title: "Tennessee Expungement - Complete LSC Packet with Forms"

state: "TN"

category: "Expungement"

date: "2026-03-20"

price: "$49"

lsc_grade: true

version: "COMPLETE_WITH_FORMS"

Tennessee Expungement Petition Packet — Complete with Court Forms

Jurist-Diction | jurisdiction-correct Legal documents

Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Eligibility Checker — Can Your Record Be Expunged?
2. Tennessee Expungement Law Explained
3. FORM 1: Petition for Expungement (Blank Template)
4. FORM 1: Petition for Expungement (Sample Completed)
5. FORM 2: Expungement Order (Blank Template for Judge)
6. FORM 3: Affidavit of Service (Blank Template)
7. Step-by-Step Filing Instructions
8. Court Information by County
9. Filing Checklist
10. Local Legal Aid Resources

1. ELIGIBILITY CHECKER — CAN YOUR RECORD BE EXPUNGED?

Step 1: What Type of Charge Do You Have?

Mark all that apply to your record:

[ ] Misdemeanor offense

[ ] Felony offense

[ ] District Attorney General (DAG) diversion

[ ] Pre-trial/diversion program

[ ] Dismissed charges

[ ] Not guilty verdict

[ ] Arrest only (no charges filed)

Step 2: How Long Ago?

For each charge, answer:

Charge: _________________________

Date of arrest/charge: ________

Was it dismissed? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Did you complete diversion? [ ] Yes [ ] No

How long ago? _____ years

Step 3: Check Your Eligibility

YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNGEMENT IF:

✅ Misdemeanors:

• [ ] Charges were dismissed, OR
• [ ] You were found NOT GUILTY, OR
• [ ] You completed a pre-trial diversion program, OR
• [ ] It's been 5 years since completion of sentence and you have

no new convictions

✅ Felonies:

• [ ] Charges were dismissed, OR
• [ ] You were found NOT GUILTY, OR
• [ ] You completed a diversion program and DAG consents, OR
• [ ] It's been 5 years since completion of sentence, you have no new

convictions, AND DAG consents

✅ Arrests Only:

• [ ] No charges were filed, AND
• [ ] It's been 2 years since the arrest

YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE IF:

❌ You were convicted of a violent felony (see list below)

❌ You were convicted of a sex offense

❌ You have pending charges

❌ You have new convictions since the offense you want expunged

❌ Less than the required waiting period has passed

Violent Felonies That Cannot Be Expunged:

• Murder, conspiracy to commit murder
• Kidnapping
• Robbery
• Aggravated burglary
• Aggravated assault
• Especially aggravated kidnapping, rape, or rape of a child
• Attempted especially aggravated rape of a child
• Vehicle homicide while under the influence
• aggravated sexual battery
• Especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor

2. TENNESSEE EXPUNGEMENT LAW EXPLAINED

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that erases your criminal record as if the arrest

or charge never happened. After expungement:

• ✅ Your record is destroyed (except for limited law enforcement access)
• ✅ You can legally say you were never arrested or charged on job applications
• ✅ Background checks will NOT show the expunged record
• ✅ Housing, employment, and licensing applications will not show the record

Tennessee Expungement Law (T.C.A. § 40-32-101)

Who Can Expunge?

1. Arrests without charges: If you were arrested but no charges were filed,

you can petition for expungement 2 years after the arrest.

1. Dismissed charges: If charges were filed but dismissed (nolle prosequi),

you can petition immediately.

1. Not guilty verdicts: If you were tried and found NOT GUILTY, you can

petition immediately.

1. Misdemeanor convictions: If convicted of a misdemeanor, you can petition

5 years after completing your sentence (including probation, fines,

and restitution).

1. Felony convictions: If convicted of a non-violent felony, you can petition

5 years after completing your sentence IF:

• You have no new convictions, AND
• The District Attorney General does not object

1. DAG diversions: If you completed a District Attorney General's

pre-trial diversion program, you can petition immediately with the

DAG's consent.

