Fayette County, TN Courts and Public Records
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The courts that hear Fayette County cases are part of Tennessee's trial court system, which the statewide judicial report groups as Chancery, Probate, Circuit, and Criminal courts by judicial district. The county court clerk keeps the court records for Fayette County.
This page does not list the court name, main address, phone, presiding judge, or judicial officers for Fayette County. Confirm those details, and which court handles your matter, on the official Tennessee courts website at TennesseeCourts.org.
How to Search Fayette County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Fayette County records are kept by the county clerk.
Online
Go to TennesseeCourts.org for official court information.
Ask the Fayette County clerk how to search for your case type.
Confirm any fees with the clerk before you request copies.
Best for: Finding official court information
In Person
Visit the Fayette County Clerk's office.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask which office holds your case type.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the Fayette County Clerk's office to confirm what you need.
Ask which office holds the case type you are looking for.
Ask about any fees before you visit or request copies.
Best for: Confirming where a case is kept
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
Fayette County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
Trial courts in Fayette County (Chancery, Circuit, Criminal and Probate where established) recorded 1,165 new filings in fiscal year 2024-25 and 1,050 dispositions, according to the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.
1,165
Total filings in FY 2024-25 (FY 2023-24: 972)
1,050
Total dispositions in FY 2024-25 (FY 2023-24: 1,130)
25.8
Filings per 1,000 residents (population 45,071)
+19.9%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023-24 (972)
| Metric | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 1,165 | 972 | +19.9% |
| Total Dispositions | 1,050 | 1,130 | -7.1% |
| Criminal Filings (Criminal Court) | 684 | 520 | +31.5% |
| Civil Filings (Circuit and Chancery, excluding family and probate) | 198 | 194 | +2.1% |
| Family Law Filings (divorce, parenting, paternity and related) | 153 | 148 | +3.4% |
| Probate and Estate Filings | 130 | 110 | +18.2% |
The largest driver of the change was criminal filings (+164 filings), followed by probate and estates (+20). Judge counts are not published by county in this report, so no per-judge figures are shown.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Fayette County?
This table shows new filings and dispositions in the Chancery, Circuit, Criminal and Probate courts of Fayette 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 | 1,165 | 1,050 | +19.9% |
| FY 2023-24 | 972 | 1,130 | -9.6% |
| FY 2022-23 | 1,075 | 1,109 | -17.1% |
| FY 2021-22 | 1,297 | 1,305 | +11.1% |
| FY 2020-21 | 1,167 | 1,124 | Base year |
Total filings changed -0.2% between FY 2020-21 and FY 2024-25, from 1,167 to 1,165. The largest annual change was +19.9% in FY 2024-25. The latest change, FY 2024-25, was +19.9%, led by criminal filings (+164).
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Fayette County?
Criminal cases make up the largest share of Fayette County filings at 58.7% of the 1,165 filed in FY 2024-25.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2024-25 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 684 | 58.7% | +31.5% |
| Civil and other | 198 | 17.0% | +2.1% |
| Family law | 153 | 13.1% | +3.4% |
| Probate and estates | 130 | 11.2% | +18.2% |
Criminal cases were the fastest-growing category at +31.5%, while civil and other cases fell fastest at +2.1%. 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 Fayette County Compare With Tennessee Overall?
Fayette County accounted for 0.45% of the 258,104 trial court cases filed statewide in Tennessee in FY 2024-25, and its filings grew 19.9% while statewide filings grew 1.3%.
| Metric | Fayette County | Tennessee | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 1,165 | 258,104 | 0.45% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +19.9% | +1.3% | +18.5 points vs state |
| Filings per 1,000 residents | 25.8 | 35.3 | -26.7% vs state |
| Dispositions per 1,000 residents | 23.3 | 35.0 | -33.4% vs state |
| Criminal share of filings | 58.7% | 58.2% | +0.5 points vs state |
| Civil share of filings (excluding family and probate) | 17.0% | 19.6% | -2.6 points vs state |
| Family law share of filings | 13.1% | 14.1% | -1.0 points vs state |
Fayette County's criminal share is higher than the statewide share and its family law share is lower.
