedings under the Tennessee Rules of Disciplinary Procedure
- Information obtained by the Tennessee Exchange Commission from an applicant
- Sealed or exempted court records, including adoption records, juvenile records, mental proceeding records, and criminal records of a sex offense if the victim is a minor
- 911 audio recordings
- Parts of records that disclose the identity of a confidential informant
- Confidential hospital records
- Birth records not older than 125 years after the birth date
- Death records not older than 25 years after the death date
- Case records of public welfare recipients or applicants
- Records protected by law
Public records are typically available through the state custodians and local repositories usually maintained by county offices.
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Marion County Crime Statistics
The 2020 crime data published by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) shows that Marion County recorded 669 total crime incidents and had a 33.33% clearance rate. Out of the total number of crimes, the county had no murder or arson, 3 rapes, 101 aggravated assaults, 38 burglaries, 2 robberies, 107 motor vehicle thefts, and 50 larcenies.
On the other hand, the 2019 report showed that Marion County had 558 crime incidents and a 38.35% clearance rate. Specifically, the county recorded no murder, 3 rapes, 77 aggravated assaults, 45 burglaries, 1 robbery, 3 arson, 89 motor vehicle thefts, and 60 larcenies.
Are Marion County Criminal Records Public?
Yes. In Marion County, criminal records are public records that contain information on an individual's arrests, convictions, and incarcerations. Such records are maintained by state and local law enforcement agencies.
Individuals requesting a criminal record at the county level can contact the applicable police department or the Marion County sheriff's office. Anyone requesting these records at state level can search the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's TORIS website with the first or last name of the record owner. Requesters must pay a $29 fee per request. This fee is non-refundable.
Requestors can also contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at their headquarters and any of the two offices in East Tennessee:
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Headquarters
901 R. S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (515) 744-4000
Cookeville Field Office
1810 Foreman Drive
Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: (931) 526-5041
Chattanooga Field Office
6040 Century Oaks Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37416
Phone: (423) 634-3044
How to Obtain Marion County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Anyone interested in police reports and arrest records in Marion County can contact the applicable police department or the sheriff's office at the addresses below:
Jasper Police Department
4460 Main Street
Jasper, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 942-3805
Kimball Police Department
695 Main Street
Kimball, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 837-0007
New Hope Police Department
P.O. Box 168
South Pittsburg, TN 37380
Phone: (423) 837-8666
Powells Crossroads Police Department
140 Alvin York Highway
Powells Crossroads, TN 37397
Phone: (423) 658-6582
South Pittsburg Police Department
205 Elm Avenue
South Pittsburg, TN 37380
Phone: (423) 837-5003
Fax: (423) 837-0268
Whitwell Police Department
13671 Highway 28
P.O. Box 610
Whitwell, TN 37397
Phone: (423) 658-5151
Fax: (423) 658-2482
Marion County Sheriff's Office
5 North Oak Street
Jasper, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 942-2525
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Marion County
In Marion County, a sex offender registry is a public database that contains information on people convicted of sex crimes. The registry reveals the offenders' names, photographs, addresses, offense descriptions, and more to allow the public to stay well-informed about possible community dangers.
People can obtain sex offender information in Marion County at the sheriff's office or via the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry. Criminal justice agencies update this registry using the information that the sex offenders provide. Usually, a sex offender registers within ten days of being released from jail.
How to Find Marion County Inmate Records
Individuals who require an inmate's record in Marion County can call the county jail at (423) 942-2525. They can also visit the sheriff's department. Requesters may provide information such as the inmate's full name, date booked, photograph, and charges to allow the sheriff's office to identify the record quickly.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Marion County Jail
Members of the public can visit inmates at the Marion County jail, but the jail administration does not permit contact visits. Instead, one must use a glass partition or video call to visit their inmate of interest. Below are the rules that visitors must follow:
- Visitors under age 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian unless they visit a parent.
- All visitors must have acceptable identification and submit to a search at the jail facility.
- Visitors under the influence of alcohol are not accepted.
- Visitors must be well dressed. Those with inappropriate dressing will not be let in.
- No items can be brought in during visits.
- Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, at least one hour before the scheduled time, to have the best visiting experience.
Visitation at the Marion County jail runs from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Interested persons can obtain other visitation information and rules by calling the jail at (423) 942-2525.
Marion County Court Records
The Marion County court system features a Circuit Court, Chancery Court, General Sessions Court, Juvenile Court, and Municipal Court. The Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction. The court hears civil and criminal cases and appeals from the juvenile, municipal, and general session courts. The court's jurisdiction overlaps with the Chancery Court. The Circuit Court is located at the following address:
Marion County Justice Center
5 Oak Avenue
P.O. Box 789
Jasper, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 942-2134
The Marion County Chancery Court is a court of equity based on the English system. The court handles various issues, including lawsuits, contract disputes, adoption, workers' compensation, applications for injunctions, divorce, and name changes. (Divorce, adoption, and workers' compensation cases can also be heard at the Circuit Court.) Below is the Chancery Court's address:
Marion County Justice Center
5 Oak Avenue
Jasper, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 942-2601
The Marion County General Session Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. The court hears criminal and civil cases. However, the court's civil jurisdiction is restricted to specific monetary limits and types of action. Meanwhile, its criminal jurisdiction is limited to preliminary hearings in felony cases and misdemeanor trials where a defendant relinquishes the right to a grand jury investigation and trial by jury in the Circuit Court. The court can be contacted at:
Marion County General Session Court
5 Oak Avenue
P.O. Box 789
Jasper, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 942-2134
The Marion County Juvenile Court is a court of limited jurisdiction that deals exclusively with cases involving minors. This court is located at:
Courthouse Annex
24 Courthouse Square
Jasper, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 942-9444
Lastly, the Municipal Court in Marion County has jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances. The municipal court judge has the power to assess fines up to $50 and jail sentences up to 30 days. There are four municipal courts in Marion County. The addresses of these courthouses are listed below.
