Rutherford County, TN Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
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- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
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- Federal Dockets
The trial courts that hear cases in Rutherford County, Tennessee, are part of the state trial court system, which includes Circuit, Chancery, Criminal, and Probate courts. The county's court clerk keeps the court records for cases heard in the county.
Court names, judges, addresses, and phone numbers for the county were not confirmed for this page, so they are not listed here. Contact the county court clerk through the official Tennessee courts website at tncourts.gov to confirm the court that handles your matter.
How to Search Rutherford County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Rutherford County court records.
Online
Go to the official Tennessee courts website to find the county clerk's current search options.
Confirm which record types the county's online search covers before you search.
Check that results match the county and the case type you need.
Best for: Checking whether an online search is offered
In Person
Go to the Rutherford County Clerk's Office at the county courthouse.
Bring the full name, case number, and approximate dates.
Ask the clerk which records are available at the counter.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the Rutherford County Clerk's Office to confirm the records request process.
Ask which office or division holds the case you need.
Ask the clerk for the correct mailing or email address for requests.
Best for: Confirming the right office before you 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
Rutherford County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
Trial courts in Rutherford County (Chancery, Circuit, Criminal and Probate where established) recorded 14,023 new filings in fiscal year 2024-25 and 12,749 dispositions, according to the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.
14,023
Total filings in FY 2024-25 (FY 2023-24: 13,435)
12,749
Total dispositions in FY 2024-25 (FY 2023-24: 12,565)
36.3
Filings per 1,000 residents (population 386,352)
+4.4%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023-24 (13,435)
| Metric | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 14,023 | 13,435 | +4.4% |
| Total Dispositions | 12,749 | 12,565 | +1.5% |
| Criminal Filings (Criminal Court) | 9,065 | 8,767 | +3.4% |
| Civil Filings (Circuit and Chancery, excluding family and probate) | 2,783 | 2,468 | +12.8% |
| Family Law Filings (divorce, parenting, paternity and related) | 2,169 | 2,192 | -1.0% |
| Probate and Estate Filings | 6 | 8 | -25.0% |
The largest driver of the change was civil and other filings (+315 filings), followed by criminal (+298). Judge counts are not published by county in this report, so no per-judge figures are shown.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Rutherford County?
This table shows new filings and dispositions in the Chancery, Circuit, Criminal and Probate courts of Rutherford 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 | 14,023 | 12,749 | +4.4% |
| FY 2023-24 | 13,435 | 12,565 | -0.3% |
| FY 2022-23 | 13,479 | 13,208 | +1.8% |
| FY 2021-22 | 13,243 | 12,959 | +0.4% |
| FY 2020-21 | 13,193 | 11,749 | Base year |
Total filings changed +6.3% between FY 2020-21 and FY 2024-25, from 13,193 to 14,023. The largest annual change was +4.4% in FY 2024-25. The latest change, FY 2024-25, was +4.4%, led by civil and other filings (+315).
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Rutherford County?
Criminal cases make up the largest share of Rutherford County filings at 64.6% of the 14,023 filed in FY 2024-25.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2024-25 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 9,065 | 64.6% | +3.4% |
| Civil and other | 2,783 | 19.8% | +12.8% |
| Family law | 2,169 | 15.5% | -1.0% |
| Probate and estates | 6 | 0.0% | -25.0% |
Civil and other cases were the fastest-growing category at +12.8%, while probate and estates cases fell fastest at -25.0%. 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 Rutherford County Compare With Tennessee Overall?
Rutherford County accounted for 5.43% of the 258,104 trial court cases filed statewide in Tennessee in FY 2024-25, and its filings grew 4.4% while statewide filings grew 1.3%.
| Metric | Rutherford County | Tennessee | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 14,023 | 258,104 | 5.43% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +4.4% | +1.3% | +3.0 points vs state |
| Filings per 1,000 residents | 36.3 | 35.3 | +2.9% vs state |
| Dispositions per 1,000 residents | 33.0 | 35.0 | -5.7% vs state |
| Criminal share of filings | 64.6% | 58.2% | +6.4 points vs state |
| Civil share of filings (excluding family and probate) | 19.8% | 19.6% | +0.3 points vs state |
| Family law share of filings | 15.5% | 14.1% | +1.4 points vs state |
Rutherford County's criminal share is higher than the statewide share and its family law share is higher.