Fayette County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Tennessee statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Fayette 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 Fayette County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Fayette County Courthouse Locations
Fayette County court proceedings are held at the Fayette County Circuit Court. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayette County Circuit Court | 705 Justice Drive, Somerville, TN 38068 | (901) 465-5205 | 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 Fayette County?
Cases in Fayette 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 | Fayette 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 | Fayette County General Sessions Court | General Sessions handles misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings. |
| Felony | Fayette County General Sessions Court, then Circuit or Criminal Court | Felonies start with a preliminary hearing and move to the trial court after indictment. |
| DUI | Fayette County General Sessions Court | DUI misdemeanors are handled here; felony-level cases go to Circuit or Criminal Court. |
| Domestic violence | Fayette County General Sessions Court | Orders of protection are typically sought through General Sessions or Circuit Court. |
| Civil lawsuit | Fayette 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 | Fayette County General Sessions Court | Civil General Sessions handles small claims within its dollar limit. |
| Eviction | Fayette County General Sessions Court | Eviction (detainer) cases are filed in General Sessions. |
| Divorce | Fayette County Circuit Court or Chancery Court | Divorce is filed in the Circuit or Chancery Court, depending on the county. |
| Child custody or support | Fayette County Juvenile Court or Circuit or Chancery Court | Juvenile courts often handle support and custody for unmarried parents. |
| Probate or estate | Fayette County Probate Court or Chancery Court | Probate is handled by a Probate or Chancery Court, or the county's designated court. |
| Juvenile case | Fayette 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 Fayette County Court Records Public?
Access to Fayette County court records depends on the case type and on any sealing order or legal restriction, so confirm with the county clerk which records you can inspect.
Public records
Ask the county clerk which case files are open for inspection and copying.
Restricted or confidential records
Sealed records and records restricted by law or court order are not available without authorization from the court.
Online access
TennesseeCourts.org provides official court information and a search by name across record types. Results there are not official court records.
In-person access
Visit the Fayette County Clerk's office to view or request records, and call first to confirm which office holds your case.
Fees
Fees are set by the clerk, so ask about the cost before you request copies.
How to Search Fayette County Court Records Online
Case information for Fayette 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 | Fayette 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 | Fayette County General Sessions Clerk or the city municipal court | Ticket status and payment where offered. | Online options vary by court. |
| Civil | Fayette 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 | Fayette County General Sessions Clerk | Case status for civil warrants and small claims. | Often not searchable online; contact the clerk. |
| Family law | Fayette County Circuit or Chancery Court Clerk | Family case information where available. | Sealed and confidential records are not public online. |
| Probate | Fayette County Clerk and Master or Probate Clerk | Estate case information and filings. | Online access varies; request copies from the clerk. |
| Juvenile | Fayette County Juvenile Court Clerk | Juvenile matters are generally confidential. | Juvenile records are not available through public online search. |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Fayette County
Payment options for Fayette County traffic tickets, criminal fines, and citations are not listed on this page.
Contact the Fayette County Clerk's office to confirm which payment methods apply to your ticket or fine, and do so before your court date.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, so contact that agency about payment.
Fayette County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Fayette County court records?
Start at TennesseeCourts.org for official court information, then contact the county clerk to confirm how to search for your case.
Are Fayette County court records public?
Access depends on the case type and any sealing order or legal restriction, so confirm with the county clerk which records you can inspect.
How do I find a criminal case?
Have the defendant's full name or case number ready, and contact the county clerk to confirm which office holds the case.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket, citation, or notice first, then contact the county clerk to confirm the date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the Fayette County Clerk's office to confirm the payment options for your ticket before your court date.
How many cases are filed in Fayette County each year?
County filing counts are not published on this page. The 2025 population was 44,476, a change of +1.2% from 2024.
What is the most common type of case in Fayette County?
Case-type counts for Fayette County are not published on this page, so no most common case type can be stated here.
