Giles County Public Records / Giles County Arrest Records

Giles County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Giles County in 2026

GilesRecords.us provides access to publicly available data related to arrest records in Giles County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find information such as booking records, charge details, custody status, and court case references. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, mugshots, bond information, and disposition records. Access and completeness vary by source, and not all records are available through a single platform.

Records may be searched through official resources including the county sheriff's office, the clerk of court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Giles County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. The roster is updated regularly and includes the name of the arrested individual, charges, booking date, and custody status. Members of the public may access current inmate information through the Giles County Sheriff's Office website. The roster reflects individuals currently in custody and recent bookings, though historical records may require a formal request.

2. Local Police Departments

The Pulaski Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Giles County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official channels. Members of the public seeking arrest information from city-level law enforcement may contact the Pulaski Police Department directly for records requests.

Pulaski Police Department 203 S. First Street Pulaski, TN 38478 Phone: (931) 363-2535 Pulaski Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Giles County Circuit and General Sessions Courts maintain criminal case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search case records by the name of the arrested individual through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts case management portal. Court case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and disposition information are available through this system.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. A fee applies for public criminal history searches. The database includes arrest records from jurisdictions across the state, conviction information, and disposition data where reported.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Giles County Sheriff's Office One Public Square, Suite 201 Pulaski, TN 38478 Phone: (931) 363-3505 Giles County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Valid government-issued photo identification is required
Fees for copies: $0.15 per page for standard copies

Clerk of Court:

Giles County Circuit Court Clerk One Public Square Pulaski, TN 38478 Phone: (931) 363-5310 Tennessee Courts

Criminal records division handles case file inspection
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Copy fees: $0.50 per page; certified copies carry an additional fee

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Giles County Sheriff's Office at One Public Square, Suite 201, Pulaski, TN 38478. Requests should include the full name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (931) 363-3505
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may refer callers to the online roster or an in-person visit

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in civil or criminal proceedings. Discovery processes in active criminal cases provide access to arrest-related documentation through the court system.

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, Pulaski Police, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Giles County

Arrest records in Giles County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, all state and local government records are open for inspection by any citizen of Tennessee unless specifically exempted by statute. Arrest records fall within the category of public records because they document official government action and serve the interests of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

As the Tennessee Attorney General has noted, "The Public Records Act reflects a legislative policy that government records should be open and available to the public." This principle applies to booking records, jail rosters, and court filings associated with arrests in Giles County.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Tennessee law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt
Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain offense categories
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 19, protects freedom of the press and supports public access to government proceedings. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions within the Public Records Act. First Amendment principles support media access to arrest information, while due process considerations acknowledge that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish criminal liability.

What's in Giles County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Pulaski Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at the time of booking
Tennessee statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of the booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court, General Sessions Court, or other)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within the county may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charges. This information is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information
Detailed home address or personal phone number

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate access rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge under the Tennessee Public Records Act. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, custodians of public records may charge reasonable fees for copies, which are set by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.

Standard Copy Fees:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.15 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$0.50 per page + certification fee
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by agency
Mugshot/booking photo	Varies; contact agency
TBI criminal history search (public)	$29.00 per request

Inspection of records in person carries no fee
The Sheriff's Office accepts cash, check, or money order for copy fees
The Clerk of Court accepts cash and check
The TBI accepts payment online for criminal history requests
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application; agencies have discretion in granting waivers
Requests submitted by mail should include a check or money order payable to the relevant agency

How To Delete Arrest Records in Giles County

Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or removal of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and is governed by Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Charges that were dismissed, retired, or nolle prossed (prosecutor declined to proceed)
Arrests where no charges were filed
Acquittals (not guilty verdicts at trial)
Certain misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period
Certain low-level felony convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period
Diversion program completions where charges were subsequently dismissed
Individuals with only one prior conviction may be eligible for expungement of that conviction under Tennessee's expanded expungement law

Cases That Are Not Eligible:

Most violent felony convictions
Sex offense convictions requiring registration
DUI convictions
Domestic assault convictions
Cases with multiple convictions (with limited exceptions)

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and court disposition from the Giles County Circuit Court Clerk
Confirm eligibility based on the charge type and disposition
Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Clerk of Court
File the petition with the Giles County Circuit Court or General Sessions Court, depending on the level of the original charge
Pay the filing fee, which is currently $350.00 for eligible convictions; dismissed charges may be expunged at no cost
Serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney General's Office and the arresting agency
Attend any scheduled hearing
Upon court order, the Clerk of Court notifies the TBI and local agencies to update or destroy records

Contact Information for Expungement:

Giles County Circuit Court Clerk One Public Square Pulaski, TN 38478 Phone: (931) 363-5310 Tennessee Courts

22nd Judicial District Attorney General's Office One Public Square Pulaski, TN 38478 Phone: (931) 363-5490 Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation – Criminal History Records 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard Nashville, TN 37216 Phone: (615) 744-4000 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Individuals who have completed the expungement process should verify that the TBI has updated its records and that third-party background check databases have been corrected, as commercial databases are not always updated automatically following a court order.

