Court records in Coffee County, Tennessee, can be searched through several channels. CoffeeTNCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include official state court resources, the offices of the Circuit and General Sessions Court Clerks, and public terminals available at the courthouse. Online tools offered by the state of Tennessee also allow searches for criminal and offender records. Most court records are generally public under the Tennessee Public Records Act, though certain case types carry restrictions.
Coffee Court System & Jurisdictions
Coffee County is part of Tennessee's 14th Judicial District. Several courts operate within the county, each handling distinct case types.
- Circuit Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits exceeding the General Sessions monetary limit, divorce and domestic relations matters, and appeals from General Sessions Court. The Circuit Court Clerk maintains dockets and case files for these proceedings.
- General Sessions Court — Covers misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil disputes up to $25,000, orders of protection, and some landlord-tenant matters. This court also handles traffic violations and ordinance cases.
- Chancery Court — Hears cases involving equity, contract disputes, property matters, adoptions, name changes, conservatorships, and certain probate proceedings. The Clerk and Master serves as custodian of Chancery Court records.
- Juvenile Court — Addresses delinquency, dependency and neglect, child custody, and other matters involving minors. Most juvenile records are restricted from public access under Tennessee law.
If you are unsure which court heard a particular case, start by contacting the Circuit Court Clerk's office, which can direct you to the correct division.
Key Court Office
Coffee County Circuit Court Clerk
Coffee Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Coffee County are typically posted at the courthouse and may be available by contacting the appropriate clerk's office directly. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Call the Circuit Court Clerk at (931) 723-5100 for Circuit and Criminal Court schedules.
- Contact the General Sessions Court Clerk for misdemeanor, traffic, and small civil case dates.
- Reach the Clerk and Master's office for Chancery Court hearing schedules.
For offenders housed at Coffee County Jail who have upcoming parole hearings, the Tennessee Board of Parole publishes a parole hearing schedule for county jails. Schedules are subject to change — call 615-741-1150 to confirm.
Tennessee's Felony Offender Information Lookup can also help verify the status and hearing details for individuals who have been in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction. The Offender Search tool is also accessible through the MyTN mobile app.
How to Get a Copy of a Coffee Court Document
You can request copies of Coffee County court documents in person, by mail, or by phone inquiry. The process depends on the type of document and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Steps to Obtain Court Documents
- Identify the court. Determine whether the record is held by the Circuit Court Clerk, General Sessions Court Clerk, or Clerk and Master (Chancery).
- Visit the clerk's office or send a written request. Include the case number, party names, and the specific document you need. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the applicable fee.
- Specify certified or uncertified. Certified copies bear an official seal and signature, which is usually required for legal proceedings. Uncertified copies cost less and work for personal reference.
Mailing Address for Requests
What you may need to provide:
- Full names of parties involved
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of filing or disposition
- Type of document requested
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests involving restricted records)
Some records — including juvenile cases, sealed cases, and certain adoption files — are not available to the general public. If you are unsure whether a record is accessible, ask the clerk before submitting payment.
Coffee Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies and searches in Tennessee are set by statute (Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-21-401 et seq.) and may vary slightly by clerk's office. The table below reflects standard fees commonly charged by Tennessee court clerks. Contact the Coffee County clerk's office to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy | $5.00 – $6.00 per document |
| Search fee (per name/case lookup) | Varies; ask the clerk |
| Certification / authentication | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Exemplified copies | Additional fee may apply |
Accepted payment methods: Most clerk offices accept cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the appropriate clerk. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards with a processing surcharge. Confirm accepted methods before visiting or mailing a request.
Under Tennessee law, court records are generally open to public inspection. However, exceptions to the Tennessee Public Records Act apply to certain categories, including active criminal investigation files, sealed records, juvenile proceedings, and records containing sensitive personal identifiers. If a record falls under an exception, the clerk's office will inform you of the restriction and, where applicable, the statutory basis for denial.