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Candia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Candia, New Hampshire?

Arrest records in Candia, New Hampshire are considered public documents pursuant to New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes the presumption that governmental records, including arrest records, shall be available to the public for inspection and copying. The law reflects the state's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability.

Public access to arrest records is subject to certain statutory exemptions. Records may be withheld if their disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy, compromise an ongoing investigation, or jeopardize public safety. Juvenile arrest records are generally confidential under New Hampshire law, as are records pertaining to certain domestic violence cases or those involving sexual assault victims.

The Candia Police Department maintains custody of local arrest records and processes requests in accordance with RSA 91-A:4, which requires that public bodies make records available during regular business hours. Requestors need not state a reason for seeking access to arrest records, as the Right-to-Know Law establishes that the purpose of the request is immaterial to the obligation to disclose public information.

How to Look Up Candia Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Candia have multiple methods available for conducting searches. The Candia Police Department serves as the primary custodian of local arrest records and provides several options for access:

  • In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Candia Police Department during regular business hours to submit a records request. Staff will assist with locating and providing copies of available arrest records.

  • Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail. Such requests should include the name of the individual whose records are being sought, approximate date of arrest if known, and contact information for the requestor.

  • Electronic Requests: The Candia Police Department accepts records requests via email. Requestors should provide specific information to facilitate record location.

  • County Court Records: The Rockingham County Superior Court maintains records of arrests that resulted in court proceedings. These records may be accessed through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch's public access system.

Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, IV, public bodies must respond to records requests within 5 business days. Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with RSA 91-A:4, IV and are limited to the actual cost of providing the copies.

Candia Police Department
74 High Street
Candia, NH 03034
(603) 483-2318
Candia Police Department Official Website

Contents of a Candia Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Candia Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and processing of an individual's arrest. Standard arrest records include the following elements:

  • 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 specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.

  • Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) citations and classification of offenses as violations, misdemeanors, or felonies.

  • Incident Report: Narrative description of the circumstances leading to the arrest, including witness statements, evidence collected, and probable cause determination.

  • Processing Information: Details regarding booking procedures, including fingerprinting, photographing, and temporary detention.

  • Bail Information: Terms of release, including bail amount if applicable, and conditions imposed by the court or bail commissioner.

  • Court Information: Initial appearance date, court of jurisdiction, and case number assigned by the judicial system.

Pursuant to New Hampshire law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, driver's license numbers, and information pertaining to juveniles or victims of certain crimes as specified in RSA 91-A:5.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Candia

New Hampshire law provides mechanisms for the expungement or annulment of criminal records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by RSA 651:5, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for petitioning the court to annul arrest and conviction records.

Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in Candia must file a petition with the court that would have jurisdiction over the offense for which the arrest was made. For most misdemeanors, this would be the 10th Circuit Court - Candia District Division, while felony arrests would be addressed through the Rockingham County Superior Court.

Eligibility requirements for expungement include:

  • Completion of all terms of the sentence, including probation, parole, and payment of fines
  • Satisfaction of waiting periods specified in RSA 651:5, which vary based on the severity of the offense
  • Absence of subsequent arrests or convictions during the waiting period
  • Demonstration that the annulment serves the public interest

The petition process requires submission of a formal application to the court, payment of filing fees (currently $125 per petition as established by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch), and potentially a hearing before a judge. If granted, an annulment order directs all state agencies to remove records of the arrest from public access.

It should be noted that certain offenses are ineligible for annulment under New Hampshire law, including violent crimes, sexual offenses against minors, and certain motor vehicle violations as specified in RSA 651:5, V.

10th Circuit Court - Candia District Division
55 Main Street
Candia, NH 03034
(855) 212-1234
New Hampshire Judicial Branch

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