South Hampton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in South Hampton, New Hampshire?
Arrest records are public documents in South Hampton, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that governmental records, including those created by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for inspection and reproduction by members of the public. The New Hampshire Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that arrest records fall within the definition of public records, subject to certain statutory exemptions. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system. Citizens seeking access to arrest records may obtain them through established procedures, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with RSA 91-A:5.
How to Look Up South Hampton Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining South Hampton arrest records in 2025. The New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following procedures:
- Submit a written request to the South Hampton Police Department during regular business hours
- Access the New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit online portal
- File a formal Right-to-Know request with the Town Clerk of South Hampton
- Utilize third-party background check services authorized to access New Hampshire criminal records
- Request records through the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office for arrests made by county deputies
- Contact the New Hampshire Department of Corrections for records related to individuals who were subsequently incarcerated
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and the volume of records sought. Fees may apply in accordance with RSA 91-A:4, which permits agencies to charge for the actual cost of providing copies of public records.
South Hampton Police Department
219 Main Avenue
South Hampton, NH 03827
(603) 394-7704
South Hampton Police Department
New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 223-3867
NH State Police Criminal Records
Contents of a South Hampton Arrest Record
South Hampton arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by New Hampshire Administrative Rules Saf-C 5703. These records typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations for alleged violations and narrative description of charges
- Arresting officer's name, badge number, and agency affiliation
- Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint impressions
- Disposition information if available (e.g., released on bail, held for arraignment)
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Vehicle information if the arrest was related to a motor vehicle offense
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of booking
Pursuant to RSA 106-B:14, arrest records must be maintained with sufficient detail to establish the factual basis for the arrest while protecting the constitutional rights of the accused. Information regarding juveniles may be subject to additional confidentiality provisions under RSA 169-B:35, limiting public access to such records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in South Hampton
The expungement process for arrest records in South Hampton is governed by New Hampshire RSA 651:5, which provides a mechanism for the annulment of criminal records under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements that vary based on the classification of the offense:
- For violations: Petition may be filed one year after completion of all terms of sentence
- For misdemeanors: Petition may be filed three years after completion of all terms of sentence
- For Class B felonies: Petition may be filed five years after completion of all terms of sentence
- For Class A felonies: Petition may be filed ten years after completion of all terms of sentence
Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for annulment, including violent crimes as defined in RSA 651:5, VIII(b), sexual offenses requiring registration, and offenses resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The petition for annulment must be filed with the court of original jurisdiction, accompanied by the required filing fee and criminal record check from the New Hampshire Department of Safety.
Upon receipt of a petition, the court shall request a report from the Department of Corrections if the petitioner was incarcerated or under supervision. The prosecuting agency has 30 days to object to the petition. If the court determines that annulment is consistent with the public welfare, it shall issue an order directing all state and local agencies to seal any records of the arrest and conviction.
Following annulment, the person may legally respond to questions about their criminal record as though the annulled arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing boards and law enforcement agencies as specified in RSA 651:5, X.
Rockingham County Superior Court
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
(855) 212-1234
NH Judicial Branch
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