Washington County, Tennessee Court Records

Washington County court records are official documents that track the filing, progress, and results of cases in the county court system. These documents are a record of civil, criminal, probate, and family law proceedings. The trial-level courts act as the primary custodians of these records through the offices of the court clerks.

Court records are created when a case is filed, and entries are added as actions occur, including motions, hearings, and judgments. Maintenance and public access to these records are governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act and the Supreme Court Rules, particularly Rule 34 on public access to court records.

These records often connect with other public records. Vital records may confirm identity or family status, arrest information may support criminal cases, and federal case files may apply where jurisdiction extends beyond state authority.

Are Washington County Court Records Public?

Yes. Washington County court records are public. Under Tennessee Supreme Court Rules, Rule 34, members of the public have the right to inspect and obtain copies of court records. However, the following records are confidential and restricted:

Records sealed by court order or protective order
Adoption records
Juvenile records
Documents excepted under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-504
Internal case management information
Judicial drafts, opinions, and unpublished orders
Judge’s notes, memoranda, and deliberative documents
Documents furnished to a judge for individual use
Judge recusal information not filed as part of the case record.
Any record whose disclosure would interfere with judicial functions or undermine constitutional court powers

What Information is Available in Washington County Court Records?

In Washington County, court records generally contain the following information.

Assigned case number and official filing date recorded by the clerk
Names of all parties listed in the case
Filed criminal charges, civil claims, or legal petitions
Submitted motions, pleadings, and supporting documents
Scheduled hearing dates and court proceedings
Issued court decisions, orders, and final judgments
Imposed sentences and penalties

Washington County Court Records Search

Interested persons may search and obtain Washington County court records through three primary access methods:

Online Access: Washington County court records are available through the third-party service listed under the "Courts" section of the county website. Requestors should visit the section and select "Search Court Records" to begin a name or case search.
In-person Access: Public access terminals at the George Jaynes Justice Center allow free record searches and viewing. The Circuit Court Clerk and Clerk and Master, with assigned staff, assist requestors by locating files, allowing secure inspection, and issuing certified or standard copies. These offices maintain dockets for Circuit, Criminal, General Sessions, Juvenile, Chancery, and Probate courts. Office hours generally run Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 4:30 PM, depending on the office schedule.
Mail and Phone Requests: For mail requests, requestors may submit a completed Public Records Request Form to the Public Records Request Coordinator. Phone inquiries may be directed as follows:
Circuit Court (423) 788-1425
Criminal Court (423) 753-1612
General Sessions (misdemeanors, traffic offenses, DUIs, and non-felony domestic violence matters) (423) 788-1425
General Sessions (civil) (423) 788-1481
Chancery Court (423) 788-1450
Probate Division (423) 753-1623.

Fees for Court Records in Washington County

In Washington County, Tennessee, the cost of obtaining court records depends on both the type of record requested and the method used to retrieve it:

Standard court record copies cost $0.50 per page for documents obtained from Circuit, Criminal, General Sessions, and Chancery courts.
Certification of court records requires a $5.00 seal per document.
Exemplified copies with triple seal certification cost $20.00
Preparation of a full appellate record carries a $300.00 statutory fee.
Online court record viewing costs zero dollars.
Certified copies of marriage, birth, death, and divorce certificates cost $15.00 per record through the county clerk or health department.

Washington County Courthouse Locations

The Washington County court system is made up of a Chancery Court, Circuit Court, Criminal Court, General Sessions Court, Juvenile Courts, and Municipal Courts. Below are all of the county’s courthouse locations and contact details:

Washington County Circuit Court