Rhea County Public Records / Rhea County Arrest Records

Rhea County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Rhea County in 2026

RheaRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Rhea County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not represent complete criminal histories or final case dispositions.

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 Rhea County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Rhea County Sheriff's Department maintains booking and inmate information accessible to the public. The department's inmate information page provides current custody status, booking details, and charge information for individuals held at the Rhea County Jail. Records are updated on a regular basis and reflect current detention status. Members of the public may search by name to locate individuals currently in custody.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Dayton Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Rhea County. Arrest information from city police may be obtained through direct contact with the department's records division. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through official channels.

Dayton Police Department
399 1st Ave
Dayton, TN 37321
Phone: (423) 775-1818

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts maintains the Tennessee Court Case Search portal, through which members of the public may search criminal case records by defendant name. Court cases linked to arrests in Rhea County are accessible through this system. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated case numbers, charge information, and court dates.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL), a publicly accessible database of felony offenders under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Correction. The system includes conviction status, offense information, and supervision details. No fee is required to access the FOIL database. For comprehensive criminal history records, the TBI Criminal History Records unit processes background check requests for a fee of $29.00 per search.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
7800 Rhea County Hwy
Dayton, TN 37321
Phone: (423) 775-7837
Rhea County Sheriff's Department

Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Standard copy fees apply per Tennessee public records law.

Clerk of Court:
Rhea County Criminal Court Clerk
1475 Market St
Dayton, TN 37321
Phone: (423) 775-7808

The Clerk of Court maintains criminal case files associated with arrests processed through Rhea County courts. Members of the public may inspect case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Rhea County Sheriff's Department at 7800 Rhea County Hwy, Dayton, TN 37321. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time varies based on request volume.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (423) 775-7837
Callers should have available the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery processes in criminal and civil matters provide additional access to arrest-related documentation.

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, Dayton Police, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Rhea County

Arrest records in Rhea County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, 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 the exercise of governmental authority and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.

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 (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information that could compromise ongoing law enforcement activity
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, which courts have interpreted to support public access to government records including arrest documentation. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions that restrict access to specific categories of sensitive information while preserving broad public access to arrest records.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public and Tennessee citizens
Media organizations and journalists
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 made through consumer reporting agencies. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. 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 arrests and convictions: an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability in certain circumstances.

What's in Rhea 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 gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Tennessee statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected during booking but not included in public 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, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (General Sessions or Criminal Court)
Scheduled arraignment or hearing date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
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 more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. The following fee structure applies to arrest record requests in Rhea County:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (black and white)	$0.15 per page
Certified copies	$1.00–$5.00 per document (varies by office)
Electronic records (where available)	Varies; may be provided at no charge
Inspection of records	No charge for inspection only
TBI criminal history background check	$29.00 per search

Inspection of public records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court is available at no charge during regular business hours
Copy fees are assessed per page for paper reproductions
Certification fees apply when a certified copy bearing an official seal is requested
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order; electronic payment availability varies
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requestors seeking a waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver

How To Delete Arrest Records in Rhea County

Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or removal of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and is governed by Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Charges that were dismissed, retired, or nolle prossed (prosecutor declined to proceed)
Arrests where no charges were filed
Acquittals (not guilty verdicts at trial)
Certain first-time, low-level misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence
Certain felony convictions designated as eligible under Tennessee's expanded expungement statutes
Completion of a diversion program resulting in dismissal

Ineligibility:

Most felony convictions involving violence, sex offenses, or offenses against children
DUI convictions
Cases where the individual has prior convictions that disqualify eligibility
Offenses specifically excluded by statute

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Rhea County Criminal Court Clerk
Confirm eligibility based on the charge, disposition, and waiting period requirements
Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Clerk of Court
File the petition with the Rhea County Criminal Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100.00 for eligible convictions; no fee for dismissed charges or acquittals)
Serve the petition on the District Attorney General's Office for the 10th Judicial District
Attend any scheduled hearing if the District Attorney objects
If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to the arresting agency, the TBI, and other relevant repositories for record destruction or notation

Rhea County Criminal Court Clerk
1475 Market St
Dayton, TN 37321
Phone: (423) 775-7808

10th Judicial District Attorney General's Office
1475 Market St, Suite 200
Dayton, TN 37321
Phone: (423) 775-7894

Following a granted expungement, the TBI updates its criminal history repository and notifies relevant agencies. Third-party commercial databases are not legally required to remove expunged records, and individuals may need to contact those services separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Rhea County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Rhea County, the arrested individual is transported to the Rhea County Jail located at 7800 Rhea County Hwy, Dayton, TN 37321. 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 transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Rhea County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes 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 to the TBI and FBI
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Tennessee law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge within 72 hours of arrest for an initial appearance. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify as indigent
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

Initial appearances in Rhea County may be conducted in person or via video conference depending on court scheduling.

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 by Tennessee law at ten percent of the total bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The individual is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a capias warrant.

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

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office:
Rhea County Public Defender
1475 Market St
Dayton, TN 37321
Phone: (423) 775-7808

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for a public defender retain the right to hire private counsel. Attorney visits at the Rhea County Jail are conducted confidentially.

Charging Decision:

The District Attorney General's Office for the 10th Judicial District reviews the arrest 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.

Arraignment follows the filing of formal charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court sets subsequent hearing dates.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks depending on charge level
Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May extend to one year or longer
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under both the Tennessee Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Important Contacts:

Rhea County Sheriff's Department (Jail)
7800 Rhea County Hwy
Dayton, TN 37321
Phone: (423) 775-7837
Rhea County Sheriff's Department

Rhea County Criminal Court Clerk
1475 Market St
Dayton, TN 37321
Phone: (423) 775-7808

10th Judicial District Attorney General's Office
1475 Market St, Suite 200
Dayton, TN 37321
Phone: (423) 775-7894

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Rhea County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Rhea County is governed by Tennessee state law and the records retention schedules established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Under Tennessee's public records framework, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, 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 Clerk of Court for case file purposes
TBI criminal history repository retains indefinitely
Local law enforcement records subject to applicable retention schedules

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement booking records: Retained for a minimum of five years under standard retention schedules
Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged by court order
TBI repository: Retained unless expungement order is received and processed
Records remain accessible unless expunged

Acquittals:

Court records: Retained permanently
Local law enforcement: Retained per standard schedule
Eligible for expungement petition following acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained for a minimum of five years
Eligible for expungement petition in many cases

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork: Retained per state retention schedule, minimum five years
Digital records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency policy
Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most cases

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. These entities are governed by the FCRA with respect to employment-related reporting but may continue to display records for other purposes. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact these services directly to request removal.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention across all law enforcement and court databases
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; local retention varies
Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; TBI updates its repository; FBI database may retain with a notation indicating expungement; removal from all systems may take several months
No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be eligible for immediate expungement petition

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks conducted by consumer reporting agencies are limited to seven years of non-conviction records for positions paying below a certain salary threshold. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Tennessee does not currently impose a statewide restriction shorter than the federal standard for private employment background checks. Arrests without conviction are not considered evidence of criminal conduct and their use in employment decisions is subject to FCRA and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Rhea County Sheriff's Records Division at (423) 775-7837 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.