Grafton County, New Hampshire Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Grafton County, New Hampshire?
Arrest records in Grafton County, New Hampshire are considered public documents 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 New Hampshire Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that public access to arrest records serves the important governmental function of ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system.
Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations established by state statute. Records pertaining to juvenile arrests, ongoing investigations, or those sealed by court order may be exempt from public disclosure. Additionally, pursuant to RSA 651:5, certain arrest records may be annulled after specified time periods depending on the nature of the offense and disposition of the case.
The Grafton County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Records are typically preserved for a minimum of seven years following the final disposition of a case, though records of more serious offenses may be maintained permanently.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Grafton County?
The Grafton County Sheriff's Department and various municipal police departments within the county provide limited online access to arrest records through their respective websites. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch also maintains an online case lookup system that contains information about criminal cases, including arrests that resulted in court proceedings.
Online access is governed by the provisions of RSA 91-A:4, which requires governmental bodies to make records available in the format requested when such format is reasonably available. Digital access may be subject to user fees as permitted under RSA 91-A:4(IV), which allows agencies to charge for the actual cost of providing copies of public records.
Users should be advised that online records may not be comprehensive. Certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under state and federal law. For complete and verified arrest record information, individuals are advised to contact the arresting agency directly or the Grafton County Sheriff's Department.
Grafton County Sheriff's Department
3785 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
Phone: (603) 787-2111
Grafton County Sheriff's Department
How to Look Up Grafton County Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking arrest records in Grafton County have multiple methods available for conducting searches:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Grafton County Sheriff's Department during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to submit a request for arrest records. Requestors must complete a standard public records request form and provide identification. Fees for copies are established at $0.25 per page pursuant to RSA 91-A:4(IV).
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division of the Grafton County Sheriff's Department. All requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Requests should be addressed to the Records Custodian.
Electronic Requests: The Grafton County Sheriff's Department accepts records requests via their online portal. Electronic requests are processed in the order received, with response times typically ranging from 3-5 business days.
Court Records: The Grafton Superior Court maintains records of arrests that resulted in court proceedings. These records may be accessed through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website or in person at the courthouse.
Grafton Superior Court
3785 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Grafton Superior Court
Contents of a Grafton County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Grafton County law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information as required by New Hampshire Administrative Rules Jus 601.02:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and any known aliases or previous names.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer; and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation to the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA); classification of offenses as violations, misdemeanors, or felonies; and any enhancing factors.
Case Processing Information: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, court docket numbers, bail or bond amounts, and court appearance dates.
Disposition Information: Final outcome of the case, including dismissals, convictions, sentences imposed, or diversion program participation.
Pursuant to RSA 106-B:14, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Grafton County
New Hampshire law provides mechanisms for the expungement or annulment of arrest records under specific circumstances. The primary statutory authority for this process is found in RSA 651:5, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.
Individuals may petition for annulment of arrest records in the following circumstances:
Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi may be eligible for immediate annulment.
Convictions for violations may be eligible for annulment one year after the date of conviction, provided all terms of the sentence have been completed.
Misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for annulment three years after completion of the sentence.
Certain felony convictions may be eligible for annulment five to ten years after completion of the sentence, depending on the nature of the offense.
The annulment process requires filing a petition with the court of original jurisdiction. Petitioners must pay a filing fee of $125 as established by RSA 651:5(X). Upon granting of an annulment, the court will order all records of arrest, conviction, and discharge in the case to be sealed. These records remain accessible only to law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain licensing authorities as specified in RSA 651:5(X)(c).
Grafton County Attorney's Office
3785 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
Phone: (603) 787-6968
Grafton County Attorney's Office
Search Arrest Records in Grafton County
