Criminal records in Tipton County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. TiptonCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state court systems, county law enforcement agencies — including the sheriff's office — and the Clerk of Court in Covington. State-level online tools also provide access to data on felony offenders and offender registries.
How to Search Criminal Records in Tipton
Start by determining what specific information you are looking for: details about a particular case, a criminal background check, or inmate status. This will determine which tool to use.
Online Search
- TiptonCourt.us — Enter the person's first and last name to find publicly available information about criminal cases in Tipton County.
- Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) — A database of the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Allows you to search for individuals convicted of felonies who are or have been under TDOC supervision. Only the last name is required.
- Sex Offender Registry — A map of the state of Tennessee with search capabilities by address or county.
- Federal Court of the Western District of Tennessee — For federal criminal cases heard in this district. Access through the PACER system.
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Court Clerk's office in Covington maintains records of criminal cases heard in the Circuit Court and General Sessions Court of Tipton County. Visitors can use public access terminals in the courthouse or request the clerk to conduct a search.
For the search, you will need:
- Full name of the person (First and Last Name)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number, if you have it
Written Request
A request for a state-level criminal history can be sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). TBI conducts official criminal background checks based on fingerprints or name. A fee is charged for this service.
Search Tipton Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Tennessee is assigned a unique number by the court clerk upon registration. The case number format usually includes several elements:
- Prefix or court code — Indicates the type of court (Circuit Court, General Sessions, etc.)
- Year of filing — A two or four-digit number corresponding to the year the case was opened
- Sequential number — The ordinal number within the year
- Letter suffix — May indicate the category of the case (CR — criminal, for example)
If you know the case number, the search is much simpler. Enter it on TiptonCourt.us or provide it to the clerk during an in-person visit. Without the case number, the search is conducted by name, which may return multiple results — especially if the name is common.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Tipton
Criminal case records contain several key elements. Below is an explanation of each.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific article of the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) under which the charges are brought |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend the initial charge — reduce the severity or add new counts |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — The case is in the stage of active consideration
- Disposed — The court has made a final decision
- Closed — All procedures are completed, including the execution of the sentence
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in Tipton County:
- Arraignment — The first appearance of the accused before a judge, announcement of charges
- Preliminary Hearing — The judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-Trial Conference — A meeting of the parties to discuss agreements or prepare for trial
- Trial — Consideration of the case on the merits
- Sentencing — Imposition of a sentence after a guilty verdict
- Review Hearing — Checking compliance with probation conditions or other obligations
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The accused is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury acquitted the accused |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — at the initiative of the prosecutor or court |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue further prosecution |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after consideration of the case on the merits |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Tipton
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal that have legal force. They are often required by employers, attorneys, or government agencies.
Where to Apply
Requests for certified copies of criminal cases heard in the Circuit Court or General Sessions Court of Tipton County are processed by the Circuit Court Clerk's office:
Tipton County Circuit Court Clerk
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — Visit the clerk's office with valid identification (driver's license or passport). The clerk will conduct a search and prepare a certified copy.
- By Mail — Send a written request specifying the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), case number, and return address. Include payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check.
State-Level Criminal Background Check
For an official criminal history background check, contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. TBI accepts requests online and by mail. Fingerprint-based checks are considered the most accurate. Information on felony offenders is also available through TDOC.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Tipton
Fees are determined by Tennessee law and the internal schedule of the court clerk's office. Below are approximate amounts.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 | Standard rate according to T.C.A. § 8-21-401 |
| Certification fee | $5.00 | Per certified document |
| Criminal background check through TBI (name-based) | $29.00 | Online payment; processing usually 3–5 business days |
| Check through TBI (fingerprint-based) | $42.00+ | Includes federal check through FBI; processing may take 2–4 weeks |
The court clerk's office in Covington typically issues uncomplicated copies within one to two business days for in-person requests. Mail requests take longer — from one to three weeks, depending on volume. More complex requests or searches in older archives may require additional time. Contact the clerk at (901) 476-0207 to clarify the current processing status and acceptable forms of payment.