The Expungement Process

Timeline: 60-90 days typical (longer if objection filed)

Steps:

1. File Petition for Expungement with criminal court clerk
2. Clerk serves notice on District Attorney General, arresting agency,

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and Federal Bureau of

Investigation (FBI)

1. Agencies have 30 days to object
2. If no objection, court schedules hearing
3. Judge signs Expungement Order
4. Order sent to TBI for record destruction

3. FORM 1: PETITION FOR EXPUNGEMENT (BLANK TEMPLATE)

> INSTRUCTIONS: Type or print neatly in black ink. Replace bracketed text [LIKE THIS] with your information. Leave underlines and blank lines as-is.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

STATE OF TENNESSEE )

) ss.

COUNTY OF [COUNTY] )

________________________________________________________________________________

[YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME],

Petitioner,

v.

STATE OF TENNESSEE,

District Attorney General,

[TBI/FBI/ARRESTING AGENCY],

Respondents.

________________________________________________________________________________

PETITION FOR EXPUNGEMENT

PURSUANT TO T.C.A. § 40-32-101

________________________________________________________________________________

COMES NOW the Petitioner, [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], by and through counsel,

and files this Petition for Expungement of criminal records pursuant to

Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, and in support states as follows:

I. PARTIES AND COURT

1. Petitioner, [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], is a resident of [CITY],

[COUNTY] County, Tennessee.

1. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101.

1. Venue is proper in [COUNTY] County because Petitioner resides in this

county and/or the arrest/charge occurred in this county.

II. CRIMINAL RECORDS SOUGHT TO BE EXPUNGED

1. Petitioner seeks expungement of the following arrest(s) and charge(s):

[ ] ARREST ONLY

[ ] CHARGE(S) DISMISSED

[ ] NOT GUILTY VERDICT

[ ] MISDEMEANOR CONVICTION (5+ years ago)

[ ] FELONY CONVICTION (5+ years ago, non-violent)

[ ] DIVERSION PROGRAM COMPLETED

Record 1:

Arrest Date: [ARREST DATE]

Arresting Agency: [POLICE DEPARTMENT/SHERIFF'S OFFICE]

Charge(s): [LIST ALL CHARGES]

Court Case Number: [IF APPLICABLE]

Disposition: [DISMISSED/NOT GUILTY/CONVICTION/COMPLETED DIVERSION]

Date of Disposition: [DATE]

Record 2:

Arrest Date: [ARREST DATE]

Arresting Agency: [POLICE DEPARTMENT/SHERIFF'S OFFICE]

Charge(s): [LIST ALL CHARGES]

Court Case Number: [IF APPLICABLE]

Disposition: [DISMISSED/NOT GUILTY/CONVICTION/COMPLETED DIVERSION]

Date of Disposition: [DATE]

[ADD ADDITIONAL RECORDS IF NEEDED]

III. GROUNDS FOR EXPUNGEMENT

1. Petitioner is entitled to expungement pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101(a)(1)

because the charge(s) were dismissed, nolle prosequi, or a no true bill was returned.

OR

1. Petitioner is entitled to expungement pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101(a)(1)

because a grand jury failed to indictment or Petitioner was found NOT GUILTY.

OR

1. Petitioner is entitled to expungement pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101(a)(2)

because [X] years have elapsed since the completion of the sentence imposed

for the misdemeanor conviction, Petitioner has no subsequent convictions,

and Petitioner has satisfied all requirements of the sentence.

OR

1. Petitioner is entitled to expungement pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101(b)(1)

because [X] years have elapsed since completion of the sentence for the

felony conviction, Petitioner has no subsequent convictions, the

circumstances of the offense do not warrant a bar to expungement, and

Petitioner has satisfied all requirements of the sentence.

OR

1. Petitioner is entitled to expungement pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101(g)

because Petitioner successfully completed a diversion program approved by

the District Attorney General and the District Attorney General has

consented to the expungement in writing.

[CHECK ONE THAT APPLIES]

IV. NO OBJECTION FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL

1. The District Attorney General has been notified of this Petition and

has [ ] has not filed an objection within the time required by law.

OR

1. Petitioner has obtained the written consent of the District Attorney

General to this expungement, which is attached as Exhibit A.

