Bedford County, TN Courts and Public Records
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The trial courts that serve Bedford County, Tennessee, hear the county's court cases. Tennessee trial courts include Chancery, Probate, Circuit, and Criminal courts. For current court names, addresses, phone numbers, and judges for Bedford County, check the official Tennessee courts website at TennesseeCourts.org.
Bedford County had 55,273 residents in 2025, up from 54,458 in 2024.
How to Search Bedford County Court Records
Have the person's full name, a case number if you have one, and approximate dates ready before you search.
Online
Go to TennesseeCourts.org to find official court information.
Check the county clerk of court listing for any online case search.
Ask the clerk which online options cover your case type.
Best for: Finding official court information
In Person
Visit the Bedford County clerk of court office in person.
Bring the full name, case number, and approximate dates.
Ask the clerk which office handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call the Bedford County clerk of court office to confirm the request process.
Ask which records the clerk can provide and what details it needs.
Have the full name and case number ready before you call.
Best for: Confirming what to bring before a visit
Search by Name on TennesseeCourts.org
Go to TennesseeCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Bedford County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
Trial courts in Bedford County (Chancery, Circuit, Criminal and Probate where established) recorded 1,510 new filings in fiscal year 2024-25 and 1,543 dispositions, according to the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.
1,510
Total filings in FY 2024-25 (FY 2023-24: 1,474)
1,543
Total dispositions in FY 2024-25 (FY 2023-24: 1,424)
27.3
Filings per 1,000 residents (population 55,273)
+2.4%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023-24 (1,474)
| Metric | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 1,510 | 1,474 | +2.4% |
| Total Dispositions | 1,543 | 1,424 | +8.4% |
| Criminal Filings (Criminal Court) | 620 | 576 | +7.6% |
| Civil Filings (Circuit and Chancery, excluding family and probate) | 297 | 277 | +7.2% |
| Family Law Filings (divorce, parenting, paternity and related) | 443 | 436 | +1.6% |
| Probate and Estate Filings | 150 | 185 | -18.9% |
The largest driver of the change was criminal filings (+44 filings), followed by probate and estates (-35). Judge counts are not published by county in this report, so no per-judge figures are shown.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Bedford County?
This table shows new filings and dispositions in the Chancery, Circuit, Criminal and Probate courts of Bedford County for the last five fiscal years, from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts annual statistical reports.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2024-25 | 1,510 | 1,543 | +2.4% |
| FY 2023-24 | 1,474 | 1,424 | +4.7% |
| FY 2022-23 | 1,408 | 1,480 | -9.4% |
| FY 2021-22 | 1,554 | 1,519 | +0.5% |
| FY 2020-21 | 1,547 | 1,493 | Base year |
Total filings changed -2.4% between FY 2020-21 and FY 2024-25, from 1,547 to 1,510. The largest annual change was -9.4% in FY 2022-23. The latest change, FY 2024-25, was +2.4%, led by criminal filings (+44).
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Bedford County?
Criminal cases make up the largest share of Bedford County filings at 41.1% of the 1,510 filed in FY 2024-25.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2024-25 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 620 | 41.1% | +7.6% |
| Civil and other | 297 | 19.7% | +7.2% |
| Family law | 443 | 29.3% | +1.6% |
| Probate and estates | 150 | 9.9% | -18.9% |
Criminal cases were the fastest-growing category at +7.6%, while probate and estates cases fell fastest at -18.9%. Case types are grouped from the report as: criminal (Criminal Court), family law (divorce, parenting, paternity and related), probate and estates, and other civil.
How Does Bedford County Compare With Tennessee Overall?
Bedford County accounted for 0.59% of the 258,104 trial court cases filed statewide in Tennessee in FY 2024-25, and its filings grew 2.4% while statewide filings grew 1.3%.
| Metric | Bedford County | Tennessee | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 1,510 | 258,104 | 0.59% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +2.4% | +1.3% | +1.1 points vs state |
| Filings per 1,000 residents | 27.3 | 35.3 | -22.6% vs state |
| Dispositions per 1,000 residents | 27.9 | 35.0 | -20.3% vs state |
| Criminal share of filings | 41.1% | 58.2% | -17.2 points vs state |
| Civil share of filings (excluding family and probate) | 19.7% | 19.6% | +0.1 points vs state |
| Family law share of filings | 29.3% | 14.1% | +15.2 points vs state |
Bedford County's criminal share is lower than the statewide share and its family law share is higher.