Jasper Municipal Court
4460 Main Street
Jasper, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 942-3180
Kimball City Court
675 Main Street
Kimball, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 837-7040
South Pittsburg City Court
204 West 3rd Street
South Pittsburg, TN 37380
Phone: (423) 837-5012
Fax: (423) 837-7303
Whitwell Municipal Court
13671 Highway 28
Whitwell, TN 37397
Phone: (423) 658-5151 ext. 2
Are Marion County Court Records Public?
Yes. Marion County court records are official documents containing information about criminal, traffic, and civil court proceedings. All courts in Marion County produce these records, which are public records under the Tennessee Public Records Act. Anyone interested in court records in Marion County should first locate the court that heard the case and then submit a public record request to the clerk of the respective courthouse. A copying fee of $0.50 per page applies to court record duplications.
How to Obtain Marion County Civil Court Case Records
In Marion County, individuals can obtain a civil court case record from the clerk of the court having jurisdiction over the case. Interested individuals can request via mail or in person. An individual sending in a mail request must include details that can be used to search for the record, such as the litigant's name, case number, and the hearing date. The person must also include the cost for the record if requesting copies.
How to Obtain Marion County Criminal Court Records
A Marion County criminal court record can be obtained from the court that heard the criminal case. After determining the specific court that heard a case, individuals can contact the court clerk in person or via mail for information on how to obtain the records and the exact fee payable.
What are Marion County Vital Records
Vital records are records of life events maintained by government authorities. These records include marriage licenses, birth certificates, divorce certificates, and death certificates. In some regions, vital records include records of domestic partnerships or civil unions. Anyone interested in vital records in Marion County can contact the Marion County Recorder's Office or the Tennessee Vital Records Office.
Where and How to Obtain Marion County Divorce Records
Divorce records are official documents that show that a marriage has been legally terminated. The records also contain information about the court process that led to the dissolution of the marriage. Anyone interested in divorce records in Marion County must be either a spouse in the marriage or a person with a legitimate or direct claim.
Since the court system handles divorces, an interested individual can reach out to the specific court that heard the case for the record. The record seeker can contact the clerk of that court for the request process and fee (if applicable) or contact the County Recorder's Office for divorce records at the address below.
Marion County Register of Deeds
1 Court Square
P.O. Box 789
Jasper, TN 37347
Phone: (423) 942-2573
Fax: (423) 942-8012
Marion County divorce records are also obtainable via mail or in person from the Tennessee Vital Records Office at the address below.
Tennessee Office of Vital Records
1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Requesters must submit a signed application form for divorce or annulment records, a $15 fee per copy, and a government-issued photo ID to the Vital Records Office.
Where and How to Get Marion County Marriage Records
In Marion County, marriage records are documents containing information on marriage unions that occurred in the county. These records include marriage licenses, registries, certificates, and marriage records indexes. A marriage record is very important as it proves the validity and legality of a marriage.
Anyone interested in Marion County marriage records should submit the application form for a marriage certificate, a valid government-issued ID, and a $15 fee to the Tennessee Office of Vital Records. The request can be submitted in person or via mail. The fee can be paid via check or money order.
However, only persons named on the original certificate or directly linked with the named person, e.g., a spouse or child, can access Marion County marriage records from the Vital Records Office. People not connected to the certificate holder can request a transcript of the record by applying for verification of marriage facts via mail. This application attracts a $15 fee payable to the agency.
Where and How to Get Marion County Confidential Marriage Records
Marion County marriage certificates are confidential to parties not connected to the spouses. Hence, only related people can request such marriage records from the official custodian: the Tennessee Office of Vital Records. The public can only obtain a transcript of the records from the department. However, once 50 years go by from the date of a marriage, its record becomes public and available through the Tennessee State Library and Archives.
Where and How to Find Marion County Birth Records
A Marion County birth record is a document that certifies that a person was born in the county. The record may be the original document revealing the circumstances of the birth or a certified copy of the registration of that birth.
Anyone interested in obtaining a birth record in Marion County can contact any of the following departments by mail or in person.
- The county recorder's office
- The Tennessee Vital Record Office to submit a signed application form that costs $15
Record seekers must note that they require a government-issued photo ID to submit a request.
Where and How to Find Marion County Death Records
Only persons with a direct interest or a court order from a court with appropriate jurisdiction can access the certified death records from Marion County. The public can only access the non-certified copies.
Interested individuals can query the county recorder's office or the Tennessee Vital Records Office by submitting a signed application form, $15, and a government-issued photo ID via mail or in person.
