Merrimack County Public Records / Merrimack County Arrest Records

Merrimack County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Merrimack County

Arrest records in Merrimack County are considered public information under New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law, RSA 91-A. This statute establishes that government records, including those created by law enforcement agencies, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The New Hampshire Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that citizens have a fundamental right to access governmental proceedings and records.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of the offense in a court of law. Under New Hampshire law, both types of records are generally public, though RSA 651:5 provides mechanisms for annulment (expungement) of certain records under specific circumstances.

The New Hampshire Department of Safety maintains the state's criminal history record information, which includes arrest data from Merrimack County law enforcement agencies. While most arrest records are public, certain exceptions exist, particularly for juvenile records, which are generally confidential under RSA 169-B:35.

What's in Merrimack County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Merrimack County typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual arrested. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identification numbers (driver's license, state ID)
Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Circumstances leading to the arrest
Whether force was used during the arrest
Whether the individual was armed

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
Description of the alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing court
Date warrant was issued
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Facility where booking occurred
Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)
Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Whether bail was posted
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case number assigned

Custody Status:

Whether detained or released
Current location if in custody
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Known associates
Vehicle information
Employer information
Emergency contact information

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's policies and the nature of the arrest. All information is collected and maintained in accordance with New Hampshire law enforcement standards and protocols.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Merrimack County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Merrimack County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, each with specific procedures and requirements.

To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:

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

The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Requestors should:

Complete a public records request form (available at the counter or downloadable from the county website)
Provide specific information about the record sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest if known)
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay applicable fees (currently $10 per record search, with additional fees for copies)

For written requests, individuals may submit a formal letter or the county's standard records request form to the address above. The letter should include:

Requestor's full name and contact information
Specific information about the record sought
Date range for the search
Purpose of the request (though this is not legally required under RSA 91-A)
Signature and date

Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within five business days. If the request is denied, the office must provide written justification citing the specific exemption under state law.

For more recent arrests, individuals may also contact:

Merrimack County Department of Corrections
314 Daniel Webster Highway
Boscawen, NH 03303
(603) 796-2107
Merrimack County Department of Corrections

The Department of Corrections maintains current custody information and can verify whether an individual is currently detained at the county facility.

How To Find Merrimack County Arrest Records Online

Merrimack County provides limited online access to arrest records through several digital platforms. The primary online resources for accessing these records include:

The New Hampshire Judiciary Electronic Court System offers a searchable database of court cases, including criminal matters originating from arrests in Merrimack County. Users may search by name to locate case information, including charges, court dates, and case disposition. This system requires registration and may assess nominal fees for certain detailed records.

The Merrimack County Sheriff's Office maintains an Inmate Lookup Tool that provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. This resource includes:

Inmate name and booking number
Charges
Bond information
Next court date
Expected release date (when applicable)

For comprehensive criminal history information, the New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit offers an online portal for requesting criminal background checks, which include arrest records. This service requires:

Creation of an online account
Submission of the subject's identifying information
Payment of the statutory fee ($25 per record check)
Notarized authorization from the subject (for third-party requests)

The Merrimack County Attorney's Office publishes information about significant cases being prosecuted, which may include arrest details for cases of public interest.

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, particularly for arrests that occurred before digital record-keeping was implemented. Additionally, pursuant to RSA 106-B:14, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.

How To Search Merrimack County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Merrimack County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods are established under New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law, which emphasizes public access to government records.

The most direct method for free access is to inspect records in person at:

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

Under RSA 91-A:4, citizens have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours. While copying fees may apply, there is no charge simply to view records. Individuals should:

Arrive during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM)
Complete a records inspection request form
Provide specific information about the records sought
Present identification

The Concord Public Library and other public libraries in Merrimack County often provide free access to public computers where individuals can search:

Local newspaper archives containing arrest reports
The New Hampshire Judiciary's public access portal
County inmate lookup systems

Concord Public Library
45 Green Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 225-8670

Local newspapers, including the Concord Monitor, regularly publish police logs and arrest reports. These publications are typically available for free viewing at public libraries or through the newspapers' websites (though some may have article limits or paywalls).

The Merrimack County Superior Court Clerk's Office maintains public terminals where case records can be searched at no cost:

Merrimack County Superior Court
163 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
(855) 212-1234

Individuals seeking information about current inmates can use the free online Inmate Lookup Tool provided by the Merrimack County Department of Corrections.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Merrimack County

New Hampshire law provides mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through a process called annulment, governed by RSA 651:5. This statute establishes the legal framework for petitioning the court to annul arrest and conviction records under specific circumstances.

It is important to distinguish between record expungement and record sealing:

Expungement (annulment in New Hampshire) typically results in the physical destruction or deletion of records
Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official purposes

In Merrimack County, individuals may petition for annulment of arrest records in the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The case was dismissed or resulted in a finding of not guilty
The conviction has reached the statutory waiting period for annulment eligibility
The arrest was made in error or the individual was wrongfully arrested

The annulment process requires petitioners to:

Obtain and complete the "Petition for Annulment of Criminal Record" form from the New Hampshire Judicial Branch
File the petition with the court of jurisdiction:

Merrimack County Superior Court
163 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
(855) 212-1234
Merrimack County Superior Court

Pay the filing fee (currently $125, though fee waivers may be available for those who qualify)
Serve copies of the petition on:
- The arresting agency
- The County Attorney's Office
- The New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit
Attend the scheduled hearing before a judge who will determine whether the annulment meets statutory requirements

If granted, the annulment order directs all relevant agencies to remove the record from public access. Under RSA 651:5(X), once a record is annulled, the person may legally respond to questions as if the arrest or conviction never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain professional licensing and law enforcement purposes.

