Merrimack County Public Records /Merrimack County Criminal Records

Merrimack County Criminal Records

What Is Merrimack County Criminal Records

Merrimack County criminal records constitute official documentation maintained by various government agencies that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Merrimack County, New Hampshire. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions related to criminal matters.

Criminal records in Merrimack County encompass several distinct categories:

Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Merrimack County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records typically contain the date of arrest, charges, and booking information.
Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings within the Merrimack County Superior Court and Circuit Court District Division, including arraignments, hearings, pleas, trials, and sentencing.
Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas, which become permanent parts of an individual's criminal history.
Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Merrimack County Department of Corrections facilities.

The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through either a trial verdict or guilty plea. Under New Hampshire RSA 106-B:14, criminal history record information is maintained by the New Hampshire State Police.

Criminal records also differentiate between:

Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail
Violations: Minor infractions that do not result in jail time

Adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed pursuant to New Hampshire RSA 169-B:35, which protects the confidentiality of juvenile proceedings.

The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Merrimack County include:

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

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

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

Are Criminal Records Public In Merrimack County

Criminal records in Merrimack County are generally considered public information pursuant to the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law, RSA 91-A, which establishes the public's right to access government records. This statute affirms that "openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society."

Under current law, the following criminal record information is typically available to the public:

Adult arrest records (after formal charging)
Court dockets and case files for adult criminal proceedings
Conviction records
Sentencing information
Incarceration records

However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:

Active criminal investigations (prior to charging)
Grand jury proceedings
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Records sealed by court order
Expunged records
Certain domestic violence and sexual assault victim information
Records where disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy that outweighs the public interest

The New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history record information in the state. According to NH RSA 106-B:14, "The division shall make criminal records available to law enforcement agencies, the public, and as otherwise provided by law."

For court records specifically, the New Hampshire Judicial Branch provides public access to case information through its electronic case access portal, though certain sensitive information may be redacted. The New Hampshire Supreme Court has established rules governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns.

Members of the public seeking criminal records should be aware that while these records are legally accessible, practical access may require formal requests, payment of fees, and compliance with established procedures. Additionally, the use of criminal record information is regulated by state and federal laws to prevent discrimination and protect individual rights.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Merrimack County in 2026

Members of the public may access Merrimack County criminal records through several established channels. The following procedures outline the current methods for obtaining these records:

In-Person Requests at the Courthouse:

Visit the Merrimack County Superior Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
Complete a record request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $10 per name search plus $1 per page for copies).
For same-day service, submit requests before 3:00 PM.

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

Mail Requests to the Court Clerk:

Prepare a written request including the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and the specific case or time period of interest.
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents.
Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees made payable to "Merrimack County Superior Court."
Mail the complete package to the court address listed above.
Allow 10-15 business days for processing.

State-Level Criminal History Checks:

For comprehensive criminal history information across New Hampshire:

Submit a Criminal Record Release Authorization Form to the NH State Police.
Include the subject's notarized consent (if requesting another person's records).
Provide a $25 fee per record check (payable to "State of NH – Criminal Records").
Submit fingerprints if requesting a complete criminal history ($48.25 fee).

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

Sheriff's Office Records:

For arrest records, booking information, and current inmate status:

Contact the Records Division of the Merrimack County Sheriff's Office.
Complete their records request form.
Pay applicable fees ($10 per search).
Allow 5-7 business days for processing.

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

Pursuant to NH RSA 91-A:4, government agencies must make records available for inspection and copying during regular business hours. Agencies may require written requests and reasonable fees for document reproduction.

How To Find Criminal Records in Merrimack County Online?

Merrimack County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information online. These electronic resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.

New Hampshire Judicial Branch Public Access Portal:

The primary online resource for court records in Merrimack County is the New Hampshire Court System's e-Courts platform. This system provides:

Case search capabilities by name, case number, or citation number
Access to criminal docket information
Case status updates
Scheduled hearing dates
Case disposition information

Users must register for a free account to access the system. The portal contains records for cases filed after the court's transition to electronic filing, with older cases potentially requiring in-person requests.

Merrimack County Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup:

The Merrimack County Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate search tool that provides:

Current custody status
Booking information
Scheduled release dates (when available)
Charges
Bond information

This database is updated daily and requires no registration for access. The system only displays currently incarcerated individuals and those recently released.

New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit Online Portal:

For statewide criminal history information, the NH Criminal Records Unit offers an online request system that allows:

Submission of criminal record check requests
Payment of required fees ($25 per name-based check)
Secure delivery of results

This system requires registration and is primarily designed for authorized entities conducting background checks. Individual record subjects may request their own records through this portal with proper identification.

Merrimack County Sheriff's Office Warrant List:

The Sheriff's Office maintains a public list of active warrants that includes:

Subject names
Warrant types
Issuing courts
Case numbers

This resource is updated weekly and requires no registration to access.

New Hampshire Sex Offender Registry:

The New Hampshire Sex Offender Registry provides searchable information on registered sex offenders residing in Merrimack County, including:

Offender photographs
Residential addresses (for tier III offenders)
Conviction information
Registration status

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information. Certain records, particularly older cases or sealed/expunged matters, may require formal requests through the appropriate agencies.

Can You Search Merrimack County Criminal Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Merrimack County criminal records without payment of fees, in accordance with New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A:4), which states that "every citizen has the right to inspect all governmental records... and to make memoranda, abstracts, and photographic or other copies of the same."