Bedford County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Tennessee statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Bedford County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 18.1% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 99.6% of Tennessee's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
36,352
Violent crimes, Tennessee statewide, 2025
121,124
Property crimes, Tennessee statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
496.9
Violent crime rate per 100K, Tennessee statewide, 2025 (population 7,315,076)
-18.1%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Tennessee statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (157,476 vs 192,379)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 484 | 6.6 | 591 | -18.1% |
| Rape | 2,661 | 36.4 | 2,900 | -8.2% |
| Robbery | 3,060 | 41.8 | 4,289 | -28.7% |
| Aggravated assault | 30,147 | 412.1 | 35,757 | -15.7% |
| Violent crimes total | 36,352 | 496.9 | 43,537 | -16.5% |
| Burglary | 15,091 | 206.3 | 18,433 | -18.1% |
| Larceny-theft | 88,589 | 1211.0 | 105,082 | -15.7% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 16,693 | 228.2 | 24,488 | -31.8% |
| Property crimes total | 121,124 | 1655.8 | 148,842 | -18.6% |
Rates use the Tennessee 2025 population of 7,315,076. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Bedford County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Bedford County Courthouse Locations
Bedford County court proceedings are held at the Bedford County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedford County Courthouse | 100 West Side Square, Shelbyville, TN 37160 | 931-684-3223 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Bedford County?
Cases in Bedford County, Tennessee are heard by General Sessions, Circuit, Criminal, Chancery, Juvenile, and Probate courts, depending on the matter and county.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Bedford County General Sessions Court or the city municipal court | Traffic citations go to the court named on the ticket. |
| Parking ticket | City municipal court or the city that issued the ticket | Parking citations are handled by the issuing city. |
| Misdemeanor | Bedford County General Sessions Court | General Sessions handles misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings. |
| Felony | Bedford County General Sessions Court, then Circuit or Criminal Court | Felonies start with a preliminary hearing and move to the trial court after indictment. |
| DUI | Bedford County General Sessions Court | DUI misdemeanors are handled here; felony-level cases go to Circuit or Criminal Court. |
| Domestic violence | Bedford County General Sessions Court | Orders of protection are typically sought through General Sessions or Circuit Court. |
| Civil lawsuit | Bedford County General Sessions Court or Circuit Court | The court depends on the amount in dispute; federal claims go to the U.S. District Court. |
| Small claims | Bedford County General Sessions Court | Civil General Sessions handles small claims within its dollar limit. |
| Eviction | Bedford County General Sessions Court | Eviction (detainer) cases are filed in General Sessions. |
| Divorce | Bedford County Circuit Court or Chancery Court | Divorce is filed in the Circuit or Chancery Court, depending on the county. |
| Child custody or support | Bedford County Juvenile Court or Circuit or Chancery Court | Juvenile courts often handle support and custody for unmarried parents. |
| Probate or estate | Bedford County Probate Court or Chancery Court | Probate is handled by a Probate or Chancery Court, or the county's designated court. |
| Juvenile case | Bedford County Juvenile Court | In many counties the General Sessions judge serves as juvenile judge. |
| Appeal | Tennessee Court of Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals | Appeals from trial courts go to the appropriate appellate court; federal matters go to the U.S. District Court. |
Are Bedford County Court Records Public?
Access to Bedford County court records depends on the record type and any court order that applies. Confirm the access rules for your case with the clerk of court.
Public records
Ask the clerk of court which case files are open to the public for your case type.
Restricted or confidential records
Some records may be sealed or restricted by law or court order. The clerk can confirm which records apply to your case.
Online access
Use TennesseeCourts.org to find official court information. Confirm with the clerk which case records are available online, since not every document is online.
In-person access
Visit the Bedford County clerk of court office to view or request records. Call ahead to confirm which office holds your case.
Fees
Ask the clerk of court what fee applies to copies or certified records before you request them.
How to Search Bedford County Court Records Online
Case information for Bedford County courts is mostly kept by local clerks, so check the clerk portal for the court that hears your case.
- Identify your case type (criminal, traffic, civil, family, probate, or juvenile).
- Pick the official portal that covers that court and county.
- Search by party name or case number.
- Review the case details, parties, and scheduled hearings.
- Contact the clerk to request documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Bedford County Criminal Court Clerk or General Sessions Clerk; see Tennessee Courts | Case status, charges, and court dates where the county offers online search. | There is no single statewide trial-court search; availability varies by county. Copies come from the clerk. |
| Traffic | Bedford County General Sessions Clerk or the city municipal court | Ticket status and payment where offered. | Online options vary by court. |
| Civil | Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk or General Sessions Clerk | Civil case information where the county provides it. | Document access usually requires a request to the clerk. |
| Small claims | Bedford County General Sessions Clerk | Case status for civil warrants and small claims. | Often not searchable online; contact the clerk. |
| Family law | Bedford County Circuit or Chancery Court Clerk | Family case information where available. | Sealed and confidential records are not public online. |
| Probate | Bedford County Clerk and Master or Probate Clerk | Estate case information and filings. | Online access varies; request copies from the clerk. |
| Juvenile | Bedford County Juvenile Court Clerk | Juvenile matters are generally confidential. | Juvenile records are not available through public online search. |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Bedford County
Contact the Bedford County clerk of court office to confirm which payment methods the court accepts for your case.
