Arrest records are public documents in Hillsborough County, 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 defines governmental records to include information created, accepted, or obtained by any public body in furtherance of its official function, which encompasses arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies.
The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes:
• Promotes transparency in the criminal justice system • Enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities • Provides information relevant to public safety concerns • Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest • Facilitates background checks for employment and housing
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving juvenile offenders, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy as determined by judicial review. These exceptions are narrowly construed to favor public access in accordance with RSA 91-A:4.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of its statutory duties and makes them available through established procedures that balance public access rights with privacy considerations.
Hillsborough County provides limited online access to arrest records through several official channels. The digital availability of these records is governed by RSA 91-A:4, which requires governmental agencies to provide records in electronic format when such records are maintained electronically and can be provided with minimal effort.
The following online resources are maintained by county and municipal authorities:
• The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office website provides access to current inmate information • Municipal police departments within the county maintain online arrest logs with recent booking information • The New Hampshire Judicial Branch offers online access to court dockets related to arrests • The New Hampshire Department of Corrections provides an online offender search for individuals who have been sentenced
Online access is typically limited to basic information such as the arrested individual's name, charges, and court dates. More comprehensive records, including arrest reports and booking photographs, often require formal requests through the appropriate agency.
Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive or immediately updated. Records available online are typically limited to recent arrests, with historical records requiring direct agency contact. Additionally, pursuant to RSA 651:5, certain records that have been annulled or expunged will not appear in online databases.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Hillsborough County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established in accordance with RSA 91-A:4, which requires governmental bodies to make records available for inspection and copying during regular business hours:
In-Person Requests:
• Visit the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 329 Mast Road, Suite 109, Goffstown, NH 03045 • Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM • Telephone: (603) 627-5610 • Proper identification is required for all in-person requests • Payment of applicable fees may be required pursuant to RSA 91-A:4(IV)
Written Requests:
• Submit a completed Right-to-Know request form to the Sheriff's Office • Include specific information to identify the record(s) sought • Provide contact information for response • Allow up to five business days for initial response as permitted by RSA 91-A:4(IV)
Online Access:
• The Sheriff's Office provides limited arrest information through its official website • Municipal police departments within Hillsborough County maintain separate arrest logs • Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website
Requestors should note that certain information may be redacted from arrest records in accordance with exemptions provided in RSA 91-A:5, including information that would constitute an invasion of privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation.
Hillsborough County arrest records contain standardized information as required by New Hampshire Administrative Rules Jus 601.03. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: • Full legal name of the arrested individual • Any known aliases or previous names • 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 copies)
Arrest Details: • Date, time, and location of the arrest • Statutory charges filed, including citation to New Hampshire Revised Statutes • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) • Agency responsible for the arrest • Circumstances leading to the arrest • Weapons or contraband seized during arrest
Processing Information: • Booking photograph (mugshot) • Fingerprint classification • Booking number and facility information • Bail or bond amount set • Court appearance date • Detention status (released or held)
Case Disposition: • Court case number • Preliminary hearing information • Final disposition of charges • Sentencing information if convicted
These records are maintained in accordance with the records retention schedule established by RSA 33-A:3-a, which requires arrest records to be preserved for a minimum of seven years after final disposition of the case.
The expungement process in Hillsborough County operates under the authority of New Hampshire RSA 651:5, which provides for the annulment of criminal records under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking to have arrest records expunged must meet statutory eligibility requirements and follow established procedures.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Completion of all terms of the sentence, including probation and payment of fines • Fulfillment of waiting periods as specified in RSA 651:5(III), which vary based on offense classification:
Application Process:
• Petition must be filed with the court that entered the original conviction • Filing fee of $125 is required pursuant to RSA 651:5(VI) • Petitioner must provide certified copies of criminal record from both the New Hampshire State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation • The prosecuting agency and victims must be notified of the petition • A hearing may be scheduled at the court's discretion
Upon granting of an annulment, all records of arrest, conviction, and sentence are sealed from public access. The individual may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest and conviction never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing and employment situations as specified in RSA 651:5(X).
Hillsborough County Superior Court Northern District 300 Chestnut Street Manchester, NH 03101 (855) 212-1234 New Hampshire Judicial Branch