Is crime 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
Fayette County TN CourtHouseMore Info
| Address: | 705 Justice Dr., Somerville, TN, 38068 |
| Phone Number: | 901-465-5205 |
| Fax: | 901-465-5215 |
| Website: | https://fayettetn.us/departments/circuit-general-sessions-court/# |
Useful Links
- Tennessee State Courts - Providing Court Information Administration, Resources & Judicial Support Services Offering comprehensive information about Tennessee courts, judicial services, and resources including local county court directories.
- Tennessee Circuit, Criminal, Chancery Courts - Find Court Location Judges and Court Clerks Directory for locating courts, judges, and court clerks with specific jurisdictional information for Fayette County and surrounding areas.
- Tennessee Supreme Court - Highest Appellate Court Providing Statewide Judicial Guidance Rule & Case Regulation Access rulings and opinions from the highest appellate court in Tennessee, with resources for legal professionals.
- Fayette County Clerk - Official Resource for Public Records, Licenses, Permits & County Services County clerk office offering services including public records access, permits, licenses, and other county services.
- Tennessee Comptroller's Office of Open Records Counsel - Access Strong Public Records Law Guidance Provides assistance and guidance for accessing public records under Tennessee's robust open records laws.
- Directory Tennessee County Primary Courts - Comprehensive Judge And Court Staff Contact Information Detailed contact directory for all primary county courts, including judge information and court staff in Tennessee.
- Tennessee Bar Association - Legal Support Education Professional Development & Event Information for Legal Professionals Organization offering legal education, professional development, and networking opportunities for Tennessee attorneys.
- Help Center Court Records - Understanding Record Access Process & Procedures Guidance on accessing court records including process explanations and FAQs about court-related documentation access.
- Tennessee Courts Self-Help Center - Resources Providing Assistance for Non-Lawyers Navigating the Court System Self-help resources for individuals navigating the court system without a lawyer, including guides and FAQs.
- Family Court - Official Source for Family Related Legal Services and Court Information Resources and services related to family court matters, including divorce, custody, and support information.
- FindLaw - Comprehensive and Free Legal Information, Lawyer Profiles, and a Community to Share Your Legal Experiences Robust free legal platform offering information, lawyer profiles, and a community for sharing legal experiences.
- U.S. Marshals Service Most Wanted - Federal Crime Investigations and Warrant Issuance Information about federal crime investigations, including wanted persons and warrants issued by the U.S. Marshals.
- Tennessee Police Professional Standards - Standards Organization Offering Training Resources & Certification Organization providing training and certification resources related to law enforcement standards in Tennessee.
- ACLU of Tennessee - Protecting Civil Liberties and Rights through Legal Action and Advocacy Agency deals with the protection and advocacy of civil liberties and rights through legal channels in Tennessee.
- CourtRecords.org - Public Access to Court Records Nationwide Including Tennessee Listings Nationwide database covering public court records information, including detailed records listings for Tennessee.
- NETR Online Tennessee County Public Records - Comprehensive Access to Public Records Price Comparisons Public records resource offering access and price comparisons for Tennessee counties, including Fayette County.
- Shelby County Warrant Information System - Comprehensive Resource for Active Warrants in Neighboring Fayette County Database of active warrants maintained by neighboring Shelby County, potentially relevant to Fayette County residents.
- Nolo - Archive of Extensive Legal Guides and Accessible Content for Various Legal Issues A wide array of legal guides and content accessible to help individuals understand various legal challenges and court issues.
- CourtListener - Free and Collaborative Legal Search Engine Hosted by a Non-Profit Non-profit search engine providing free access to court opinions, filing data, and information about legal proceedings.
- Justia - Comprehensive Platform Providing Free Comprehensive And Up-To-Date Legal Information Platform offering free access to legal information, case law, codes, regulations, and attorney listings.
- CaseText - Legal Research Platform Providing Legal Professionals with Accurate Search Results via AI Advanced legal research platform providing accurate documentation and court case search results for legal professionals.
Table of Contents
- Fayette County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Fayette County Court Records
- Fayette County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Fayette County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Fayette County?
- How Does Fayette County Compare With Tennessee Overall?
- Fayette County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Fayette County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Fayette County?
- Are Fayette County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Fayette County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Fayette County
- Fayette County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links