CourtCaseFinder.com
  1. Home
  2. Tennessee
  3. Davidson

Davidson County Court Records Lookup

Start Here
Start Here

The following is for information purposes only

Table of Contents

Davidson County Courts

Davidson County's population of over 710,000 people makes it the second most populous in Tennessee. Nashville, the state capital, is its county seat and largest city. According to an Annual Report of the Tennessee Judiciary, approximately 10,000 criminal cases are heard in Davidson County, while the Circuit Court oversees over 6,800 civil cases. Similarly, the Probate Court handles about 2,300 cases, and the Chancery Court hears about 1,300 cases annually.

The court system in Davidson County is made up of Circuit, Chancery, Criminal, General Sessions, Juvenile, and Municipal Courts. They hear different cases depending on each court's jurisdiction:

  • Davidson County Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases. It typically hears civil and family law cases. The Court has a Probate Division that handles probate matters, including management of estates and trusts, appointment of guardianships, and admission of wills
  • Davidson County Chancery Court typically handles civil cases of an equitable nature without financial claims.
  • Davidson County Criminal Court usually hears criminal cases, including felonies, offenses arising from the same conditions as felonies, and misdemeanors.
  • Davidson County General Sessions Court has three divisions that generally handle criminal, traffic, and civil cases. It may only hear civil cases with claims under $25,000.
  • Davidson County Juvenile Court typically deals with juvenile matters, including juvenile delinquency, truancy, minor in need of supervision, emancipation, and child abuse.

There are five municipal courts in Davidson County, each handling cases related to traffic offenses and municipal ordinance violations within its boundaries. These courts are located in Oak Hills, Berry Hill, Goodlettsville, Forest Hills, and Belle Meade.

How To Access Davidson County Court Records

Davidson County court records are generally accessible to the public. The Tennessee Public Records Act affirms the right of the public to view and obtain copies of court records in the county, provided they are not exempt from public disclosure by law or court orders. Exempt records typically include juvenile records, expunged or sealed court records, medical and mental health records, child protection orders, adoption records, records relating to cases involving parental rights, guardianships, and conservatorships.

Furthermore, portions of court records may be redacted if they contain restricted information, including social security numbers, trade secrets, license plate numbers, information that may affect personal or public safety, and financial account statements.

Typically, a record seeker requires a case number, party names, or date of birth to access a court record in Davidson County. They may also be required to provide a government-issued photo identification to obtain copies of the county's court records. Davidson County court records may be accessed in any of the following ways:

Online

Several courts in Davidson County have online platforms for record seekers to access the county's court records. The following online portals may be used to access court records in the county:

  • CaseLink - Court records from the Circuit, General Sessions - Civil Division, and Probate Courts
  • Case Search - Court records from the General Sessions - Criminal Division and Criminal Courts
  • Public Records Search - Court records from the Chancery Court

Some municipal courts may also offer electronic means of accessing their court records. Generally, record seekers will need to provide the case number, party name, or party's date of birth to access specific records. Some of the county's online portals are subscription-based, while others are free to use but may require payment for detailed results.

Furthermore, interested persons may use CourtCaseFinder to search for Davidson County court records. This online resource generally compiles publicly available court records from every county in the United States.

In addition, record seekers may access records of federal cases heard in Davidson County through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records service (PACER). To use the PACER resource, users must first create accounts on the platform for free, but may be required to pay certain fees to access court records.

In-Person

Record seekers may access the county court records in person by contacting the relevant courthouse in the custody of the sought records. They may visit the Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk, the Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk, the Davidson County Chancery Court Clerk and Master, and municipal court clerks to access court records from the county. Typically, they may be required to pay certain fees to obtain copies of records.

Old and Archived Court Records

Old court records that are not available on the courts' online databases may be found in the respective courts that handled the cases. A record seeker may contact the relevant clerk's office with a valid ID to request old and archived court records. They may need to provide as much information about the case as possible, including the case number, party name, and date of filing.

In addition, the Tennessee State Library and Archives maintains old and historic court records, some of which may no longer be in the custody of the county's court clerks. Record seekers may contact the state archives at:

Tennessee State Library and Archives

1001 Rep. John Lewis Way North

Nashville, TN 37219

Phone: (615) 741-2764

How To File a Case in Davidson County

Anyone interested in filing a case in Davidson County must first identify the relevant court with jurisdiction to hear the case. They may search the various county courts' websites or contact their clerks to verify which court is authorized to handle the case they intend to file. The Circuit Court Clerk handles filings for the Circuit, General Sessions, and Juvenile courts, the Chancery Court Clerk and Master handle filings for the Chancery Court, and municipal court clerks handle their court's filings.