Free In-Person Record Inspection:

The following locations offer no-cost inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:

Merrimack County Superior Court
163 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
(855) 212-1234
New Hampshire Judicial Branch
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Merrimack County Circuit Court - District Division
32 Clinton Street
Concord, NH 03301
(855) 212-1234
New Hampshire Judicial Branch
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

While inspection is free, courts may charge reasonable fees for copies of documents (typically $1 per page) and for staff time required for extensive searches.

Free Online Resources:

Several no-cost digital platforms provide access to criminal record information:

New Hampshire Judiciary's Public Case Access System: Offers basic case information including charges, next court dates, and case status. Registration is required but free.
Merrimack County Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup: Provides current inmate information at no cost.
Merrimack County Sheriff's Office Active Warrants List: Displays individuals with outstanding warrants at no charge.
New Hampshire Sex Offender Registry: Offers free public access to information on registered sex offenders residing in Merrimack County.
Merrimack County Attorney's Office Case Status Information: Provides limited information on current prosecutions at no cost.

Limitations of Free Access:

While basic record inspection is available without charge, users should be aware of these limitations:

Comprehensive criminal history reports from the New Hampshire State Police require payment of statutory fees ($25 per name-based check).
Certified copies of court documents incur certification fees ($10 per document).
Extensive research requests may trigger staff time charges.
Some older records not available in electronic format may require retrieval fees.
Background checks for employment or housing purposes typically require payment.

Pursuant to NH RSA 91-A:4(IV), "If a computer, photocopying machine, or other device maintained for use by a public body or agency is used by the public body or agency to copy the governmental record requested, the person requesting the copy may be charged the actual cost of providing the copy, which cost may be collected by the public body or agency."

What's Included in a Merrimack County Criminal Record?

Merrimack County criminal records typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content may vary based on the nature of the case and the maintaining agency, but generally includes the following categories of information:

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Last known address
State Identification Number (SID)
FBI number (if applicable)
Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking number and facility
Enumerated charges at time of arrest with statutory citations
Probable cause statement
Bail or bond amount and status
Detention facility information
Property/evidence seized during arrest

Court Case Information:

Court case number and jurisdiction
Filing date and court division
Formal charges filed by prosecutor
Statutory citations and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor)
Plea information
Defense attorney information
Prosecutor assignment
Judge assignment
Court appearance dates and outcomes
Motion filings and rulings
Trial information (if applicable)

Disposition and Sentencing:

Final verdict or case outcome
Conviction date (if applicable)
Dismissed or reduced charges
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, fees, and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
Post-conviction relief applications
Appeal information
Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

Active warrant status
Protective/restraining orders
Sex offender registration requirements
Habitual offender status
DUI/DWI history
Domestic violence indicators
Firearms restrictions
Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Criminal history from other counties/states (if reported)

In accordance with NH RSA 651:5, records may also contain information about annulment (expungement) petitions and outcomes. Records maintained by different agencies may contain varying levels of detail, with court records typically providing the most comprehensive documentation of case proceedings and outcomes.

How Long Does Merrimack County Keep Criminal Records?

Merrimack County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by New Hampshire state law and administrative rules. These schedules vary by record type and severity of offense. The New Hampshire Department of State, Division of Archives and Records Management oversees the state's records retention policies.

Court Records Retention:

The New Hampshire Judicial Branch maintains criminal case records according to the following general schedule:

Felony Cases: Permanently maintained in either original or electronic format.
Misdemeanor Cases: Retained for a minimum of 10 years after case closure.
Violation-Level Offenses: Maintained for 5 years after case disposition.
Juvenile Cases: Sealed upon the individual reaching age 21 pursuant to NH RSA 169-B:35, but records are maintained securely.

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

The Merrimack County Sheriff's Office and local police departments typically follow these retention periods:

Arrest Records: Maintained for a minimum of 7 years.
Investigation Reports for Felonies: Retained for 20 years or permanently for serious felonies (homicide, sexual assault).
Investigation Reports for Misdemeanors: Kept for 7 years after case closure.
Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Retained permanently in the state's central repository.
Incident Reports: Maintained for 7 years.

Corrections Records Retention:

The Merrimack County Department of Corrections maintains records according to these guidelines:

Inmate Files for Felony Incarcerations: Retained for 20 years after release.
Inmate Files for Misdemeanor Incarcerations: Kept for 10 years after release.
Booking Information: Maintained for 20 years.
Disciplinary Reports: Retained for 7 years after inmate release.

Criminal History Repository:

The New Hampshire State Police maintains the central criminal history repository, which includes Merrimack County records. Under NH Administrative Rule Saf-C 5904, criminal history information is maintained as follows:

Conviction Data: Maintained permanently unless expunged by court order.
Non-Conviction Data: Removed after 1 year if no prosecution was initiated; otherwise maintained for 3 years after arrest if no conviction resulted.
Annulled Convictions: Removed from public access but maintained in sealed records accessible only to law enforcement.

Records may be expunged (annulled) under NH RSA 651:5 after specified waiting periods based on offense severity, ranging from 2 years for violations to 10 years for certain felonies. Some serious offenses, including violent crimes and sexual offenses, are ineligible for annulment.

Digital conversion efforts are ongoing, with newer records maintained in electronic formats while older paper records remain subject to physical storage limitations and preservation concerns.