Individuals with complex cases may benefit from consulting with an attorney specializing in criminal record expungement, as the eligibility requirements and waiting periods vary based on the nature of the offense and the disposition of the case.

What Happens After Arrest in Merrimack County?

Following an arrest in Merrimack County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New Hampshire state law and local procedures. This process typically follows a sequential progression through several key stages.

The initial post-arrest phase involves booking at either the arresting police department or the Merrimack County Department of Corrections. During booking, officials:

Photograph and fingerprint the arrestee
Collect personal information
Inventory and secure personal property
Conduct a preliminary health screening
Enter arrest information into law enforcement databases

Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual must be brought before a judge or bail commissioner for an arraignment, as required by RSA 594:20-a. At this initial appearance:

Charges are formally presented
Constitutional rights are explained
Bail conditions are established
A plea is entered (typically not guilty at this stage)
A public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies

For misdemeanor cases, the matter proceeds in the:

6th Circuit - District Division - Concord
32 Clinton Street
Concord, NH 03301
(855) 212-1234
Concord District Court

Felony cases are handled by:

Merrimack County Superior Court
163 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
(855) 212-1234
Merrimack County Superior Court

For felony charges, a probable cause hearing may be held within 10 days to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed. If probable cause is found, the case is bound over to the Grand Jury for potential indictment.

Following arraignment, the discovery phase begins, during which:

The prosecution must disclose evidence to the defense
Pretrial motions may be filed
Plea negotiations often occur

Cases may be resolved through:

Plea agreements
Diversion programs (for eligible first-time or low-level offenders)
Trial by judge or jury
Dismissal of charges

If convicted, sentencing follows, which may include:

Incarceration in the Merrimack County Department of Corrections or state prison
Probation supervised by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections
Fines and restitution
Mandatory treatment or educational programs

Throughout this process, individuals maintain constitutional rights, including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair and speedy trial.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Merrimack County?

Arrest records in Merrimack County are maintained according to New Hampshire's records retention requirements, primarily governed by RSA 33-A:3-a, which establishes the legal framework for municipal records retention. Law enforcement agencies must adhere to these statutory requirements while also following internal policies that may extend retention periods.

The New Hampshire Department of Justice and the Division of Archives and Records Management have established the following retention schedules for arrest-related records:

Arrest logs and booking information: Permanent retention
Arrest reports and supporting documentation: Minimum of 7 years
Fingerprint cards and identification photographs: 75 years from date of creation
Juvenile arrest records: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed pursuant to RSA 169-B:35
Misdemeanor arrest records: Minimum of 10 years after final disposition
Felony arrest records: Minimum of 20 years after final disposition
Capital crime and homicide arrest records: Permanent retention

Different agencies within Merrimack County maintain separate record systems with varying retention periods:

The Merrimack County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the county's records management policy, which generally follows state guidelines but may extend retention for certain categories of records.

The New Hampshire State Police maintains criminal history information, including Merrimack County arrests, in the state's central repository indefinitely unless records are annulled by court order.

The Merrimack County Department of Corrections retains inmate booking and custody records for a minimum of 7 years after release, with longer retention for serious offenses.

Municipal police departments within Merrimack County (such as Concord, Franklin, and Hooksett) maintain their own arrest records according to both state requirements and local policies.

It is important to note that electronic records have largely replaced paper documentation, allowing for extended or permanent retention of arrest information in digital formats. Even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, digital traces often remain in law enforcement databases unless specifically ordered removed through court-ordered annulment.

How to Find Mugshots in Merrimack County

Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Merrimack County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs taken under standardized conditions. These images capture identifying features and are accompanied by a booking number and sometimes a date board. Law enforcement agencies use these photographs for identification purposes throughout the criminal justice process.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Merrimack County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Merrimack County Department of Corrections
314 Daniel Webster Highway
Boscawen, NH 03303
(603) 796-2107
Merrimack County Department of Corrections

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

Additionally, municipal police departments within the county maintain booking photographs for arrests they process. Copies are also forwarded to the New Hampshire State Police for inclusion in state criminal history files.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain booking photographs, individuals may:

Submit a written request under the Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A) to the arresting agency or the Merrimack County Department of Corrections
Provide specific information about the subject (full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
Pay applicable fees for reproduction (typically $5-15 per photograph)
Present valid identification when picking up requested photographs

Can They Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Merrimack County does not maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs. The New Hampshire Department of Corrections and Merrimack County agencies do not routinely publish mugshots online as a matter of policy.

Some third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sites may:

Contain outdated or inaccurate information
Charge fees for removal of photographs
Not reflect expunged or annulled records
Violate individuals' privacy rights

The New Hampshire legislature has considered bills to restrict commercial publication of booking photographs, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of online mugshot databases on privacy and rehabilitation.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining accurate booking photographs is through official channels:

In-person requests at the records division of the arresting agency
Formal written requests citing RSA 91-A
Requests through an attorney as part of case discovery

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to booking photographs may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile records are confidential under RSA 169-B:35
Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Records that have been annulled under RSA 651:5 are not publicly accessible
Certain domestic violence and sexual assault cases may have restricted access

Law enforcement agencies balance public records requirements with privacy considerations when responding to mugshot requests.