What Happens After Arrest in Giles County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Giles County, the arrested individual is transported to the Giles County Jail, located at the Sheriff's Office complex. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.

Giles County Jail One Public Square, Suite 201 Pulaski, TN 38478 Phone: (931) 363-3505 Giles County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process begins. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the TBI and FBI
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Tennessee law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify as indigent
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable court costs
Amount is set by the magistrate or judge based on the charge and the individual's history

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed at release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court's pretrial services program.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written court date is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending further proceedings
Housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation covers commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Tennessee District Public Defender's office serving the 22nd Judicial District.

22nd Judicial District Public Defender's Office One Public Square Pulaski, TN 38478 Phone: (931) 363-5757 Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

Eligibility is based on income. The application is completed at the initial appearance or shortly thereafter.

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Tennessee Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Private attorneys may visit clients at the jail, and all consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney General's Office for the 22nd Judicial District reviews the arrest and determines whether to proceed with formal charges. Options include filing a formal information or seeking a grand jury indictment, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different or additional charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest.

Grand Jury:

For felony charges, the case may be presented to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. The grand jury returns an indictment if it finds sufficient cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects; dismissal may create eligibility for expungement
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for a negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial; if the verdict is guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing:

Upon conviction, the judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 48–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Typically resolved within three to six months
Felonies: Typically resolved within six to eighteen months
Tennessee's constitutional right to a speedy trial applies throughout the process

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Giles County Sheriff's Office (Jail) One Public Square, Suite 201 Pulaski, TN 38478 Phone: (931) 363-3505 Giles County Sheriff's Office

Giles County Circuit Court Clerk One Public Square Pulaski, TN 38478 Phone: (931) 363-5310 Tennessee Courts

22nd Judicial District Attorney General's Office One Public Square Pulaski, TN 38478 Phone: (931) 363-5490 Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

22nd Judicial District Public Defender's Office One Public Square Pulaski, TN 38478 Phone: (931) 363-5757 Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference

What to Do If 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
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Giles County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Giles County is governed by Tennessee state law and the records retention schedules established by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. Under Tennessee's public records framework, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for minimum periods specified in the applicable retention schedule. The Tennessee Secretary of State's office publishes the Tennessee Records Management Program guidelines applicable to county agencies.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, TBI criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without a time limitation

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in most cases by local law enforcement and the TBI
Court records for misdemeanor cases are retained for a minimum of ten years and often permanently in electronic systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years
Court records are often retained permanently in electronic case management systems
Records remain accessible unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
Court records are often retained permanently
Expungement is available following an acquittal under Tennessee law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of five years
These records are among the most eligible for expungement, and in some cases immediate removal may be sought

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
Individuals in this category are typically eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable retention schedule, typically a minimum of five years for non-conviction records
Photographs are retained for the same period as the associated booking record

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of three years
Records management system entries are often retained permanently
Court electronic records are maintained permanently in the Tennessee court case management system

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information, but enforcement is the responsibility of the subject to pursue

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years for non-conviction records; permanent for conviction records
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies based on case outcome and offense severity
Contact: (931) 363-3505

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years; often permanent in electronic systems
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Permanent

TBI State Repository:

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by jurisdictions across the state
Retention is permanent for conviction records
Non-conviction records may be updated or removed following a court-ordered expungement

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention is typically permanent
Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; often not reported on standard employment background checks
Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; the TBI updates its repository; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from third-party databases requires separate action by the subject
No Charges Filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods; may be purged automatically after five years or upon expungement

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are available online through the Sheriff's Office roster and the TBI
Arrests from five to twenty years ago may require an in-person request and may involve retrieval from archives
Very old arrests may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form; some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Members of the public seeking historical records should contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (931) 363-3505

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the records retention schedule approved by the Tennessee Comptroller. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction records, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and records in cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Tennessee does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years. Arrests without convictions are generally not reported by compliant consumer reporting agencies, though the subject should verify this independently. Expungement does not guarantee removal from all commercial databases, and individuals who have obtained expungement orders may need to contact individual background check companies to request record updates.