A litigant in Davidson County will need to prepare necessary documents for filing a case, including the complaint describing the circumstances that necessitated the lawsuit, the parties involved, and the relief being sought. They may need to provide other documents and exhibits to support the case. Each court may have varying case filing requirements, so it is important to follow the instructions given at the clerk's office or the filing guide provided on the relevant website.

Litigants may then file the case electronically or in person at the court clerk's office. Those interested in filing their case electronically may use the Chancery Court's Electronic Case Filing resource to file in the Chancery Court or the Circuit Court's E-Filing (eFlex) platform to file in the Circuit, General Sessions, and Juvenile Courts.

Generally, filing a case in Davidson County attracts certain fees depending on the court and case type. The General Session Civil Filing Fees, the Circuit Court Filing Fees, the Juvenile Court Fees and Service Costs, and the Chancery Court Fees websites provide the different fees for the General Sessions, Circuit, Juvenile, and Chancery Courts, respectively. However, persons experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for filing fee waivers in the county.

To get a fee waiver, an individual may be required to complete and file an affidavit of indigency form with the relevant court, giving details of their current economic situation, including their income, expenses, liabilities, and assets. The judge will review the request and may schedule a hearing on the motion. The judge may grant the request, deny it, or offer payment plans as an alternative to a full waiver.

The following steps are usually required to file a case in Davidson County:

  • Determine the case type and the Court that has jurisdiction.
  • Prepare required documents and exhibits. Ensure to provide a detailed description of the events that necessitated the case and the parties involved in the lawsuit.
  • Pay the filing fees or obtain fee waivers if eligible. Fees can be paid by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit cards.
  • File the complaint with the relevant court and serve the opposing party with a copy of the complaint.

Anyone intending to file a case in Davidson County is advised to secure the services of an attorney to help with the filing process. Indigent residents may apply to legal aid groups in the county for assistance.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Generally, governmental officials in the county are prohibited from providing legal advice or acting as attorneys to persons in search of justice. Litigants who cannot afford the services of an attorney in Davidson County may get help from local pro bono groups and local legal aid organizations. These groups usually assist in cases like domestic and sexual violence, sex trafficking, seniors, housing, and public benefits. The following self-help and legal aid resources are available to persons in the county who lack the funds for legal counsel:

Other self-help resources and legal aid services available to Davidson County residents include the following:

Types of Courts in Davidson County, Tennessee

Davidson County residents are served by multiple courts, including circuit, chancery, general sessions, juvenile, criminal, municipal, and federal courts. The jurisdiction of each court and contact information are listed below:

Davidson County Circuit Court

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Civil cases with claims exceeding $25,000, contract disputes, civil torts, workers' compensation claims, domestic relations, divorce, annulment, alimony, admission of wills, administration of trusts and estates, and appointment of guardianships.

Davidson County Circuit Court

Address and Contact Information

1, Public Square

Suite 302

P.O. Box 196303

Nashville, TN 37219

Phone: (615) 862-5181

Fax: (615) 862-5191

Davidson County Circuit Court - Probation Division

Address and Contact Information

1, Public Square

Suite 303

P.O. Box 196300

Nashville, TN 37219

Phone: (615) 862-5980

Fax: (615) 862-5987

Davidson County Chancery Court

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Civil equity cases, Tennessee Constitutional issues, employment matters, contract disputes, real property cases, state tax disputes, emancipation of minors, name changes, and appellate court for some administrative agencies.
  • Address and Contact Information

1, Public Square

Suite 308

Nashville, TN 37201

Phone: (615) 862-5710

Fax: (615) 862-5722

Davidson County Criminal Court

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Felonies, offenses arising from the same conditions as felonies, and misdemeanors.
  • Address and Contact Information

Justice A.A. Birch Building

408 2nd Avenue North

Suite 2120

Nashville, TN 37201

Phone: (615) 862-5601

Davidson County General Sessions Courts

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Preliminary hearings for criminal cases, criminal cases with punishment of less than one year, civil cases with claims under $25,000, county ordinance violations, and landlord-tenant disputes.
  • Davidson County General Sessions Court - Civil Division