[CHECK ONE THAT APPLIES]

V. BENEFITS OF EXPUNGEMENT

1. Expungement of these records will provide Petitioner with relief from the

collateral consequences of the arrest/charge/conviction, including:

• Ability to obtain employment without the stigma of a criminal record
• Ability to obtain housing without denial based on criminal history
• Ability to obtain professional licenses
• Ability to vote and serve on jury duty (if rights were lost)
• Peace of mind knowing the record is erased

VI. REQUEST FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that this Court:

A. Find Petitioner is entitled to expungement of the criminal records

described in Section II above;

B. Order the complete destruction of all public records relating to the

arrest(s), charge(s), and conviction(s), including but not limited to:

• Records of the [COUNTY] County Sheriff's Office
• Records of the [CITY] Police Department
• Records of the [COURT NAME] Court
• Records of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
• Records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

C. Order that all records be destroyed except:

• Records kept by the TBI for limited law enforcement access
• Records maintained by the District Attorney General for limited

prosecutorial purposes

D. Grant such other and further relief as is just and proper.

Respectfully submitted,

Date: _____________________ _______________________________

[YOUR SIGNATURE]

[YOUR PRINTED NAME]

[YOUR STREET ADDRESS]

[YOUR CITY, TN ZIP CODE]

[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]

[YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

_______________________________

Bar Number (if attorney)

[FIRM NAME]

________________________________________________________________________________

VERIFICATION

I, [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], verify that the statements made in the above

Petition are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

I understand that false statements in this Petition are punishable under

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-402 (perjury).

Date: _____________________ _______________________________

[YOUR SIGNATURE]

[YOUR PRINTED NAME]

________________________________________________________________________________

`

4. FORM 1: PETITION FOR EXPUNGEMENT (SAMPLE COMPLETED)

> EXAMPLE: This shows a completed petition for a misdemeanor theft conviction that was dismissed. Your petition will be different.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

STATE OF TENNESSEE )

) ss.

COUNTY OF DAVIDSON )

________________________________________________________________________________

JANE MARIE SMITH,

Petitioner,

v.

STATE OF TENNESSEE,

District Attorney General,

Metropolitan Nashville Police Department,

Respondents.

________________________________________________________________________________

PETITION FOR EXPUNGEMENT

PURSUANT TO T.C.A. § 40-32-101

________________________________________________________________________________

COMES NOW the Petitioner, JANE MARIE SMITH, by and through counsel,

and files this Petition for Expungement of criminal records pursuant to

Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, and in support states as follows:

I. PARTIES AND COURT

1. Petitioner, JANE MARIE SMITH, is a resident of Nashville,

Davidson County, Tennessee.

1. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101.

1. Venue is proper in Davidson County because Petitioner resides in this

county and the arrest occurred in this county.

II. CRIMINAL RECORDS SOUGHT TO BE EXPUNGED

1. Petitioner seeks expungement of the following arrest(s) and charge(s):

[X] CHARGE(S) DISMISSED

Record 1:

Arrest Date: August 15, 2020

Arresting Agency: Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

Charge(s): Theft of Property (misdemeanor), T.C.A. § 39-14-103

Court Case Number: 2020-CV-01234

Disposition: Dismissed by prosecution on September 20, 2020 (nolle prosequi)

Date of Disposition: September 20, 2020

III. GROUNDS FOR EXPUNGEMENT

1. Petitioner is entitled to expungement pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101(a)(1)

because the charge(s) were dismissed, nolle prosequi, or a no true bill was returned.

[X] THIS PARAGRAPH APPLIES

IV. NO OBJECTION FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL

1. The District Attorney General has been notified of this Petition and

has not filed an objection within the time required by law.

