Laconia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Laconia, New Hampshire?
Arrest records are public in Laconia, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes the legal framework for public access to governmental records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. The accessibility of these records aligns with New Hampshire's commitment to governmental transparency and public oversight of law enforcement activities.
Members of the public may access arrest records through designated channels established by the Laconia Police Department. These records typically document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials on suspicion of criminal activity. The public nature of these records serves several essential functions:
• Promotes accountability within the criminal justice system • Enables community awareness of law enforcement activities • Supports public safety through information dissemination • Facilitates research and statistical analysis of crime patterns
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with privacy protections established under RSA 91-A:5, which exempts specific categories of information from public disclosure requirements.
How to Look Up Laconia Arrest Records in 2025
The Laconia Police Department maintains systematic procedures for public access to arrest records. Individuals seeking to obtain these documents in 2025 may utilize the following officially sanctioned methods:
In-Person Requests
Citizens may submit requests for arrest records by visiting the Laconia Police Department Records Division during regular business hours. The department is located at:
Laconia Police Department
126 New Salem Street
Laconia, NH 03246
(603) 524-5257
Laconia Police Department Official Website
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
When making an in-person request, requestors should be prepared to:
• Complete a standardized records request form • Provide identification • Specify the records being sought with reasonable particularity • Pay applicable fees for document reproduction
Written Requests
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. All written requests should include:
• Requestor's full name and contact information • Specific information about the arrest record being sought (date, name of individual, case number if known) • Signature and date • Self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting return by mail
Online Access
The Laconia Police Department maintains a digital portal through which certain arrest record information may be accessed. Citizens may visit the Request a Report page on the official city website to initiate the process electronically. The online system allows for:
• Submission of records requests • Status tracking of pending requests • Secure payment of applicable fees • Electronic delivery of approved documents
Fees and Processing Times
Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, IV, the Laconia Police Department may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Current fee schedules are as follows:
• Standard arrest reports: $15.00 per report • Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document • Extensive research requests: $25.00 per hour after the first hour
Processing times typically range from 3-10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload.
Contents of a Laconia Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Laconia Police Department contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into police custody. These records are created in accordance with New Hampshire Administrative Rules Saf-C 7200 governing law enforcement procedures.
Standard arrest records in Laconia typically contain the following categories of information:
Biographical Data
• Full legal name of the arrested individual • Any known aliases or previous names • Date of birth • Gender • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks) • Residential address at time of arrest • Occupation (if provided)
Arrest Details
• Date, time, and location of arrest • Arresting officer(s) identification • Agency case number • Statutory authority for arrest • Whether arrest was made pursuant to warrant • Miranda warning documentation
Criminal Charges
• Specific charges filed • New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) citations • Classification of offense (violation, misdemeanor, felony) • Factual basis for charges as documented by arresting officers
Processing Information
• Booking photographs (mugshots) • Fingerprint records • Personal property inventory • Medical screening documentation • Detention facility assignment
Judicial Processing
• Bail or bond determination • Court appearance dates • Arraignment information • Temporary protective orders (if applicable)
It should be noted that juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under RSA 169-B:35 and may not be accessible through standard public records requests.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Laconia
The State of New Hampshire provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by the Laconia Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. This process is governed by RSA 651:5, which establishes the criteria and procedures for annulment of criminal records.
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals may qualify for expungement of Laconia arrest records under the following circumstances:
• The arrest did not result in a conviction • The case was dismissed or resulted in a finding of not guilty • The conviction has been annulled pursuant to RSA 651:5 • The statutory waiting period has elapsed since completion of sentence
The required waiting periods vary according to offense classification:
• 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 statutorily ineligible for expungement, including:
• Violent crimes as defined in RSA 651:5, XIII • Sexual offenses requiring registration • Driving while intoxicated offenses
Application Process
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a petition for annulment with the court of jurisdiction
- Pay the required filing fee ($125 as of 2025)
- Submit to a criminal background check
- Provide documentation of completed sentences and restitution
- Attend a scheduled hearing (if required by the court)
Petitions must be filed with:
Belknap County Superior Court
64 Court Street
Laconia, NH 03246
(603) 524-3570
Effects of Expungement
When an expungement petition is granted, the following occurs:
• Physical arrest records are sealed from public view • Digital records are removed from publicly accessible databases • The individual may legally state they have not been arrested for the expunged offense • Law enforcement agencies retain limited access for official purposes
It should be noted that federal agencies may still maintain records of expunged arrests, and certain specialized background checks may reveal expunged information despite state-level protections.
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