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Henry County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Henry County in 2026

HenryTNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Henry County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, felony offender data, and public records requests. Information presented reflects what government agencies make available and may not represent a complete or final account of any individual's legal history.

Records may be searched through official government resources, the Henry County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Henry County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may use the Henry County Sheriff's inmate search to locate individuals currently in custody. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis, with current bookings reflected within 24 hours of processing.

2. Local Police Departments

The Paris Police Department serves the county seat and issues press releases containing arrest information for notable incidents. Members of the public may contact the Paris Police Department directly to request arrest logs or incident reports. The department processes public records requests in accordance with the Tennessee Public Records Act.

Paris Police Department
112 E. Wood St.
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-1401
City of Paris, Tennessee

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Henry County Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case files linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search case records by the arrestee's name to identify associated court proceedings, charge dispositions, and scheduled hearing dates. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts provides an online case search portal for statewide court records.

Henry County Circuit Court Clerk
101 W. Washington St., Suite 3
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-2412
Tennessee Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a public records request to the TBI for criminal history reports. The TBI also operates the Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup, which provides information on felony offenders who are or have been in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction. A fee of $29.00 applies to name-based criminal history searches conducted through the TBI for non-criminal justice purposes.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Henry County Sheriff's Office
109 Dunlap Ave.
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-1672
Henry County Sheriff's Office

  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Members of the public should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known booking or case numbers.
  • Copy fees: $0.15 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply.

Clerk of Court:

Henry County Circuit Court Clerk
101 W. Washington St., Suite 3
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-2412
Tennessee Courts

  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Members of the public may inspect case files at the clerk's office during regular business hours.
  • Copy fees: $0.50 per page for certified copies; $0.15 per page for uncertified copies.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Henry County Sheriff's Office at 109 Dunlap Ave., Paris, TN 38242. Each request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should accompany the request. Processing time is typically 7–10 business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

The Henry County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (731) 642-1672 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide general booking information. Detailed record copies require an in-person visit or written request. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through routine public access. Defense counsel and prosecutors access records through established court procedures governed by the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure.

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, Paris Police, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Henry County

Arrest records in Henry County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to 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. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document actions taken by government law enforcement agencies, and public access supports government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic inquiry, 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
  • Current custody status
  • Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

  • Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Tennessee law)
  • Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
  • Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
  • Active investigation information that would compromise an ongoing case
  • Undercover officer identities
  • Confidential informant information
  • Victim identifying information in certain cases
  • 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. Public access to arrest records reflects the balance between government transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press access to booking information and court proceedings. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

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:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though individual municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not establish guilt, and employers and landlords are advised to consider this distinction in any decision-making process.

What's in Henry 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/ethnicity
  • Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
  • Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
  • Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

  • Arrest date and time
  • Location of arrest (street address or general area)
  • Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Paris Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, or other)
  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number or arrest number
  • Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

  • Specific criminal charges
  • Tennessee statute numbers 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:

  • Booking facility name and location
  • Intake process timestamp
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
  • Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

  • Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
  • Bond amount set by the court
  • Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
  • Release date and time, if released
  • Release conditions, if made public

Court Information:

  • Court case number assigned
  • Court jurisdiction (General Sessions or Circuit Court)
  • Scheduled arraignment date
  • Court location
  • Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

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

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

  • Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available in booking records
  • 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, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Henry County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records provided. Under Tennessee's public records framework, agencies may charge reasonable fees for producing copies but may not charge for the inspection of records.

Record TypeFee
Standard paper copies$0.15 per page
Certified court copies$0.50 per page
TBI criminal history (name-based)$29.00 per search
Electronic records (where available)Varies by agency
Inspection of recordsNo charge

Accepted payment methods at the Henry County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court Clerk's office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. The TBI accepts payment by credit card for online requests. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in connection with legal proceedings; applicants should inquire directly with the relevant agency. Online access to the jail roster and the Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup is available at no charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Henry County

Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or sealing of records, and judicial sealing, which restricts public access without destroying the underlying record. Expungement is the more complete remedy and is governed by Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, which sets forth the eligibility criteria and procedures for petitioning the court.

Arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:

  • Charges were dismissed or retired
  • The defendant was acquitted at trial
  • The prosecution declined to file charges (no-information)
  • The defendant successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
  • The offense qualifies as an eligible misdemeanor or low-level felony conviction under current Tennessee law, and the required waiting period has elapsed

The expungement process requires the petitioner to file a petition in the court where the case was adjudicated. The petition must identify the case number, the charges, and the basis for eligibility. A filing fee of $350.00 applies in most cases, though fee waivers are available for qualifying indigent petitioners. Upon entry of an expungement order, the court notifies the arresting agency, the TBI, and other relevant repositories to update or destroy records accordingly.

