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Gilford Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Gilford, New Hampshire?

Arrest records are public in Gilford, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be available to the public for inspection and reproduction. The law promotes transparency in government operations and ensures accountability of public officials. Under RSA 91-A:4, every citizen has the right to inspect and copy governmental records during regular business hours on the regular business premises of such bodies or agencies.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under RSA 91-A:5, which may include:

Records pertaining to juvenile offenders
Records related to ongoing investigations
Information that would constitute an invasion of privacy
Records protected by other statutes

The Gilford Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state law and departmental policies. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records must follow established procedures for requesting such information.

How to Look Up Gilford Arrest Records in 2025

The Gilford Police Department provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records. Individuals seeking information about arrests in Gilford may utilize the following procedures:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Gilford Police Department during regular business hours to request arrest records. Staff will assist with locating and providing available public information.
Online Access: The department maintains an online database of arrest logs that is updated regularly. This resource allows for remote access to recent arrest information.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Division. These requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and other identifying information.
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Gilford Police Department for public use in searching arrest records.

Requests for arrest records must comply with RSA 91-A:4 and departmental policies regarding the release of information. Fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with RSA 91-A:4(IV).

Gilford Police Department
47 Cherry Valley Road
Gilford, NH 03249
Phone: (603) 527-4737
Official Website

Hours of Operation for Records Requests:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Excluding holidays

Contents of a Gilford Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Gilford Police Department typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, address, and physical description of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest
Offense Information: Specific charges filed, including statute numbers and offense descriptions
Case Information: Incident report number, arresting officer's name and badge number
Processing Data: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, and personal property inventory
Court Information: Court date, bail amount, and release conditions if applicable
Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system

In accordance with RSA 594:14-a, arrest records may also include information about whether the arrested individual was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of arrest. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information about confidential informants.

The Gilford Police Department maintains these records in compliance with the department's records management policies and applicable state laws.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Gilford

New Hampshire law provides mechanisms for the expungement or annulment of criminal records under certain circumstances. Pursuant to RSA 651:5, individuals may petition for annulment of arrest records after specified waiting periods have elapsed.

The eligibility criteria for expungement in Gilford include:

Completion of all terms of the sentence, including probation and payment of fines
Completion of the statutory waiting period based on the offense classification
No subsequent arrests or convictions during the waiting period
Demonstration that the annulment serves the public interest

The waiting periods for annulment vary according to the severity of the offense:

Violations: 1 year after completion of sentence
Class B misdemeanors: 2 years after completion of sentence
Class A misdemeanors: 3 years after completion of sentence
Class B felonies: 5 years after completion of sentence
Class A felonies: 10 years after completion of sentence

Certain offenses are ineligible for annulment, including sexual offenses against minors, certain violent crimes, and driving while intoxicated offenses.

To initiate the expungement process, individuals must file a petition with the court that handled the original case. The petition must include:

Complete case information
Certified criminal record from the New Hampshire State Police
Filing fee (currently $125 per petition)
Statement explaining why the annulment should be granted

The Belknap County Superior Court handles most annulment petitions for cases originating in Gilford.

Belknap County Superior Court
64 Court Street
Laconia, NH 03246
Phone: (603) 527-5420
New Hampshire Judicial Branch

Upon successful annulment, the arrest record is sealed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies for certain purposes as specified in RSA 651:5(X).

Legal Implications of Public Arrest Records

The public nature of arrest records in Gilford carries significant legal implications for arrested individuals. Under New Hampshire law, these records remain accessible to employers, landlords, educational institutions, and the general public unless formally annulled.

Key legal considerations regarding public arrest records include:

Presumption of Innocence: Despite public accessibility, arrest records document only allegations, not proof of guilt. RSA 594:15 establishes that arrested persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Employment Consequences: New Hampshire law does not prohibit employers from considering arrest records in hiring decisions, though the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides federal guidance limiting such practices.
Housing Impact: Landlords may legally access and consider arrest records when evaluating rental applications in accordance with local housing regulations.
Professional Licensing: Certain professional licensing boards may require disclosure of arrest records, even without conviction, pursuant to RSA 332-G:13.
Privacy Concerns: The New Hampshire Constitution, Part 1, Article 2-b recognizes a right to privacy, which must be balanced against the public's right to information.

Individuals concerned about the impact of public arrest records may consult with legal counsel regarding their rights and options for limiting disclosure. The New Hampshire Legal Assistance organization provides resources for low-income residents facing legal issues related to public records.