>Coos County Arrest Records Online

Coos County, New Hampshire Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Coos County, New Hampshire?

Arrest records are public documents in Coos County, 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 within the county. The Right to Know Law operates under the fundamental principle that the public has an inherent right to inspect and examine records pertaining to governmental functions, which includes the arrest and detention of individuals.

The New Hampshire Right to Know Law specifically states that "every citizen has the right to inspect all governmental records in the possession, custody, or control of such public bodies or agencies" with certain limited exceptions as defined in RSA 91-A:5. Law enforcement agencies in Coos County, including the Coos County Sheriff's Department, maintain arrest records as part of their official duties and responsibilities to the public.

Public access to arrest records serves several important governmental and societal functions:

Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
Enables citizens to monitor the activities of public officials
Facilitates public awareness of criminal activity within the community
Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
Provides necessary information for background checks and public safety

It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information contained within these records may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation as determined by RSA 91-A:5.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Coos County?

Arrest records in Coos County are available through online platforms, though the extent of information accessible digitally may vary. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch has implemented electronic systems that allow for remote access to certain court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This digital availability aligns with the state's commitment to governmental transparency while balancing privacy considerations as outlined in RSA 91-A.

The New Hampshire e-Court Case Access Portal provides authorized users with the ability to search for case information, including arrest-related court records. This system is maintained pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 12, which governs public access to court records. The portal contains information on cases filed with the Circuit and Superior Courts, including those in Coos County.

Members of the public should be aware that online access may be subject to certain limitations:

Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in online searches
Juvenile records are generally not available online due to confidentiality protections
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions of records
Some historical records may not have been digitized and require in-person inspection

For comprehensive access to arrest records, individuals may need to supplement online searches with direct inquiries to the Coos County Department of Corrections or the appropriate municipal police department where the arrest occurred.

How to Look Up Coos County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Coos County as of 2025, each with varying levels of comprehensiveness and convenience. Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, public bodies must make governmental records available for inspection and copying during regular business hours. The following procedures are established for accessing arrest records in Coos County:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Coos County Sheriff's Department located at 54 County Farm Road, West Stewartstown, NH 03597
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Present identification and complete a record request form
Specify the information being sought with as much detail as possible
Pay applicable fees for document reproduction as established by RSA 91-A:4

Online Access:

Utilize the New Hampshire Judicial Branch's electronic case access system
Access the Coos County court records portal for case information
Search by name, case number, or other identifying information
Review docket information for arrest details and subsequent court proceedings
Download available public documents for a nominal fee

Written Requests:

Submit a formal written request to: Coos County Sheriff's Department Records Division 54 County Farm Road West Stewartstown, NH 03597
Include requestor's contact information
Provide specific details about the records being sought
Enclose the appropriate fee for document reproduction
Allow 5-10 business days for processing as stipulated by RSA 91-A:4(IV)

Telephone Inquiries:

Contact the Coos County Sheriff's Department at (603) 246-3404
Preliminary information may be provided over the phone
Complex requests will require formal written submission
Verification of identity may be required for certain information

Contents of a Coos County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Coos County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by New Hampshire state law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest. Pursuant to RSA 594:14, certain information must be recorded at the time of arrest and booking.

A typical Coos County arrest record contains the following elements:

Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Social security number (partially redacted in public versions)
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest
- Legal authority under which the arrest was made
- Whether force was used during the apprehension
Criminal charges:
- Specific statutory violations alleged
- Classification of offenses (violation, misdemeanor, or felony)
- Brief description of the alleged criminal conduct
- Presence of aggravating factors, if applicable
Booking information:
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory
- Medical screening results (non-confidential portions)
- Detention facility assignment
Judicial processing:
- Bail or bond determination
- Court appearance dates
- Arraignment information
- Case disposition if available

It should be noted that pursuant to RSA 91-A:5, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available versions of arrest records, including medical information, juvenile records, and information that would constitute an invasion of privacy if disclosed.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Coos County

The expungement process in Coos County provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. This procedure is governed by New Hampshire RSA 651:5, which establishes the criteria and procedures for annulment of criminal records, including those related to arrests that did not result in conviction.

Eligibility for expungement in Coos County is determined by several factors:

Time elapsed since the arrest or completion of sentence
Nature and severity of the original charge
Subsequent criminal history of the petitioner
Compliance with all court-ordered requirements
Payment of all fines, restitution, and fees

The statutory waiting periods before eligibility for expungement vary according to the classification 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 statutorily ineligible for expungement under RSA 651:5(V), including but not limited to:

Sexual assault offenses
Felonious sexual assault
Aggravated felonious sexual assault
Certain offenses against minors
Driving while intoxicated second or subsequent offense

The expungement petition must be filed with the court that rendered the original disposition. For Coos County cases, this is typically:

Coos Superior Court
55 School Street, Suite 301
Lancaster, NH 03584
(603) 788-4350
Coos Superior Court Website

Upon successful expungement, 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 governmental and law enforcement purposes as specified in RSA 651:5(X).