Henry County Circuit Court Clerk
101 W. Washington St., Suite 3
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-2412
Tennessee Courts

Henry County Public Defender's Office
101 W. Washington St.
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-3981
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

Individuals who believe their records have been improperly retained after an expungement order may file a motion for enforcement with the originating court. Third-party commercial databases are not bound by expungement orders and may retain records independently; individuals may need to contact those companies separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Henry County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Henry County Jail, located at 109 Dunlap Ave., Paris, TN 38242. 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 if investigation activities require completion before departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Henry County Jail, the booking process begins. This process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

  • Recording of personal identification information
  • Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
  • Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
  • Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
  • Outstanding warrants check conducted
  • Personal property inventoried and stored
  • Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
  • Medical and brief mental health screening completed
  • Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Tennessee law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and within 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
  • Rights are reviewed

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are maintained by the Henry County General Sessions Court.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Tennessee law.

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, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond when charged with serious violent offenses, when a flight risk is determined, when the individual poses a danger to the community, or when subject to a probation or parole violation hold.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, 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. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Henry County Public Defender's Office
101 W. Washington St.
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-3981
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private attorneys may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and are permitted confidential consultations at the jail.

Charging Decision:

The District Attorney General's Office for the 24th Judicial District reviews arrests and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Henry County District Attorney General's Office
P.O. Box 686
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-4722
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

Arraignment follows the filing of formal charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial conferences, motions hearings, and trial.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase involves discovery, pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion program completion, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Diversion programs available in Henry County include pretrial diversion, drug court, and veterans court, where eligible.

If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

  • Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
  • First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
  • Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
  • Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
  • Felonies: May extend six months to over one year
  • Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 9 of the Tennessee Constitution

What to Do If You're Arrested:

  1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
  2. Do not physically resist arrest
  3. Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
  4. Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
  5. Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
  6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail
  7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
  8. Comply with all conditions of release

Important Contacts:

Henry County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
109 Dunlap Ave.
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-1672
Henry County Sheriff's Office

Henry County Circuit Court Clerk
101 W. Washington St., Suite 3
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-2412
Tennessee Courts

Henry County District Attorney General's Office
P.O. Box 686
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-4722
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

Henry County Public Defender's Office
101 W. Washington St.
Paris, TN 38242
Phone: (731) 642-3981
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Henry County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Henry County is governed by Tennessee state law and the records retention schedules established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-401, public records may not be destroyed except in accordance with an approved retention schedule. The retention period applicable to a specific arrest record depends on the outcome of the case and the type of record involved.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

  • Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, TBI criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
  • Part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

  • Retained permanently by the court and state repository
  • Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years

Dismissed Charges:

  • Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years
  • Court records retained permanently unless expunged
  • State repository retains records unless an expungement order is received

Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):

  • Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years
  • Court records often retained permanently
  • Eligible for expungement under Tennessee law

Charges Not Filed:

  • Booking records retained for a minimum of three years
  • Eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems are often retained permanently. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to Tennessee retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Retention by Agency:

Henry County Sheriff's Office:

  • Booking records: Minimum five years
  • Arrest reports: Minimum five years
  • Investigative files: Varies by case outcome and severity
  • Phone: (731) 642-1672

Henry County Circuit Court Clerk:

  • Felony case files: Permanent
  • Misdemeanor case files: Minimum five years
  • Electronic records: Permanent
  • Phone: (731) 642-2412

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation:

  • Maintains the statewide criminal history repository
  • Retains records from all Tennessee jurisdictions
  • Updates records upon receipt of expungement orders
  • TBI public records requests available online

FBI Database:

  • NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
  • Federal retention is permanent for most criminal history entries
  • Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may remain in local and state databases unless the individual obtains an expungement order. An expungement order directs the physical destruction or sealing of local records and requires the TBI to update the state repository; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the record even after expungement. Third-party commercial background check companies are not bound by expungement orders and may not update their databases automatically.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Tennessee does not currently impose a statewide limit on the reporting period for convictions. Arrests without convictions are subject to accuracy requirements under the FCRA, and consumer reporting agencies must follow reasonable procedures to ensure records reflect current dispositions.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Henry County Sheriff's Records Division at (731) 642-1672 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request may be required to obtain written confirmation. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Henry County