Lebanon Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lebanon, New Hampshire?
Arrest records are public in Lebanon, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that governmental records shall be available to the public for inspection and reproduction. The law specifically includes arrest records as part of the public record, ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations and maintaining accountability to citizens. The New Hampshire Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access such information, with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations or cases involving juveniles as outlined in RSA 169-B.
Members of the public seeking arrest information should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive investigative details in accordance with RSA 91-A:5. The Lebanon Police Department maintains these records and processes requests in compliance with state statutes governing public access to governmental records.
How to Look Up Lebanon Arrest Records in 2025
The Lebanon Police Department maintains arrest records and provides several methods for public access to this information. Individuals seeking arrest records in Lebanon may utilize the following official channels:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division at the Lebanon Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Staff will assist with completing the necessary paperwork and identifying available records.
Lebanon Police Department
36 Poverty Lane
Lebanon, NH 03766
(603) 448-1212
Official Website
Online Resources: The Daily Police Log is updated weekly, typically on Mondays, and includes information about recent arrests and police activity.
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and specific information sought.
Grafton County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be accessed through:
Grafton County Superior Court
3785 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
(855) 212-1234
Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, the Lebanon Police Department must respond to record requests within five business days. Fees for copies of arrest records are established by department policy in accordance with RSA 91-A:4(IV) and are currently set at $10.00 for standard reports.
Contents of a Lebanon Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Lebanon Police Department contain standardized information as required by New Hampshire state law and departmental policies. These records typically include:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, identifying marks, and other distinguishing characteristics
- Photograph (mugshot) taken during booking process
- Fingerprint information and identification numbers
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Specific criminal charges filed, with reference to applicable New Hampshire statutes
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Booking information including property inventory
- Bail or detention determination
- Case disposition information (if available)
- Court docket numbers for associated cases
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and stage of the criminal justice process. Records related to ongoing investigations may contain redactions as permitted under RSA 91-A:5. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under RSA 169-B and may not be publicly accessible.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lebanon
New Hampshire law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records through a formal legal process. Pursuant to RSA 651:5, individuals may petition for annulment of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process in Lebanon requires:
- Filing a petition with the court that had original jurisdiction over the case
- Payment of required filing fees (currently $125 per charge)
- Completion of all terms of sentencing, including probation and payment of fines
- Satisfaction of waiting periods, which vary based on offense classification:
- Violations: 1 year after completion of sentence
- 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
The Lebanon Police Prosecutor's Office reviews expungement petitions and may file objections when appropriate. Judges consider factors including the petitioner's criminal history, rehabilitation evidence, and the nature of the original offense when determining whether to grant expungement.
Successfully expunged records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for limited purposes. Individuals whose records have been expunged may legally answer "no" to questions about the expunged arrest on employment applications, except for certain positions in law enforcement, corrections, or positions working with vulnerable populations.
Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access
While arrest records in Lebanon are generally public, several important legal restrictions limit access in specific circumstances:
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to RSA 169-B:35, records pertaining to juvenile arrests and proceedings are confidential and not available for public inspection.
Sealed Cases: Records that have been officially sealed by court order following expungement proceedings under RSA 651:5 are removed from public access.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to active investigations may be temporarily withheld under RSA 91-A:5(IV) if disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings.
Privacy Protections: Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and certain victim information may be redacted from public records in accordance with RSA 91-A:5.
Domestic Violence Cases: Certain information in domestic violence cases may be subject to additional confidentiality protections under RSA 173-B to protect victims.
The Lebanon City Clerk's Office and Police Department Records Division are responsible for ensuring compliance with these restrictions when processing public records requests. Violations of confidentiality provisions may result in administrative penalties or civil liability.
Using Lebanon Arrest Records for Background Checks
Employers, landlords, and other entities in Lebanon may utilize arrest records as part of background screening processes, subject to certain legal limitations. The following guidelines apply:
Under New Hampshire law, employers may consider arrest records that resulted in convictions when making hiring decisions.
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to obtain written consent before conducting background checks through third-party agencies and to provide notice before taking adverse actions based on findings.
Arrest records that did not result in conviction may have limited use in employment decisions pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance.
Landlords conducting tenant screening must comply with Fair Housing laws when utilizing arrest record information.
Background checks for positions working with vulnerable populations, including children, elderly, or disabled individuals, may have access to more comprehensive criminal history information under RSA 170-E and related statutes.
Organizations conducting background checks should consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations. The Lebanon Police Department does not provide interpretation of arrest records or make recommendations regarding their use in hiring or housing decisions.
Search Arrest Records in Lebanon