[X] THIS PARAGRAPH APPLIES

V. BENEFITS OF EXPUNGEMENT

1. Expungement of these records will provide Petitioner with relief from the

collateral consequences of the arrest/charge, including:

• Ability to obtain employment without the stigma of a criminal record
• Ability to obtain housing without denial based on criminal history
• Ability to obtain professional licenses
• Ability to serve on jury duty
• Peace of mind knowing the record is erased

VI. REQUEST FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that this Court:

A. Find Petitioner is entitled to expungement of the criminal records

described in Section II above;

B. Order the complete destruction of all public records relating to the

arrest and charge, including but not limited to:

• Records of the Davidson County Sheriff's Office
• Records of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
• Records of the Davidson County General Sessions Court
• Records of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
• Records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

C. Order that all records be destroyed except:

• Records kept by the TBI for limited law enforcement access
• Records maintained by the District Attorney General for limited

prosecutorial purposes

D. Grant such other and further relief as is just and proper.

Respectfully submitted,

Date: March 20, 2026 _______________________________

Jane M. Smith

5678 Oak Street

Nashville, TN 37205

(615) 555-1234

jane.smith@email.com

________________________________________________________________________________

VERIFICATION

I, JANE MARIE SMITH, verify that the statements made in the above

Petition are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

I understand that false statements in this Petition are punishable under

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-402 (perjury).

Date: March 20, 2026 _______________________________

Jane M. Smith

________________________________________________________________________________

`

5. FORM 2: EXPUNGEMENT ORDER (BLANK TEMPLATE FOR JUDGE)

> INSTRUCTIONS: This form is completed by the judge. You submit a blank copy with your petition.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

STATE OF TENNESSEE )

) ss.

COUNTY OF [COUNTY] )

________________________________________________________________________________

[PETITIONER'S FULL LEGAL NAME],

Petitioner,

v.

STATE OF TENNESSEE,

District Attorney General,

[AGENCY NAMES],

Respondents.

________________________________________________________________________________

ORDER OF EXPUNGEMENT

________________________________________________________________________________

This matter came before the Court on [HEARING DATE] for hearing on

Petitioner's Petition for Expungement. Petitioner appeared [PRO SE / BY

COUNSEL, [ATTORNEY NAME]. The State of Tennessee appeared by the District

Attorney General, [ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL].

The Court, having considered the Petition and any objections filed, and

finding that Petitioner is entitled to expungement pursuant to Tenn. Code

Ann. § 40-32-101, GRANTS the Petition.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that:

1. The criminal records of [PETITIONER'S FULL LEGAL NAME] relating to:

• Arrest on [ARREST DATE] by [ARRESTING AGENCY]
• Charge(s): [LIST CHARGES]
• Court Case No. [CASE NUMBER]

are hereby EXPUNGED.

1. The complete destruction of all public records relating to said arrest,

charge, and court case is ordered, including but not limited to:

• [COUNTY] County Sheriff's Office records
• [CITY] Police Department records
• [COURT NAME] Court records
• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation records
• Federal Bureau of Investigation records

1. All records shall be destroyed within 30 days of the date of this Order,

except that:

A. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation may retain a confidential

record for law enforcement purposes only;

B. The District Attorney General may retain a confidential record for

prosecutorial purposes only.

1. Petitioner's name is hereby restored to the status it occupied before

the arrest, charge, and court case referenced herein.

1. Petitioner may lawfully state that the arrest, charge, and court case

referenced herein never occurred.

1. The Clerk of this Court is directed to:

A. Send certified copies of this Order to the Tennessee Bureau of

Investigation;

B. Send certified copies of this Order to the Federal Bureau of

Investigation;

C. Send notice to the arresting agency;

D. Destroy the court records in this case within 30 days.

1. This Order is effective immediately upon entry.

Entered this _____ day of _______________, 20___.

_________________________________

JUDGE OF [COURT NAME]

[COURT NAME COURT]

________________________________________________________________________________

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, _______________________________, Clerk of the [COURT NAME] Court,

certify that on ____________________ I sent a true copy of the foregoing

Order to:

[ ] Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

[ ] Federal Bureau of Investigation

[ ] [ARRESTING AGENCY]

[ ] District Attorney General

by [ ] First Class U.S. Mail [ ] Electronic transmission [ ] Hand delivery.

_________________________________

Clerk

By: _______________________

Deputy Clerk

________________________________________________________________________________

`

7. STEP-BY-STEP FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Get Your Criminal History Record

Why: You need to know exactly what's on your record before you can expunge it.