Rutherford County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Tennessee statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Rutherford 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 Rutherford County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Rutherford County Courthouse Locations
Rutherford County court proceedings are held at the Rutherford County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutherford County Courthouse | 319 N. Maple St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130 | 615-898-7831 | 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 Rutherford County?
Cases in Rutherford 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 | Rutherford 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 | Rutherford County General Sessions Court | General Sessions handles misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings. |
| Felony | Rutherford County General Sessions Court, then Circuit or Criminal Court | Felonies start with a preliminary hearing and move to the trial court after indictment. |
| DUI | Rutherford County General Sessions Court | DUI misdemeanors are handled here; felony-level cases go to Circuit or Criminal Court. |
| Domestic violence | Rutherford County General Sessions Court | Orders of protection are typically sought through General Sessions or Circuit Court. |
| Civil lawsuit | Rutherford 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 | Rutherford County General Sessions Court | Civil General Sessions handles small claims within its dollar limit. |
| Eviction | Rutherford County General Sessions Court | Eviction (detainer) cases are filed in General Sessions. |
| Divorce | Rutherford County Circuit Court or Chancery Court | Divorce is filed in the Circuit or Chancery Court, depending on the county. |
| Child custody or support | Rutherford County Juvenile Court or Circuit or Chancery Court | Juvenile courts often handle support and custody for unmarried parents. |
| Probate or estate | Rutherford County Probate Court or Chancery Court | Probate is handled by a Probate or Chancery Court, or the county's designated court. |
| Juvenile case | Rutherford 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 Rutherford County Court Records Public?
Court records for Rutherford County are generally open to the public, but some records are restricted. Ask the county clerk's office which records are open and which are restricted for the case you need.
Public records
Ask the clerk's office which case files are open for inspection and copying.
Restricted or confidential records
Some records are restricted by law or court order. Ask the clerk before you request a record.
Online access
Use the official Tennessee courts website to find the county's current search options. Online results may not show every document.
In-person access
Visit the county clerk's office at the county courthouse to view or request records. Call ahead to confirm the division that holds your case.
Fees
No fee amounts are listed here. Ask the clerk's office for the current fees for copies and certified records.
How to Search Rutherford County Court Records Online
Case information for Rutherford 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 | Rutherford 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 | Rutherford County General Sessions Clerk or the city municipal court | Ticket status and payment where offered. | Online options vary by court. |
| Civil | Rutherford 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 | Rutherford County General Sessions Clerk | Case status for civil warrants and small claims. | Often not searchable online; contact the clerk. |
| Family law | Rutherford County Circuit or Chancery Court Clerk | Family case information where available. | Sealed and confidential records are not public online. |
| Probate | Rutherford County Clerk and Master or Probate Clerk | Estate case information and filings. | Online access varies; request copies from the clerk. |
| Juvenile | Rutherford County Juvenile Court Clerk | Juvenile matters are generally confidential. | Juvenile records are not available through public online search. |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Rutherford County
Payment options for fines and citations in Rutherford County were not confirmed for this page. Contact the county court clerk's office to learn which payment methods it accepts for traffic citations and criminal fines.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Rutherford County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Rutherford County court records?
Start with the official Tennessee courts website to find the county clerk's current search options, or contact the clerk's office directly.
Are Rutherford County court records public?
Most court records are open to the public, but some are restricted by law or court order. Ask the county clerk which records are open.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number through the county's online search options, or ask the clerk's office for help.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice first, then contact the county clerk's office to confirm the date and courtroom.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the county clerk's office to confirm the payment methods it accepts for traffic citations.
How many cases are filed in Rutherford County each year?
Court filing counts for Rutherford County are not published in the sources used for this page.