Ask the clerk about traffic citations, criminal fines, and any payment plan options before your court date.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, so contact that agency to pay a parking ticket.
Bedford County Court Records FAQ
How do I search court records in Bedford County?
Start at TennesseeCourts.org for official court information, or contact the Bedford County clerk of court office for help finding a case.
Are court records in Bedford County public?
Many court records are open to the public, but some are sealed or restricted by law or court order. The clerk of court can confirm which records apply.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name if an online search is available, or contact the Bedford County clerk of court office with the defendant's full name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation or notice for the court date, and contact the Bedford County clerk of court office to confirm it.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the Bedford County clerk of court office to confirm which payment methods are accepted for your citation.
How many cases are filed in Bedford County each year?
County filing counts are not published here. The county had 55,273 residents in 2025 according to Census Vintage 2025 estimates.
What is the most common type of case?
County case type counts are not published here, so this page does not name the most common case type for the county.
Is crime in Tennessee rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 16.5% to 36,352 in 2025 from 43,537 in 2024, and property crimes fell 18.6% to 121,124 from 148,842, as reported to the FBI. These are Tennessee statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Bedford County TN CourtHouseMore Info
| Address: | 108 N. Creek Dr., Shelbyville, TN, 37160 |
| Phone Number: | 931-684-3223 |
| Fax: | 931-684-4141 |
| Website: | https://www.bedfordcountytn.gov/courts/circuit_court_clerk.php |
Bedford City CourtMore Info
| Address: | 109 Lane Pkwy, Bedford, TN, 37160 |
| Phone Number: | 931-684-9948 |
| Website: | https://www.claimspages.com/tools/courthouses/tennessee/bedford/city-court/931-684-9948/ |
Useful Links
- Bedford County Sheriff's Office - Public Records Discover how to access public arrest records, inmate information, and other sheriff’s office services in Bedford County.
- Bedford County Circuit and Chancery Court Clerk Offers court forms, docket information, and guidance on obtaining court records in Bedford County, Tennessee.
- Tennessee Circuit, Criminal, Chancery, and Business Courts Find information on Tennessee state courts, including jurisdiction details, court contacts, and procedural rules.
- Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts Access Tennessee state court resources, including opinions, rules of court, and jurisdiction information.
- Bedford County, TN Public Records Directory Utilize an online directory to find public record databases and county court documents in Bedford County.
- Tennessee Bar Association - For the Public Provides resources to connect with attorneys, understand legal procedures, and access public legal information in Tennessee.
- United States Courts Comprehensive guide to federal court operations, resources, and public access to judicial proceedings and records.
- National Legal Aid & Defender Association Resource for finding free legal help, understanding rights, and accessing legal defense services nationwide.
- Bedford County Court Records Access Learn how to access Bedford County court records, including civil and criminal case information, online.
- VLex: Case Law Access Offers a wide range of case law from state courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court of Tennessee.
- LegalZoom: Access Tennessee Legal Help Provides resources for self-representation, legal document services, and professional attorney guidance in Tennessee.
- USDOJ: Western District of Tennessee Offers court services and bankruptcy information relevant to Tennessee's Western Federal Judicial District.
- CanLaw: Find a Lawyer in Bedford County, Tennessee Directory for locating local lawyers specializing in various legal fields within Bedford County.
- Nolo: Tennessee State Court Information and Resources Provides a thorough overview of Tennessee court system, including how to commence legal action and represent oneself.
- Legal Services Corporation A federally-established corporation providing information on legal aid resources available to residents of Tennessee.
- Bedford County, Tennessee Government The official government site providing access to services, departments, and public records in Bedford County.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Tennessee Access statistical data and workforce information to aid in understanding legal economic issues in Tennessee.
- National Archives: Tennessee Court Records Guidance on researching and accessing historical court records from Tennessee stored in the National Archives.
- United States Supreme Court Official website for U.S. Supreme Court, providing opinions, docket, court procedure, and public record access.
- Avvo: Bedford County, TN Lawyers Online directory focused on helping users find client-rated lawyers in Bedford County for various legal issues.
Table of Contents
- Bedford County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Bedford County Court Records
- Bedford County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Bedford County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Bedford County?
- How Does Bedford County Compare With Tennessee Overall?
- Bedford County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Bedford County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Bedford County?
- Are Bedford County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Bedford County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Bedford County
- Bedford County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links