Criminal records in Wilson County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. WilsonCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Below is a practical guide to searching, requesting, and understanding criminal records in Wilson County.
How to Search Criminal Records in Wilson
There are several ways to find criminal records in the county, each suitable for different situations.
Online Search
- WilsonCourt.us — start here if you need to find publicly available information about a criminal case. Enter the person's first and last name or case number.
- Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) — a free tool from the Tennessee Department of Correction. It allows you to search for felony offenders by last name, first name, or offender ID. Note: the database contains only felony records submitted by correctional facilities and the Board of Parole.
- Tennessee Courts Portal — the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts website provides information on district and general court cases.
In-Person Request
The Circuit Court Clerk's office in Wilson County accepts requests in person. There are public access terminals in the courthouse where case materials can be viewed. Bring a photo ID with you.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the Circuit Court Clerk's office, including the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. Include a copy of the requester's ID and payment in the form of a money order or check.
To obtain an official state-level criminal history, submit a request to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
What You Need for the Search
- Full first and last name
- Date of birth — preferred
- Case number — if known
Search Wilson Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In Tennessee, the criminal case number format typically consists of several elements:
- Year of filing — two or four digits indicating the year the case was opened
- Case type letter code — for example, "CR" for criminal cases, "CC" for circuit court
- Sequential number — a unique sequential number assigned by the clerk's office
An example might look like 2024-CR-001234. The exact format depends on the court level: General Sessions Court and Circuit Court may use different prefixes. If you do not know the case number, try searching by name — the clerk's office or online portal usually allows this.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Wilson
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here is what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute code | Reference to the specific article of the Tennessee Code Annotated under which the charge is brought |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge — the new wording replaces the previous one in the case materials |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is under consideration
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, and the case is closed
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in Wilson County:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant is informed of the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary hearing — the court determines whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial conference — the parties discuss procedural issues before the main trial
- Trial / Sentencing — the substantive hearing and, if necessary, sentencing
- Review hearing — a control hearing, often during a probation period
Court Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant has been found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict — at the initiative of the prosecutor or court |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after the substantive hearing |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Wilson
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions. Contact the Wilson County Circuit Court Clerk's office.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — visit the office in the courthouse, present a photo ID
- By mail — send a written request with a copy of ID and payment (money order or cashier's check payable to Wilson County Circuit Court Clerk)
To check a state-level criminal history, submit a request to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. TBI requires fingerprinting and a special form to be filled out.
Contact Information
Wilson County Circuit Court Clerk
Check with the office for current form and document requirements before sending a mail request — requirements may change.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Wilson
Fees are determined according to the Tennessee Code Annotated and the clerk's internal fee schedule. Below are approximate amounts — we recommend confirming them directly with the office.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $5.00–$6.00 per document |
| Criminal history check via TBI | Depends on the type of check; usually $29.00+ |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — copies are usually issued the same day or within a few business days
- Mail requests — one to three weeks, depending on volume
- TBI requests — processing may take from a few days to several weeks
Payment is accepted in the form of a money order or cashier's check. Some offices also accept credit cards for in-person requests — confirm this in advance by calling (615) 444-0314. The search through FOIL remains free and does not require registration.