    Address and Contact Information

    Justice A.A. Birch Building

    408 2nd Avenue North

    Suite 2110

    P.O. Box 196304

    Nashville, TN 37219

    Phone: (615) 862-5195

    Fax: (615) 862-5924

Davidson County Juvenile Court

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Juvenile delinquency, truancy, juvenile dependency, minor in need of supervision, juvenile consent to employment or military enlistment, and child abuse and neglect
  • Address and Contact Information

Juvenile Justice Center

100 Woodland Street

Nashville, TN 37213

Phone: (615) 862-7980

Fax: (615) 862-7982

Davidson County Municipal Courts

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Municipal ordinance violations and traffic offenses.

Belle Meade City Court

Address and Contact Information

4705 Harding Road

Nashville, TN 37205

Phone: (615) 298-1223

Fax: (615) 297-0255

Forest Hills Municipal Court

Address and Contact Information

6300 Hillsboro

Forest Hills, TN 37215

Phone: (615) 372-8677

Fax: (615) 372-8680

Berry Hill Municipal Court

Address and Contact Information

698 Thompson Lane

Nashville, TN 37204

Phone: (615) 292-5531

Fax: (615) 297-2391

Goodlettsville Municipal Court

Address and Contact Information

105 South Main Street

Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Phone: (615) 851-2214

Fax: (615) 851-2212

Oak Hill City Court

Address and Contact Information

5548nFranklin Pike

Suite 102

Nashville, TN 37220

Phone: (615) 371-291

Federal Courts in Davidson County

The following are the federal courts serving Davidson County, TN:

United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Criminal and civil cases about the U.S. Government, the United States Constitution, and federal laws.
  • Address and Contact Information -

Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building

719 Church Street

Nashville, TN 37203

Phone: (615) 736-5498

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Bankruptcy cases
  • Address and Contact Information -

701 Broadway

Room 170

Nashville, TN 37203

Phone: (615) 736-5584

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Davidson County Courts

Answers to some frequently asked questions about the courts in Davidson County, Tennessee, are provided below:

Are Court Records Public in Davidson County?

Yes. According to the Tennessee Public Records Act, court records in Davidson County are generally considered public documents and may be viewed or copied by members of the public. However, certain court records are exempt from public access by law or court orders. These records are made confidential for security or privacy reasons, and may include juvenile records, adoption records, medical and mental health records, and expunged court records.

How Do I Search for a Criminal Case in Davidson County?

In Davidson County, criminal cases are generally handled by the Criminal Court and the General Sessions Court - Criminal Division. The Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk maintains records of criminal cases in the county and makes them available to the public. Record seekers may mail criminal case requests or visit the Clerk's office to search for them. They may also use the Case Search platform to search for criminal cases in the county. CaseSearch allows record seekers to search by party names, case number, or complaint number.

Where Can I Find Eviction Records in Davidson County?

In Davidson County, eviction cases are generally handled by the Circuit and General Sessions Courts. Individuals interested in finding eviction records may visit the Davidson County Circuit Clerk's office. They may also access eviction records online through the CaseLink portal.

Can I File a Small Claims Case Online?

Yes. Anyone may use the e-Filing portal by the Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk to file a small claims case online with the General Sessions Court - Civil Division. However, a person must be registered on the platform before they can file the case. They may contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at (615) 862-4444 for assistance on how to effectively file a small claims case on the platform.

Do Davidson County Courts Offer Public Computers for Case Searches?

No, Davidson County courts do not have public-access terminals for case searches. However, members of the public may use public computers at the Nashville Public Library to search for publicly available court records.

How Do I Appeal a Court Decision in Davidson County?

The Davidson County Circuit Court is the appellate court for the General Sessions Court, while the Tennessee Court of Appeals is the appellate court for the Circuit and Chancery Courts. To appeal the decision of a court in Davidson County, a notice of appeal must be filed with the clerk of the court where the decision was made within 10 days of the decision being delivered. The appellant must follow specific procedures for preparing and transmitting the case record to the appellate court. They may be required to pay filing fees or apply for a fee waiver if they are eligible.

How Do Davidson County Courts Handle Traffic Tickets?

