Madison Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Madison, New Hampshire?
Arrest records are public documents in Madison, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law (RSA Chapter 91-A). This statute establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The legislative intent behind RSA 91-A is to ensure governmental transparency and accountability by providing citizens with access to records maintained by public agencies. The law specifically states that "openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society," thereby establishing the presumption that arrest records are public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Madison Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and makes them available through established protocols. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted if disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation as permitted under RSA 91-A:5.
How to Look Up Madison Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple avenues exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Madison, New Hampshire. The following official channels provide access to these documents in compliance with state public records laws:
- In-person requests may be submitted at the Madison Police Department headquarters. Requestors must complete a standard records request form and may be required to present identification.
Madison Police Department
1923 Village Road
Madison, NH 03849
(603) 367-8334
Madison Police Department Official Website
- The New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of State Police maintains a centralized criminal records repository accessible to the public. Requests require submission of a Criminal Record Release Authorization Form and payment of applicable fees.
New Hampshire Department of Safety
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 223-3867
NH Department of Safety Official Website
- The Carroll County Sheriff's Office provides supplementary access to arrest records for incidents within their jurisdiction that may include Madison arrests.
Carroll County Sheriff's Office
95 Water Village Road
Ossipee, NH 03864
(603) 539-2284
Carroll County Sheriff's Office Official Website
- Electronic access terminals are available at the Madison Public Library during regular business hours. These terminals provide limited search capabilities for public records.
Madison Public Library
1895 Village Road
Madison, NH 03849
(603) 367-8545
Madison Public Library Official Website
Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, agencies must provide records promptly when available for immediate release. For records not immediately available, the agency must provide a written determination within five business days.
Contents of a Madison Arrest Record
Madison arrest records contain standardized information as required by New Hampshire state law and local protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Complete legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of all charges filed
- Arresting agency information and identification of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking documentation, including mugshot photographs and fingerprint records
- Custody status information and bail/bond determinations
- Case disposition if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
- Court docket numbers for associated criminal proceedings
- Incident report numbers for cross-reference purposes
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with RSA 91-A:5, including but not limited to:
- Social Security numbers
- Medical information
- Juvenile records (unless certified for adult prosecution)
- Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
The Carroll County District Court maintains additional documentation related to arrests, including charging documents and subsequent court proceedings.
Carroll County District Court
96 Water Village Road
Ossipee, NH 03864
(855) 212-1234
NH Judicial Branch Official Website
Expungement of Arrest Records in Madison
New Hampshire law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific statutory conditions. Pursuant to RSA 651:5, individuals may petition for annulment (expungement) of arrest records in Madison and throughout New Hampshire if they meet established eligibility criteria.
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a formal petition with the court of jurisdiction where the original case was adjudicated
- Pay the statutory filing fee of $125 per petition as established by RSA 651:5(VIII)
- Demonstrate completion of all sentencing requirements including probation, parole, and restitution
- Satisfy the waiting period requirements based on 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 under RSA 651:5(V), including:
- Violent crimes as defined in RSA 651:5(XIII)
- Sexual offenses requiring registration
- Driving while intoxicated offenses
- Offenses resulting in death or serious bodily injury
The Carroll County Superior Court has jurisdiction over expungement petitions for most Madison arrests.
Carroll County Superior Court
96 Water Village Road
Ossipee, NH 03864
(855) 212-1234
NH Judicial Branch Official Website
Upon granting of an expungement petition, all records of the arrest are sealed from public view and the individual may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain employment positions and licensing applications as specified in RSA 651:5(X).
Search Arrest Records in Madison
