>Merrimack County Arrest Records Online

Merrimack County, New Hampshire Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Merrimack County, New Hampshire?

Arrest records are public in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that governmental records, including arrest records, shall be made available to the public for inspection and reproduction. The law serves to promote transparency, accountability, and public oversight of governmental operations within the state.

Under RSA 91-A:4, any citizen has the right to inspect and copy governmental records during regular business hours on the regular business premises of the public body or agency. The Merrimack County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records in accordance with state regulations. However, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with RSA 91-A:5, which outlines specific exemptions from disclosure.

Merrimack County Sheriff's Office
333 Daniel Webster Highway
Boscawen, NH 03303
(603) 796-6600
Official Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Merrimack County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Merrimack County through various authorized governmental platforms. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch maintains an electronic case access system that allows members of the public to search for case information, including arrests that have resulted in court proceedings. This system, however, may not include comprehensive arrest data for cases that did not proceed to court.

The availability of detailed arrest records online varies based on the specific law enforcement agency's policies and technological capabilities. Some local police departments in Merrimack County provide limited arrest information through their websites, typically in the form of press releases or police logs. For comprehensive arrest record searches, individuals may need to utilize a combination of online resources and in-person requests.

Online access to arrest records is subject to the same exemptions and limitations as physical records under RSA 91-A:5. Sensitive information related to juvenile arrests, ongoing investigations, or cases involving certain protected categories may be restricted from public online access in accordance with state law.

How to Look Up Merrimack County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Merrimack County arrest records have multiple avenues available for conducting searches. The following methods are authorized under New Hampshire law for obtaining arrest record information:

Visit the Merrimack County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to submit a records request in person.
Contact local police departments within Merrimack County where the arrest occurred. Each municipality maintains its own records of arrests conducted within its jurisdiction.
Access the New Hampshire Judicial Branch electronic case system for cases that have proceeded to court.
Submit a written request to the appropriate law enforcement agency pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, which requires agencies to make records available within 5 business days or provide a written statement of time necessary for compliance.
Utilize the New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit for statewide criminal history information, which includes arrest data from Merrimack County agencies.

New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 223-3867
Official Website

For federal cases involving arrests in Merrimack County, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides access to federal court documents.

Contents of a Merrimack County Arrest Record

Merrimack County arrest records typically contain standardized information as required by New Hampshire law enforcement protocols. These records generally include the following elements:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, address, and physical description
Photograph (mugshot) taken during the booking process
Fingerprint information collected at the time of arrest
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed against the individual, citing relevant New Hampshire criminal code sections
Case identification number assigned by the arresting agency
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information, including property inventory and initial appearance details
Bail or detention determination information
Preliminary court appearance scheduling

Pursuant to RSA 106-B:14, arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies must include sufficient identifying information to distinguish between individuals with similar names. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information related to confidential informants or ongoing investigations as specified in RSA 91-A:5.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Merrimack County

New Hampshire law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to RSA 651:5, individuals may petition for annulment (expungement) of arrest records in Merrimack County if:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The case was dismissed or resulted in a finding of not guilty
The individual has completed all terms of their sentence, including any probationary period
The required waiting period has elapsed since completion of the sentence (varies by offense classification)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that originally handled the case. For arrests that did not result in charges, petitions must be filed with the arresting agency. The petition must include:

Complete identifying information of the petitioner
Details of the arrest and subsequent proceedings
Grounds for requesting expungement
Certification that all requirements under RSA 651:5 have been met

Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the prosecuting agency, which may file objections. If the court grants the petition, all records of the arrest will be sealed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes outlined in RSA 651:5(X).

Merrimack County Superior Court
163 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 225-5491
Official Website

Search Arrest Records in Merrimack County

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