Active Warrant Search in Knox County, Tennessee
An arrest warrant is a document issued by judges of the Knox County General Sessions Court or the Criminal Court after probable cause is proven. This means that the court has reviewed the evidence before it and determined that the named individual is guilty of a crime. Arrest warrants are issued to law enforcement agencies with a clear directive or order to arrest and detain the suspect. They contain details like the alleged offense, the issuing authority’s seal, the investigating authority’s details, the suspect’s name, and the order to arrest and detain. The Tennessee Code Annotated 40-6-205 guides the issuance and use of warrants in Knox County. After they are signed by the judge, arrest warrants will be active until the named individual is detained or deceased. They can be recalled by the court or canceled after the case is resolved.
Knox County considers warrants as public records, but has no online searchable tools for active warrants. They can be physically accessed through the courts or the sheriff’s office. Requesters can also use a telephone inquiry by calling the sheriff’s office at (865) 215-2442 or use the state’s Public Case History website to access case documents online.
| Agency / Resource | Purpose | Search Methods | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knox County Sheriff's Office | Maintains arrest records and serves warrants | Phone: (865) 215-2432; In-person; Written request | Hours: M-F 8 AM-5 PM |
| Knox County Circuit Court Clerk | Maintains court records and warrant information | Phone: (865) 215-2400; In-person at courthouse | Handles all criminal cases; Public access available |
| Tennessee Bureau of Investigation | Maintains statewide criminal history records | Phone: (615) 744-4000; In-person; Mail and online requests | Statewide repository; Response in 5-10 business days |