Prepare your documents for Criminal Expungement in Tennessee

Gathering the correct documents is the first and most important step in the expungement process. Submitting accurate records helps the court verify your eligibility and ensures that your petition is processed efficiently. While requirements can vary slightly by county, the following types of documentation are commonly needed when filing for expungement in Tennessee:

Evidence Type 1: Final Disposition of the Case
This is an official court document showing how your case ended—whether it was dismissed, resulted in a not guilty verdict, completed diversion, or led to a conviction that is eligible for expungement.
You can obtain this from the Clerk of the Court where your case was heard.

Evidence Type 2: Criminal Background Check
Some counties require a current copy of your Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) background check.
This helps confirm that you do not have disqualifying convictions. Visit the TBI website or local law enforcement office to request a report.

Evidence Type 3: Proof of Completion of Sentence or Diversion

If you completed probation, a diversion program, or paid all court-ordered fines and fees, you must show proof.
This could include:

• Probation release documents

• Certificates of program completion

• Receipts or payment records from the court or collection agency

Evidence Type 4: Expungement Petition Form

Tennessee has specific forms for filing an expungement request. You must complete the correct version based on the outcome of your case (e.g., dismissal, diversion, or qualifying conviction).
Forms can be found on your local court website or obtained in person from the Clerk’s Office.

Evidence Type 5: District Attorney Certification (If Required)

Some counties require certification or written approval from the District Attorney’s office before your petition can be filed or reviewed.
This usually applies to expungements involving convictions or diversion cases.

Evidence Type 6: Government-Issued ID
A valid form of photo identification (such as a driver’s license or state ID) may be required when filing to confirm your identity.

Evidence Type 7: Filing Fee or Fee Waiver
Tennessee courts may charge a fee for filing an expungement petition—typically between $100 and $450, depending on your case.
If you can’t afford the fee, you may be able to request a fee waiver form (Affidavit of Indigency).

After the screening, this website will guide you through the rest of the steps to create your expungement case documents.

Just for your knowledge: In order to apply for criminal record expungement in Tennessee, you need to complete and submit a set of official court forms specific to your case type. These forms include questions about your charges, case outcome, and your current legal status.
The most important form is the Petition for Expungement, which must be filed in the same court where your original case was handled. Tennessee courts offer different versions of this petition based on whether your case was dismissed, involved pretrial diversion, or qualifies as a low-level conviction.

Make sure to fill out the correct version of the form and gather all necessary supporting documents before submitting to the Clerk of Court.

After you file your expungement petition with the Clerk of Court in Tennessee, a judge will review your request based on the information and documentation you’ve provided.

If your case meets all legal requirements and no objections are raised by the District Attorney, the judge may approve your petition without a hearing. In many cases, expungement orders are signed within a few weeks of filing.

However, if your petition is incomplete, your eligibility is unclear, or there are objections from the prosecution, the judge may schedule a hearing. At the hearing, you may need to appear in court to answer questions or provide additional information.

If the judge finds that your case does not meet the criteria for expungement under Tennessee law, your request may be denied. In such situations, you may be able to amend your petition or reapply at a later date, depending on the reason for denial.