Hawkins County Court Records Search
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Hawkins County, Tennessee sits in the northeastern corner of the state and is home to a multi-court judicial system serving the county seat of Rogersville and surrounding communities. Court records generated by these courts — ranging from civil disputes and criminal matters to probate filings and domestic relations cases — are official documents that reflect the legal history of individuals and entities before the courts. These records typically contain case identification data, pleadings, motions, evidence summaries, court orders, and final dispositions.
Residents searching for court case information in Tennessee can consult TennesseeCourts.us, which connects to publicly available court case resources maintained across the state. In Hawkins County specifically, records may also be accessed through the Circuit Court Clerk’s office, the Chancery Court Clerk and Master, public access terminals, and official state online portals, all described in detail below.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Hawkins County?
Court records in Hawkins County can be searched through several channels depending on the type of case and court involved.
Online Search Options
- TNCrtInfo — Hawkins County participates in this state portal, which provides online access to court fine and case information for General Sessions and related courts. Users can search by case number or party name.
- Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts — Public Case History — Provides searchable case information for appellate-level courts including the Tennessee Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Court of Criminal Appeals.
- Tennessee AOC Case Records Portal — The statewide court administration site allows searches for public case records, expungements, estate and probate matters, and more from participating trial courts.
In-Person Access
Walk-in requests are accepted at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in Rogersville and the satellite office in Church Hill. Public access terminals are also available at the courthouse for reviewing case information.
Hawkins County Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawkins County Circuit Court | 115 Justice Center Dr., Suite 1237, Rogersville, TN 37857 | (423) 272-3397 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–11:45 am; 1:00 pm–4:00 pm |
| Circuit Court Clerk – Church Hill | 150 South Central, Church Hill, TN 37642 | (423) 357-4441 | Mon, Tue, Thu: 8:00 am–11:30 am; 1:00 pm–4:00 pm |
| Hawkins County Chancery Court | 100 East Main Street, Suite 316, Rogersville, TN 37857 | (423) 272-8150 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:00 pm |
| General Sessions Judge’s Office | 115 Justice Center Dr., Suite 1222, Rogersville, TN 37857 | (423) 272-3300, Option 3 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:00 pm |
| Hawkins County Criminal Court | 115 Justice Center Dr., Suite 1237, Rogersville, TN 37857 | (423) 272-3397 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–11:45 am; 1:00 pm–4:00 pm |
| Hawkins County Juvenile Court | 115 Justice Center Dr., Suite 1237, Rogersville, TN 37857 | (423) 272-3397 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–11:45 am; 1:00 pm–4:00 pm |
Municipal Courts
Several incorporated municipalities operate their own city courts for local ordinance and traffic matters:
- Rogersville City Court — 106 East Kyle Street, Rogersville, TN 37857 | (423) 272-7494
- Church Hill Municipal Court — 302 East Main Boulevard, Church Hill, TN 37642 | (423) 357-3487
- Mount Carmel Municipal Court — 110 East Main Street, Mount Carmel, TN 37645 | (423) 357-7311
- Bulls Gap City Court — 139 South Main Street, Bulls Gap, TN 37711 | (423) 235-5216
- Surgoinsville City Court — 1735 Main Street, Surgoinsville, TN 37873 | (423) 345-2213
Are Court Records Public in Hawkins County?
Yes. Tennessee court records are generally open to the public under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, which establishes that government records — including court records — are presumed to be public and accessible for inspection and copying during regular business hours. Hawkins County courts sit within the 3rd Judicial District of Tennessee.
Despite this broad public access framework, certain categories of records are restricted by statute or court order to protect the privacy of individuals involved. These restricted record types include:
- Juvenile court records
- Sealed or expunged records
- Records containing confidential personal information (Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, residential addresses in certain contexts)
- Records of cases with ongoing criminal investigations
- Mental health and medical records filed under seal
Access to restricted records requires either a court order or demonstrated legal authorization. Requesters seeking records from any Hawkins County court should contact the relevant clerk’s office to confirm whether a specific file is available for public inspection before making the trip in person.
Hawkins County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Hawkins County are handled across three courts depending on severity. The Hawkins County Criminal Court handles felony prosecutions. The General Sessions Court handles misdemeanor matters and preliminary hearings. The Juvenile Court addresses criminal matters involving individuals under 18.
The Circuit Court Clerk’s office (Randall L. Collier, Clerk) serves as the records custodian for Circuit Court, Criminal Court, General Sessions, Juvenile Court, and Child Support Courts. Copies of criminal case records can be obtained in person at either the Rogersville or Church Hill offices, or by submitting a mail request with the appropriate fee. Refer to the official Hawkins County Court Fee Schedule for current copy and certification fees.
Statewide Criminal History Checks — Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
For a comprehensive Tennessee criminal history search, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is the official statewide repository. The TBI provides name-based criminal background checks to the general public through its online portal or by mail.
TBI Background Check Fee Schedule
| Search Type | Fee | Fingerprints Required |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Name-Based Check (General Public) | $29.00 | No |
| FBI Nationwide Check (General Public) | $50.00 | Yes (via IdentoGO) |
| Tennessee & FBI (Qualified Organizations) | $37.15 (applicant) / $33.15 (volunteer) | Yes |
To initiate a name-based check, complete the TBI Requestor Information Form online. Results are provided electronically and a valid email address is required. Alternatively, paper request forms are available in English and Spanish on the TBI website. The $29.00 fee is non-refundable regardless of search result.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Headquarters
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (615) 744-4000
Sheriff’s Office — Local Records and Arrest Information
For local arrest records, incident reports, and warrant information maintained at the county level, contact the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office directly:
Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office
117 Justice Center Drive, Suite 1304
Rogersville, TN 37857
Phone: (423) 272-4848
Email: hcsoinfo@gmail.com
The Sheriff’s Office is staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Requesters should be prepared to identify themselves and describe the specific records sought.