What is the most common type of case in Rutherford County?
Case type counts for Rutherford County are not published in the sources used for this page.
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
Rutherford County TN CourtHouseMore Info
| Address: | 116 W. Lytle St., Murfreesboro, TN, 37130 |
| Phone Number: | 615-898-7820 |
| Fax: | 615-691-5904 |
| Website: | http://circuitcourtclerk.rutherfordcountytn.gov/ |
Murfreesboro City CourtMore Info
| Address: | 111 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro, TN, 37130 |
| Phone Number: | 615-890-2142 |
| Website: | murfreesborotn.gov/157/City-Court |
Smyrna Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 400 Enon Springs Road East, Smyrna, TN, 37167 |
| Phone Number: | 615-355-5739 |
| Fax: | 615-355-0853 |
| Website: | https://www.courtreference.com/courts/14151/smyrna-municipal-court |
La Vergne City Court More Info
| Address: | 5093 Murfreesboro Road, La Vergne, TN, 37086 |
| Phone Number: | 615-287-8630 |
| Fax: | 615-793-3056 |
| Website: | https://www.lavergnetn.gov/169/City-Court |
Useful Links
- Rutherford County Government - Official site provides comprehensive information on county government services, public records, and courts in Rutherford County.
- Circuit Court Clerk - Rutherford County - Contains details on circuit court services, case information, and how to request court records or make payments online.
- Tennessee State Courts - Portal to state-level court information, including rules, opinions, and statewide court system services for citizens and attorneys.
- Clerk and Master - Rutherford County - Manages civil court records and provides help with probate cases, tax records, and property disputes in Rutherford County.
- General Sessions Court - Rutherford County - Offers guidelines for the general sessions court including dockets, fees, and procedures for small claims or misdemeanors.
- Judicial Commissioner - Rutherford County - Information on the role of judicial commissioners, their responsibilities, and services provided to the public and law enforcement.
- Rutherford & Cannon County Bar Association - Legal resources for residents, including a directory of attorneys and continuing professional development for legal practitioners.
- Rutherford County Sheriff's Office - Provides arrest and jail records, crime statistics, public safety information, victim notification systems, and concealed weapon permits.
- Rutherford County Public Records Search - An online service for accessing property records, tax data, and other public records available to Rutherford County residents.
- Rutherford County Planning & Engineering - Information on zoning, building permits, and long-term land-use planning, offering guidance for residents and developers.
- Tennessee Supreme Court - Highest appellate court in Tennessee handling appeals of major cases; provides opinions, rules, and oral arguments records statewide.
- Tennessee Court of Appeals - Handles civil court appeals from trial courts, reviews briefs, and publishes opinions; includes procedures and guidelines for appeals.
- Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals - Focuses on criminal matters appealed from trial courts across Tennessee, offering documentation and guidelines on appellate procedures.
- Tennessee Bar Association - Offers resources for lawyers and the public, including legal education, publications, and a referral service for finding an attorney.
- National Legal Aid & Defender Association - Connects low-income individuals to free legal aid services across the USA, crucial for accessing justice and legal support.
- Rutherford County Archives - Preserves historical records of the county, including genealogical data, property deeds, and more detailed archival documents.
- Rutherford County Probation Services - Information on probation programs and services, including rehabilitation options, payment of fees, and compliance requirements for probationers.
- Rutherford County Health Department - Health services, public health information, and community outreach programs available for residents of Rutherford County.
- Middle Tennessee State University - Department of Political Science & International Relations - Offers educational resources related to public policy, legal studies, and government for students and researchers.
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Provides advocacy, resources, and support for criminal defense attorneys, aiding them in defending constitutional rights and justice.
Table of Contents
- Rutherford County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Rutherford County Court Records
- Rutherford County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Rutherford County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Rutherford County?
- How Does Rutherford County Compare With Tennessee Overall?
- Rutherford County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Rutherford County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Rutherford County?
- Are Rutherford County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Rutherford County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Rutherford County
- Rutherford County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links