Hanover Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Hanover, New Hampshire?
Arrest records in Hanover, New Hampshire are considered public documents pursuant to New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes the legal framework for public access to governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal jurisdictions. The law operates on the presumption that government records shall be available to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Hanover Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within Grafton County. These records typically become available after the booking process has been completed and the information has been entered into the official record-keeping system.
The public nature of these records serves several governmental and societal purposes:
- Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enables community awareness of public safety matters
- Facilitates accountability of governmental agencies
- Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
- Allows individuals to verify information that may affect their personal or professional interactions
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with RSA 91-A:5, which provides exemptions for confidential information such as juvenile records, ongoing investigation details, and personal identifying information that could compromise privacy beyond the scope of public interest.
How to Look Up Hanover Arrest Records in 2025
The Hanover Police Department maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within municipal boundaries. Individuals seeking access to these records may utilize several authorized methods established by local authorities:
In-Person Requests Citizens may submit requests for arrest records by visiting the Hanover Police Department during regular business hours. Requestors should be prepared to complete a formal records request form and provide identification.
Hanover Police Department
41 South Main Street
Hanover, NH 03755
(603) 643-2222
Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Grafton County Superior Court
The court maintains records of arrests that have resulted in formal charges and court proceedings.
Grafton County Superior Court
3785 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
(855) 212-1234
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Online Access Options The Hanover Police Department provides limited online access to recent arrest information through the Hanover official website. Users may navigate to the Police Department section to access the public police log, which contains basic information about recent arrests.
Written Requests Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail or email. Requests should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Nature of the incident (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
Written requests should be addressed to the Records Division of the Hanover Police Department.
Contents of a Hanover Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Hanover law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as prescribed by New Hampshire state protocols. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in temporary detention or formal arrest.
Standard components of a Hanover arrest record include:
- Biographical Information: Legal name, date of birth, address, and physical descriptors of the arrested individual
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; arresting officer's name and badge number
- Statutory Violations: New Hampshire Criminal Code citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
- Booking Information: Fingerprints, photographs, and processing details
- Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention
- Case Disposition: Initial court appearance details and preliminary hearing outcomes
Pursuant to RSA 594:14, law enforcement agencies must maintain accurate records of all arrests, including the time and place of the arrest and the offense for which the arrest was made.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical information protected under HIPAA
- Information related to confidential informants
- Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access
While arrest records are generally public in Hanover, several statutory and procedural restrictions govern their accessibility. These limitations are designed to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice process.
New Hampshire law establishes the following restrictions:
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to RSA 169-B:35, records pertaining to arrests of individuals under 18 years of age are confidential and not available for public inspection.
Annulled Records: Under RSA 651:5, records of arrests that have been formally annulled by court order are removed from public access and treated as though the arrest never occurred.
Sealed Records: In certain circumstances, the court may order arrest records sealed, particularly in cases involving first-time offenders or participants in diversion programs.
Active Investigations: Information related to arrests connected to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under RSA 91-A:5, IV to prevent interference with law enforcement proceedings.
Domestic Violence Cases: Certain identifying information in domestic violence cases may be restricted to protect victims pursuant to RSA 173-B.
Law enforcement agencies and court administrators are required to implement these restrictions while processing public records requests. Violations of these restrictions may result in administrative penalties or civil liability.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Hanover
New Hampshire law provides mechanisms for the expungement or annulment of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by RSA 651:5, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may petition for annulment of arrest records in Hanover under the following conditions:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction (cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi)
- The individual has completed all terms of their sentence, including probation and payment of fines
- The required waiting period has elapsed since completion of the sentence (varies by offense classification)
- The petitioner has not been convicted of any subsequent criminal offense during the waiting period
The annulment process requires submission of a formal petition to the court of original jurisdiction. For arrests occurring in Hanover, petitions are typically filed with:
Grafton County Superior Court
3785 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
The petition must include:
- Complete case information
- Certified criminal record from the New Hampshire State Police
- Filing fee (currently $125 per petition)
- Documentation of completed sentences and rehabilitation efforts
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner may present evidence supporting their request. The prosecuting attorney and any victims have the right to appear and provide testimony regarding the petition.
If granted, an annulment order directs all relevant agencies to remove records of the arrest from public access. Pursuant to RSA 651:5, IX, the individual may legally respond to questions about the annulled arrest as though it never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing and employment situations.
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