Hawkins County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Hawkins County are distributed between two courts based on the nature of the claim. The Circuit Court handles general civil matters including personal injury claims, breach of contract actions, landlord-tenant disputes, and appeals from General Sessions. The Chancery Court handles equity matters including property disputes, divorce cases, name changes, and conservatorships.
Requesting Civil Court Records
To obtain copies of civil records from the Circuit Court, contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office:
- In person: Rogersville office (115 Justice Center Dr., Suite 1237) or Church Hill office (150 South Central), during posted hours.
- By phone: (423) 272-3397 or (423) 272-4517 (Rogersville); (423) 357-4441 (Church Hill).
- By mail: Submit a written request identifying the case by name or case number, along with payment, to the Rogersville office.
For historical civil court records, the Hawkins County Archives maintains older case files and provides access upon authorized request:
Hawkins County Archives
951 East McKinney Avenue, Suite A
Rogersville, TN 37857
Phone: (423) 921-0904
E-Filing for Chancery Court
The Hawkins County Chancery Court now accepts electronic filing through the state’s e-filing system. To register, visit the Tennessee Courts e-filing portal. Local e-filing rules are published on the Chancery Court’s page and must be followed for submissions. Filing fees effective January 1, 2026 are posted as a downloadable schedule on the county website.
Hawkins County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Hawkins County span multiple courts. Divorce and dissolution proceedings are handled by the Chancery Court. Child support matters are tracked through the Circuit Court Clerk’s Child Support division. Custody, visitation, abuse, and neglect cases involving minors are handled by the Juvenile Court.
Divorce Records
Divorce cases in Hawkins County are processed through the Circuit Court (for uncontested divorces, in accordance with T.C.A. § 16-2-509 as referenced in local court orders) and the Chancery Court for more complex matters. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $4.00, with each additional copy priced at $0.50. Requests can be made in person or by mail at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Hawkins County Clerk, not the Circuit Court. Both parties must appear in person (exceptions apply for incarceration or disability), be at least 18 years old, and present a valid photo ID or certified birth certificate. The license fee is:
- $40.00 with proof of premarital counseling (Certificate of Completion required)
- $100.00 without premarital counseling
Licenses are valid for 30 days anywhere in Tennessee. There is no waiting period and no blood test required. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available from the County Clerk’s office for $5.00 each, in person or by mail.
The Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records Division also maintains statewide marriage records. An application for a certified copy of a marriage certificate carries a $15.00 fee, payable by cash, check, credit/debit card, or money order, and should be submitted to:
Tennessee Vital Records
Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway, 1st Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-1763
Birth and Death Records
The Hawkins County Health Department provides certified copies of birth and death certificates for events that occurred in the county. Death records are available locally for deaths that occurred within the last three years. For older records, contact the Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records office. The fee is $15.00 per certified copy.
Local health department offices:
- Rogersville Office: 201 Park Boulevard, P.O. Box 488, Rogersville, TN 37857 | (423) 272-7641
- Church Hill Office: 247 Silver Lake Road, P.O. Box 209, Church Hill, TN 37642 | (423) 357-5341
Birth and death records may also be requested using the state applications: the Birth Certificate Application (PH-1654) and the Death Certificate Application (PH-1663). In Tennessee, birth records become public after 100 years and death records after 50 years. Access to records within those time frames is generally limited to the person named, immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives.
Hawkins County Probate Court Records
All probate matters in Hawkins County are handled exclusively by the Hawkins County Chancery Court, which serves as the county’s probate court under Tennessee law. Chancellor Douglas T. Jenkins presides over the 3rd Judicial District, which includes Hawkins County. The Chancery Court’s Clerk and Master — currently Brent Price — is the custodian of all probate case files and related documents. Probate matters in this court require representation by an attorney pursuant to local court rules.
Types of Probate Cases Filed in Chancery Court
- Estate administration and will validation
- Will contests
- Conservatorships and guardianships
- Management and distribution of trust assets
- Claims against an estate
- Estate-related property disputes
Key Probate Forms Available from the Chancery Court
The Chancery Court provides several downloadable forms relevant to probate proceedings:
- Oath of Personal Representative (Probate)
- Small Estate Instructions and Petition
- Probate Claim Against Estate
- Conservator Handbook
- Adult Name Change Forms
Accessing Probate Records
Probate records are available for in-person review at the Chancery Court during regular business hours. Requests may also be submitted by phone or mail. The Chancery Court now accepts electronic filing through the Tennessee e-filing portal, and local e-filing rules apply to all electronic submissions.
Hawkins County Chancery Court / Clerk and Master
Address: 100 East Main Street, Suite 316, Rogersville, TN 37857
Phone: (423) 272-8150
Fax: (423) 272-7347
Email: brent.price@tncourts.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm
Chancery Court sessions begin at 10:00 am on scheduled court dates. There are no docket soundings; hearings are scheduled by sending a Notice of Hearing to the Clerk and Master. All proceedings are presumed to be held in person pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 55.