Search Public Records

Sanbornton Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sanbornton, New Hampshire?

Arrest records in Sanbornton, New Hampshire are considered public information pursuant to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law (RSA Chapter 91-A). This statute establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be made available for public inspection and copying. The law serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials, including those in law enforcement capacities.

Members of the public may access these records subject to certain limitations. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, specific details may be redacted if disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy, compromise an ongoing investigation, or endanger the safety of an individual. The determination of which information may be withheld is made in accordance with RSA 91-A:5, which outlines exemptions to the disclosure requirement.

The Sanbornton Police Department maintains these records as part of their official duties and is obligated to provide reasonable access to them upon request. Records are typically maintained in both physical and digital formats to ensure preservation and accessibility.

How to Look Up Sanbornton Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Sanbornton, New Hampshire. Individuals seeking such information should utilize official channels to ensure accuracy and completeness of the records obtained. The following procedures are established for public access to arrest records:

  • In-Person Requests at the Police Department: Citizens may visit the Sanbornton Police Department during regular business hours to submit a formal request for arrest records. Staff will assist in locating the relevant information and may require identification to process the request.

Sanbornton Police Department
565 Sanborn Road
Sanbornton, NH 03269
(603) 286-4323
Sanbornton Police Department Official Website

  • Belknap County Sheriff's Office: As an alternative, records may be available through the county sheriff's office, which maintains records for the entire county including Sanbornton.

Belknap County Sheriff's Office
42 County Drive
Laconia, NH 03246
(603) 527-5454
Belknap County Sheriff's Office

  • Written Requests: Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, individuals may submit written requests for specific arrest records. These requests should include sufficient information to identify the record sought, such as the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest.

  • Online Resources: The Sanbornton Police Department maintains limited online resources where some arrest information may be published. However, comprehensive records typically require a formal request.

  • New Hampshire State Police: For arrests made by state troopers within Sanbornton town limits, records may be obtained through the state police.

New Hampshire State Police Headquarters
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 223-3858
NH State Police

Requestors should note that fees may apply for copying services, as permitted under RSA 91-A:4(IV). These fees are limited to the actual cost of providing the copies and cannot include charges for labor or research time.

Contents of a Sanbornton Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Sanbornton Police Department contain standardized information as required by New Hampshire law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following categories of information:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and identification numbers such as driver's license or state ID.

  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.

  • Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation to the relevant sections of the New Hampshire Criminal Code (RSA Title LXII) or local ordinances. Both misdemeanor and felony charges are documented with their respective classification.

  • Incident Description: A brief narrative of the circumstances leading to the arrest, including probable cause determination.

  • Booking Information: Details regarding the processing of the arrested individual, including fingerprinting, photographing, and temporary detention information.

  • Court Information: Initial appearance date, court of jurisdiction, case or docket number assigned by the Franklin District Court or Belknap County Superior Court, and bail or personal recognizance release conditions if applicable.

  • Disposition Information: When available, the outcome of the case including dismissals, plea agreements, trial results, or diversion program participation.

It should be noted that juvenile arrest records (for individuals under 18 years of age) are subject to different confidentiality requirements under RSA 169-B and may not be publicly accessible to the same extent as adult records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Sanbornton

New Hampshire law provides mechanisms for the expungement or annulment of criminal records under specific circumstances. The process for expungement of Sanbornton arrest records is governed by RSA 651:5, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.

Individuals may petition for annulment of arrest records in the following circumstances:

  • When an arrest did not result in a conviction or finding of guilt
  • After completion of all terms of a sentence, including probation or parole, and following a waiting period that varies based on the severity of the offense
  • When a conviction has been vacated or overturned on appeal
  • In cases where a pardon has been granted

The waiting periods for annulment eligibility are as follows:

  • 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 under RSA 651:5(V), including sexual assault crimes, offenses against children, and certain motor vehicle violations.

The petition for annulment must be filed with the court that originally handled the case. For most Sanbornton arrests, this would be:

Franklin District Court
7 Hancock Terrace
Franklin, NH 03235
(855) 212-1234
NH Judicial Branch

or

Belknap County Superior Court
64 Court Street
Laconia, NH 03246
(855) 212-1234
NH Judicial Branch

The petition requires payment of a filing fee, currently set at $125 per case as established by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify relevant parties, including the arresting agency and prosecutor's office. These entities may file objections to the annulment request.

If granted, an annulment order directs all state agencies to remove records of the arrest and/or conviction from public access. However, law enforcement agencies retain access to annulled records for limited purposes, including sentencing considerations for subsequent offenses.

Search Arrest Records in Sanbornton