How:

Option 1: TBI Record Request

1. Go to: https://www.tn.gov/tbi/
2. Download "Request for Criminal History Record" form
3. Have your fingerprints taken at local police station or TBI office
4. Mail form + fingerprints + $29 fee to:

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

901 R.S. Gass Boulevard

Nashville, TN 37216

1. Wait 4-6 weeks for results

Option 2: Court Clerk Records Request

1. Go to the criminal court clerk's office where your case was
2. Request your case file
3. Copy all relevant documents (indictment, judgment, dismissal)
4. Cost: Usually free or small copying fee

Option 3: Public Background Check

1. Use Tennessee's public background check: https://tbireports.tbi.tn.gov/
2. Cost: $29
3. Results are immediate

Step 2: Complete the Petition

1. Use FORM 1: Petition for Expungement (Section 3)

• Fill in all bracketed [INFORMATION]
• Check the correct eligibility ground
• Sign and date the bottom
• Make 3 copies (1 for court, 2 for agencies)

1. Include supporting documents:

• [ ] Copy of your criminal history record
• [ ] Certified copy of dismissal/nolle prosequi (if applicable)
• [ ] Certificate of completion from diversion program (if applicable)
• [ ] Copy of final judgment (if applicable)
• [ ] Affidavit (if no written record exists - see sample below)

Step 3: File Your Petition

Go to the criminal court clerk's office where your case was handled:

• Bring your completed Petition (3 copies)
• Bring your photo ID
• Bring supporting documents
• Bring filing fee (varies by county: $150-$350)

Pay the filing fee:

`

[ ] Davidson County (Nashville): ~$275

[ ] Shelby County (Memphis): ~$275

[ ] Knox County (Knoxville): ~$250

[ ] Hamilton County (Chattanooga): ~$250

`

Get a case number:

• Write it down: _________-_______-_______
• Judge assigned: _________________________

Fee Waiver:

If you cannot afford the filing fee, ask for a "Pauper's Oath" or "Affidavit

of Indigency" form.

Step 4: Wait for Agency Responses

The court will notify these agencies:

• District Attorney General (DAG)
• Arresting agency (police/sheriff)
• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Timeline:

• Agencies have 30 days to object
• Most agencies do not object
• If objection filed: Court will schedule hearing

You will receive:

• Notice of hearing date (if contested) OR
• Notice that expungement granted (if unopposed)

Step 5: Attend Hearing (If Required)

Most expungements are granted without a hearing. You only need to attend if:

• An agency objects
• The judge questions your eligibility
• You request a specific hearing date

If hearing is scheduled:

Bring with you:

• [ ] Copy of filed Petition
• [ ] Your criminal history record
• [ ] Supporting documents
• [ ] Witnesses (if testifying to character/rehabilitation)

What to expect:

• Judge will ask why expungement is appropriate
• You can explain:
• Employment difficulties due to record
• Housing applications denied
• Time passed since offense
• Rehabilitation efforts (treatment, education, community service)
• Judge will decide whether to grant expungement

Step 6: Receive Expungement Order

If granted:

• Judge signs Expungement Order
• Order sent to TBI and FBI
• TBI has 30 days to destroy records
• FBI has 30 days to destroy records

After expungement:

• Your record is destroyed (except limited law enforcement access)
• You can legally say you were never arrested/charged
• Background checks will not show the record

IF YOUR PETITION IS DENIED:

• Judge will explain why
• You may appeal within 10 days
• You may re-petition after waiting period expires

8. COURT INFORMATION BY COUNTY

Davidson County (Nashville)

Criminal Court Clerk

• Address: 100 Public Square, Suite 105, Nashville, TN 37201
• Phone: (615) 862-5610
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Filing Fee: ~$275
• Fee Waiver: Available (ask clerk for Pauper's Oath)

Expungement Docket: Usually heard on Fridays at 9:00 AM

Shelby County (Memphis)

Criminal Court Clerk

• Address: 201 Poplar Avenue, Suite 105, Memphis, TN 38103
• Phone: (901) 222-3800
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Filing Fee: ~$275
• Fee Waiver: Available (ask clerk for Pauper's Oath)

Knox County (Knoxville)