The Davidson County General Sessions Court - Traffic Violation Bureau primarily handles traffic offenses in the county. The options for dealing with traffic tickets in Davidson County, TN, include: paying the fine, pleading not guilty, or applying for traffic school. A driver who pleads not guilty must present their case before a judge in a court hearing. If found guilty, they will be required to pay the fine and additional court costs. A driver has up to 45 days to clear a traffic ticket without attracting additional penalties.

How Do I Obtain a Copy of a Divorce Record in Davidson County?

The Davidson County Circuit Court handles all divorce proceedings in the county, and the Court's Clerk keeps the records. A record seeker may obtain a copy of a divorce record in the county by submitting a request in person or by mail to the County Circuit Clerk's office. They may also access the county's divorce records through the CaseLink platform.

Davidson County, TN - Courthouses

Tennessee Supreme Court

Court Type: Supreme Court
Street Address: 401 7th Ave. North
Website URL: https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court
Phone: 615-253-1470
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Judge: Hon. Jeffrey S. Bivins
Judge Phone: 615-532-7945
Judge Fax / Email: 615-741-5809
Clerk: James Hivner
Parking: Free self-parking available from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Public transportation: These Bus lines stop near Tennessee Supreme Court: 17, 5, 87, 94, 96.
Languages: English
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForAllTN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tnsupremect
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tennessee-supreme-court/about/
ADA: ADA Coordinator
ADA Phone: 615-741-2687
ADA Fax / Email: 800-448-7970, adacoordinator@tncourts.gov
About / Additional Info: The Tennessee Supreme Court is the state’s court of last resort. The five Supreme Court justices may accept appeals of civil and criminal cases from lower state courts. They also interpret the laws and constitutions of Tennessee and the United States. The Supreme Court may assume jurisdiction over undecided cases in the Court of Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals when there is special need for an expedited decision.
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Supreme_Court
View More

Davidson County TN CourtHouse

Court Type: Circuit Court
Street Address: 1 Public Sq.
Website URL: https://circuitclerk.nashville.gov/
Phone: 615-862-5181
Fax: 615-862-5191
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Judge: Hon. Joseph P. Binkley
Judge Phone: 615-862-5915
Clerk: Richard R. Rooker
Clerk Phone: 615-862-5181
Clerk Fax: 615-862-5191
Clerk Email: RickyRooker@jis.nashville.org
Forms & Filing: http://circuitclerk.nashville.gov/circuit/circuitforms.asp
Dockets / Schedule / Calendar: http://circuitclerk.nashville.gov/circuit/trial_calendar.asp
Languages: English
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Davidson-County-Courthouse/107783525910773
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TNCourts?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
ADA: Dart Gore
ADA Phone: 615-880-3309
About / Additional Info: In Davidson County, the Circuit Court Clerk is charged with the responsibility of maintaining not only the records of the eight Circuit Courts but also the civil records of the eleven General Sessions Courts. Among the types of cases heard by the Circuit Courts are contract disputes, civil torts, condemnations, worker’s compensation claims, domestic matters and the administration of estates.
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidson_County_Courthouse_-_Nashville_City_Hall
View More

Berry Hill Municipal Court

Court Type: Municipal Court
Street Address: 698 Thompson Lane
Website URL: https://www.berryhilltn.org/58/Municipal-Court
Phone: 615-292-5531
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Judge: Larry Cantrell
Clerk: Michelle Honick
Clerk Phone: (615) 292-5531
View More

Goodlettsville Municipal Court

Court Type: Municipal Court
Street Address: 105 South Main Street
Website URL: https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/goodlettsvilletn/court/search
Phone: 615-851-2200
Clerk Phone: 615-851-2214
Clerk Email: courtclerk@goodlettsville.gov
View More

Davidson County, TN - Sheriff's Office

Davidson County Sheriff's Office

Location Type: Sheriff's Office
Street Address: One Jerry Newson Way
Phone: 615-862-8170
Website URL: https://sheriff.nashville.gov
Inmates: https://dcso.nashville.gov
Civil Services & Proceedings: https://sheriff.nashville.gov/civil-warrants-division/
Public Records: https://sheriff.nashville.gov/category/media-center/news-releases/
Sheriff: Daron Hall
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleSheriff
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NashSheriff
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/davidson-county-sheriff's-ofc/about/
View More

Other Counties in Tennessee

Table of Contents