Lincoln County Public Records / Lincoln County Arrest Records

Lincoln County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lincoln County in 2026

LincolnTNRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Lincoln County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories may include felony and misdemeanor arrests, bond information, arresting agency details, and associated court filings. Information presented reflects publicly accessible sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Arrest records in Lincoln County may be searched through official resources including the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the Lincoln County Circuit and General Sessions Courts, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and online public access terminals. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster that members of the public may access to identify individuals currently in custody. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond information. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office provides this information as part of its public transparency obligations under Tennessee law.

2. Local Police Departments

The Fayetteville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Lincoln County. The department issues press releases and arrest logs that are accessible to the public and media organizations. Members of the public seeking arrest information from city-level incidents may contact the Fayetteville Police Department directly.

Fayetteville Police Department
110 Elk Ave S
Fayetteville, TN 37334
Phone: (931) 433-1212
Fayetteville Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts operates 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 Lincoln County are filed in the Circuit Court or General Sessions Court and are accessible through this system.

Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk
112 Main Ave S
Fayetteville, TN 37334
Phone: (931) 433-2454
Tennessee Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the Tennessee Criminal History Records database. Members of the public may submit a request for a criminal history record check through the TBI Criminal History Records portal. A fee of $29.00 applies to public requests for criminal history information. The database includes arrest and disposition records from jurisdictions across the state.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
112 Main Ave S
Fayetteville, TN 37334
Phone: (931) 433-9821
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply as described in the fees section below.

Clerk of Court:
Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk
112 Main Ave S
Fayetteville, TN 37334
Phone: (931) 433-2454
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Tennessee Courts

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's return mailing address. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time is subject to volume and may range from five to fifteen business days.

By Phone:

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (931) 433-9821 during business hours. Staff may provide limited information by phone, including custody status. Requestors are advised that detailed records may require an in-person visit or written request.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.

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, Fayetteville PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Lincoln County

Arrest records in Lincoln 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. This statutory framework reflects the state's commitment to government transparency, public safety, and community awareness.

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
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
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, affirms freedom of the press and the public's right to access government information. Courts have consistently held that arrest records fall within the scope of public records subject to inspection. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions and judicial sealing orders rather than blanket restrictions on access.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public and Tennessee citizens
Media organizations and journalists
Employers (subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers and landlords who use arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681, which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history information. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Lincoln County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race
Height, 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
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
Booking date, time, and booking number
Warrant information if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount and bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
Release date and time if released
Release conditions if made public

Court Information:

Court case number
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected or 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 the public arrest record
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office or the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Fees apply when copies are requested.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.15 per page
Certified copies	$1.00 per page
TBI Criminal History Check (public request)	$29.00 per search
Court case copies (per page)	$0.50 per page

Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, custodians of public records may charge reasonable fees for copies but may not charge for the inspection of records. Electronic copies, where available, may be provided at a reduced rate or at no charge depending on the custodian's policies.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person requests)
Money order (mail requests)
Check payable to the applicable agency (mail requests)

Fee Waivers:

Indigent requestors and members of the news media may petition for fee waivers in certain circumstances. Attorneys of record in active cases may obtain records through discovery without standard copy fees. No fee is charged for online inspection of records available through the Tennessee Court Case Search portal or the Sheriff's Office online jail roster.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lincoln 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 destruction. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as if the arrest never occurred for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed or retired to the docket
The individual was acquitted at trial
The prosecution declined to file charges (no-information)
The individual successfully completed a diversion program
Certain low-level misdemeanor and felony convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period (eligibility depends on offense classification)

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case number from the Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk.
Confirm eligibility based on the disposition of the case and the offense classification.
Complete the petition for expungement form available from the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
File the petition with the Lincoln County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $350.00 for eligible convictions; no fee for dismissals and acquittals).
Serve a copy of the petition on the District Attorney General's Office for the 17th Judicial District.
Attend the scheduled hearing if the court requires one.
Upon entry of the expungement order, the court notifies the TBI and local law enforcement agencies to update or destroy records accordingly.

Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk
112 Main Ave S
Fayetteville, TN 37334
Phone: (931) 433-2454
Tennessee Courts

District Attorney General – 17th Judicial District
One Public Square, Suite 201
Fayetteville, TN 37334
Phone: (931) 433-3220
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

Individuals who require assistance with the expungement process and who meet income eligibility requirements may seek free legal assistance through Tennessee Legal Aid Services.

What Happens After Arrest in Lincoln County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Lincoln County, the arrested individual is transported to the Lincoln County Jail, which is operated by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Lincoln County Jail
112 Main Ave S
Fayetteville, TN 37334
Phone: (931) 433-9821
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Lincoln County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process includes recording personal information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, completing a medical screening, and assigning housing classification. The booking process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Tennessee law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 72 hours after arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and, if the individual is indigent, initiates the appointment of a public defender. Initial appearances in Lincoln County are conducted in the General Sessions Court.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

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 the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at ten percent of the bond amount in Tennessee.

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

No Bond: The court may order that an individual be held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which typically takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear at any required court date 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 and procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who are financially unable to retain private counsel are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance.

Lincoln County Public Defender's Office – 17th Judicial District
One Public Square
Fayetteville, TN 37334
Phone: (931) 433-3220
Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Tennessee Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney General's Office for the 17th Judicial District reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on the complexity of the case.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. The majority of defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated plea to agreed-upon charges and sentencing recommendations.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The court may impose a sentence of incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

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 several months
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over one year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 9

What to Do If You're 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 waive this right
Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or a bondsman for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

State Attorney's Office – 17th Judicial District
One Public Square, Suite 201
Fayetteville, TN 37334
Phone: (931) 433-3220
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lincoln County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Lincoln County is governed by Tennessee state law and the records retention schedules established by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Local law enforcement agencies and court clerks are required to maintain records in accordance with these schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, TBI state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the court clerk and state repository. Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of ten years under standard Tennessee retention schedules.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years. Court records are retained permanently in electronic form. Records may remain in databases unless expungement is obtained.

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently. Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years. Expungement may be sought to remove records from public access.

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years. Individuals may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable retention schedule, at minimum five years for non-conviction records and permanently for felony conviction records.
Photographs (mugshots) are retained for the same period as the associated booking record.

Digital Records:

Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of three years for CAD data and permanently for conviction-related records.
Court electronic records are retained permanently.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies are required to maintain accurate records, but expungement orders issued by Tennessee courts do not automatically compel removal from private databases.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years for non-conviction; permanent for felony conviction
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (931) 433-9821

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
Electronic records: Permanent
Contact: (931) 433-2454

State Repository:

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains the Tennessee Criminal History Records database, which includes arrest and disposition records from all jurisdictions in the state. Retention is permanent for conviction records and subject to expungement orders for non-conviction records.

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all applicable databases; appears on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard employment background checks in most circumstances.
Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; TBI updates the state repository; FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement.
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after three years or upon petition.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years for positions with annual compensation below a specified threshold, with no time limit for higher-compensation positions. Tennessee does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by statute. Arrests without convictions may not be reported on consumer background checks in certain circumstances, though this varies by the reporting agency's policies.

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Records Division at (931) 433-9821
Submit a public records request specifying the arrest date and subject name
Fees may apply for copies of responsive records

Lookup Arrest Records in Lincoln County

Tennessee Felony Offender Information — Search for Tennessee felony offenders who are or have been in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction.
Legal Aid Services – TN.gov — Access free legal help through the closest Tennessee Legal Services Program or Legal Aid Office.