Criminal Court Clerk

• Address: 300 Main Street, Room 229, Knoxville, TN 37902
• Phone: (865) 215-2400
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: ~$250
• Fee Waiver: Available

Hamilton County (Chattanooga)

Criminal Court Clerk

• Address: 625 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400, Chattanooga, TN 37402
• Phone: (423) 209-6700
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: ~$250
• Fee Waiver: Available

Madison County (Jackson)

Criminal Court Clerk

• Address: 100 N. Main Street, Suite 205, Jackson, TN 38301
• Phone: (731) 423-6010
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Filing Fee: ~$225

9. FILING CHECKLIST

Before Going to Court

• [ ] Obtain your criminal history record
• [ ] Complete FORM 1: Petition for Expungement
• [ ] Make 3 copies of Petition
• [ ] Gather supporting documents (dismissal, diversion completion, etc.)
• [ ] Check correct county where arrest/charge occurred
• [ ] Bring photo ID
• [ ] Bring filing fee or Pauper's Oath (if indigent)

At Court

• [ ] File Petition with clerk
• [ ] Pay filing fee (or submit Pauper's Oath)
• [ ] Get case number assigned
• [ ] Get judge's name
• [ ] Verify your contact information is correct on file

After Filing

• [ ] Wait for agency response period (30 days)
• [ ] Watch for notice of hearing (if contested)
• [ ] Watch for notice of expungement order (if unopposed)
• [ ] If hearing scheduled, prepare testimony
• [ ] Attend hearing (if scheduled)

After Expungement Granted

• [ ] Verify TBI destroyed records (wait 30+ days)
• [ ] Verify FBI destroyed records (wait 30+ days)
• [ ] Update background check companies if needed
• [ ] Keep copy of expungement order for your records

10. LOCAL LEGAL AID RESOURCES

Free Legal Help

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands

• Phone: 1-800-238-1443
• Website: las.org
• Counties: Davidson, Cheatham, Dickson, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford,

Sumner, Williamson, Wilson, and others

• Services: Free legal help for low-income individuals, including expungements

Memphis Area Legal Services

• Phone: (901) 523-8822
• Website: malsi.org
• Counties: Shelby, Fayette, Lauderdale, Tipton
• Services: Free legal assistance for qualified low-income clients

Legal Aid of East Tennessee

• Phone: 1-800-821-1312
• Website: laet.org
• Counties: Knox, Hamilton, and 24 other East Tennessee counties
• Services: Free civil legal services for low-income individuals

West Tennessee Legal Services

• Phone: (731) 423-8853
• Website: wtls.org
• Counties: Madison and surrounding West Tennessee counties
• Services: Free legal help for qualifying low-income clients

University Legal Clinics

Vanderbilt University Legal Clinic

• Phone: (615) 322-5404
• Website: law.vanderbilt.edu/legalclinic
• Services: Free legal services (expungements, criminal defense)

University of Tennessee Legal Clinic

• Phone: (865) 974-4100
• Website: law.utk.edu/clinics
• Services: Free legal services for qualifying clients

Private Attorneys (Low-Cost Consultation)

Tennessee Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

• Phone: (615) 269-5062
• Website: tnbar.org
• Cost: $50 for 30-minute initial consultation
• Services: Referral to private attorney in your area

11. DISCLAIMER

**IMPORTANT: This packet provides general information, form templates, and

instructions for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal

advice.**

• Jurist-Diction is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
• These forms may not be appropriate for your specific situation.
• Expungement laws change frequently. Verify current law before filing.
• If your case involves complex issues (multiple convictions, violent felonies,

federal charges), consult with a licensed Tennessee attorney.

• If your petition is denied, you have the right to appeal but strict time

limits apply (usually 10 days).

For legal advice, contact:

• One of the legal aid organizations listed above
• A private criminal defense attorney
• The Tennessee Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at (615) 269-5062

12. CONTROLLING STATUTE CITATIONS

Last Updated: March 2026

For more information about Tennessee expungement laws, visit:

• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation: https://www.tn.gov/tbi/
• Tennessee Courts Self-Help: https://www.tncourts.gov/self-help