Franklin Bench Warrants Search
Franklin bench warrants are managed through the Williamson County court system in Middle Tennessee. Franklin has about 85,000 residents and is the county seat of Williamson County. The Franklin Police Department, Williamson County Sheriff's Office, and Franklin Municipal Court all play a part in how bench warrants are issued and served here. If you think you may have a bench warrant or need to look one up, this page explains the local resources and steps available in Franklin, Tennessee.
Franklin Quick Facts
Where to Check Franklin Bench Warrants
The Franklin Police Department is at 900 Columbia Ave. Phone: 615-550-6000. The department handles warrant inquiries through their records division. They also keep a most wanted list on their website with photographs and detailed charges. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the FranklinPD web page. Public records requests are accepted online and in person, but Tennessee residency verification is required.
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office at 408 S. College Street in Franklin handles county-level warrants. Sheriff Jeffrey Long runs the office. Phone: 615-790-5560. The Detention Center is at 615-790-5610. An open records request form is available online. The jail roster and most wanted list are maintained on the website. The warrant division processes all active warrants for Williamson County, including bench warrants issued by the county courts.
The Franklin Municipal Court payment portal lets you search by citation number, first or last name, date of birth, or driver's license number. This can help you find outstanding city court cases that may have bench warrants attached.
Franklin Municipal Court Bench Warrants
Franklin Municipal Court is at 136 4th Ave S, Suite 200. Judge Jennifer Shrier presides. Phone: 615-550-6661. The court handles city ordinance violations, traffic tickets, and shoplifting under $200. Court sessions run Monday through Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Tuesday evenings at 4:30 p.m. are also on the schedule. The first Saturday of the month has a 9:00 a.m. session too.
Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for staff training. If you miss any scheduled court appearance in Franklin, the judge can issue a bench warrant that day. An address change form is available if your citation has the wrong address, which can be a reason some people miss their court date.
Williamson County Court Records
The Williamson County Criminal Court Clerk, Debbie Barrett, handles Criminal Court, General Sessions Criminal, and Juvenile Court records. The office is at 135 Fourth Avenue South in Franklin. Phone: 615-790-5454. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Public records are available for criminal cases with proof of Tennessee residency. Copy fees apply under the Tennessee Public Records Act. Bench warrants for failure to appear are processed through this office.
The Circuit Court Clerk, Jo Ann Winfree, covers Circuit Court, Probate Court, and General Sessions Civil. Phone: 615-790-5452. Their docket search lets you filter by case type or court. CourtConnect provides a public search tool for general case lookups. Self-represented litigants can call 615-790-5568 for help navigating the system.
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts provides statewide access to court information that includes Williamson County bench warrant cases.
Bench Warrant Consequences in Franklin
Failure to appear in Franklin carries the same state penalties as anywhere in Tennessee. Under TCA § 39-16-609, a Class A misdemeanor brings up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class E felony means 1 to 6 years and up to $3,000. Bond forfeiture kicks in when you miss court. Traffic bench warrants can also lead to a suspended driver's license.
Felony bench warrants do not expire in Tennessee. They stay active until served or recalled by a judge. The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference coordinates prosecution offices across all 31 judicial districts, including the one that covers Williamson County.
- Contact a Williamson County defense attorney
- Call Franklin Municipal Court at 615-550-6661
- Check the criminal court docket for your case
- Prepare to pay fines or post bond
- Get a new court date set as soon as possible
Note: The Tennessee Public Court Records Portal may have some Williamson County records available for free online search.
Williamson County Bench Warrants
Franklin is the county seat of Williamson County. All bench warrants in Franklin are processed through the Williamson County courts. The sheriff handles warrant service across the county. For more on county courts, fees, and warrant search options, see the Williamson County page.
Nearby Tennessee Cities
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