Grafton County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Grafton County
Arrest records in Grafton County, New Hampshire are considered public information under the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law, codified in 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 that the purpose of this law is to provide the utmost information to the public about governmental proceedings and actions.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the person was convicted.
- Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding.
Under RSA 106-B:14, the Division of State Police maintains criminal history record information, which includes arrest data. However, certain exemptions apply to the public disclosure of arrest records, particularly when:
- The release would constitute an invasion of privacy
- The records pertain to juvenile offenders
- The records are part of an ongoing investigation
- The records have been sealed or annulled by court order
The New Hampshire Department of Safety oversees the state's criminal records, including those from Grafton County, and provides guidelines for public access in accordance with state law.
What's in Grafton County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Grafton County contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Home address
- Driver's license number
- 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
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 of issuance
- Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where booking occurred
- Property inventory taken during booking
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 by the court
Custody Status:
- Whether the individual was detained or released
- Current location if in custody
- Release date if applicable
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
These records are maintained in accordance with RSA 651:5, which governs the annulment of criminal records in New Hampshire and specifies retention requirements.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Grafton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Grafton County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Contact the Grafton County Sheriff's Department directly:
Grafton County Sheriff's Department
3785 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
Phone: (603) 787-2111
Grafton County Sheriff's Department
Individuals may submit a written request specifying the records sought. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Submit a request to the arresting police department:
If the arrest was made by a municipal police department within Grafton County, contact that specific department. For example:
Lebanon Police Department
36 Poverty Lane
Lebanon, NH 03766
Phone: (603) 448-1212
Lebanon Police Department
- Request records from the New Hampshire State Police:
New Hampshire State Police, Troop F
549 Route 302
Twin Mountain, NH 03595
Phone: (603) 846-3333
New Hampshire State Police
- Submit a formal Right-to-Know request:
Under RSA 91-A, citizens may submit a formal written request citing the Right-to-Know Law. Agencies must respond within five business days. The request should:
- Clearly identify the records sought
- Be dated and signed
- Include contact information for response
- Visit the Grafton County Department of Corrections:
Grafton County Department of Corrections
3787 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
Phone: (603) 787-6767
Grafton County Department of Corrections
The Department maintains booking records and can provide information about individuals currently in custody or recently released.
Requestors should be prepared to pay reasonable fees for copying and research time as permitted under RSA 91-A:4.
How To Find Grafton County Arrest Records Online
Grafton County offers several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:
- Grafton County Inmate Lookup System
The Grafton County Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. This database includes:
- Inmate name and booking number
- Charges
- Custody status
- Scheduled release date (when applicable)
This resource can be accessed through the Grafton County Department of Corrections website.
- New Hampshire Judiciary Electronic Court System
The New Hampshire Judicial Branch offers an online case lookup system called New Hampshire Courts Electronic Services. This system allows users to:
- Search for criminal cases by name
- View case status and scheduled hearings
- Access public court documents related to arrests
- Review disposition information
- New Hampshire Criminal Records Unit Online Portal
The New Hampshire Department of Safety maintains a Criminal Records Unit that provides an online portal for requesting criminal history information, including arrest records. This service:
- Requires creation of an account
- Charges a fee per record search
- Provides official criminal history reports
- May require notarization for certain requests
The portal can be accessed through the NH Department of Safety website.
- Local Police Department Websites
Several police departments within Grafton County maintain their own websites with arrest logs or police blotters. These typically include:
- Recent arrest information
- Daily call logs
- Press releases about significant arrests
For example, the Hanover Police Department and Lebanon Police Department websites feature sections with recent arrest information.
When using online systems, users should note that the information may not be comprehensive and might require follow-up with the respective agencies for complete records.
How To Search Grafton County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options to access Grafton County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for conducting free searches:
- Visit the Grafton County Sheriff's Department in person:
Grafton County Sheriff's Department
3785 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
Phone: (603) 787-2111
Grafton County Sheriff's Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Individuals may inspect public records on-site without charge, though fees may apply for copies. Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, citizens have the right to inspect governmental records during regular business hours.
- Review local newspaper police logs:
Many local newspapers publish police logs that include arrest information. These publications include:
- The Valley News
- Littleton Courier
- Record Enterprise
- Coos County Democrat
These publications can often be accessed for free at public libraries throughout Grafton County.
- Check municipal police department websites:
Several police departments in Grafton County post recent arrest information on their websites at no cost:
- Access the Grafton County online inmate lookup:
The Grafton County Department of Corrections maintains a free online inmate lookup system that provides basic information about individuals currently in custody.
- Attend public court proceedings:
Court proceedings are open to the public under RSA 91-A:2. The Grafton County Superior Court is located at:
Grafton County Superior Court
3785 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
Phone: (855) 212-1234
NH Judicial Branch
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Visit local public libraries:
Public libraries in Grafton County often provide free access to online resources that may include arrest record information. Library staff can assist with navigating these resources.
When utilizing these free methods, requestors should be aware that the information obtained may be limited in scope compared to official records obtained directly from law enforcement agencies.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Grafton County
In New Hampshire, including Grafton County, individuals may petition for the annulment (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by RSA 651:5, which outlines eligibility requirements and procedures.
Distinction Between Annulment and Sealing:
- Annulment: A legal process that effectively erases the record from public view. After annulment, the person may legally state they have never been arrested or convicted of the offense.
- Sealing: Restricts public access to records but maintains them for certain governmental and law enforcement purposes.
Eligibility for Annulment:
Arrest records may be eligible for annulment in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction (cases resulting in dismissal, not guilty verdict, or nolle prosequi)
- The individual was convicted but has completed all sentencing requirements and remained crime-free for the statutory waiting period
- The conviction was for a violation-level offense or certain misdemeanors or felonies after specified waiting periods
Waiting Periods:
- Violations: 1 year after completion of sentence
- Misdemeanors: 3 years after completion of sentence
- Certain felonies: 5-10 years after completion of sentence
- Some serious felonies are ineligible for annulment
Steps to Request Annulment:
-
Obtain and complete the petition form:
- Forms are available from the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website
- The form is titled "Petition for Annulment of Criminal Record"
-
File the petition with the appropriate court:
Grafton County Superior Court
3785 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
Phone: (855) 212-1234
NH Judicial Branch
-
Pay the filing fee:
- Current fee is $125 per petition
- Fee waivers may be available for those who qualify
-
Attend the hearing:
- The court will schedule a hearing on the petition
- The prosecutor and any victims have the right to appear and object
-
If granted:
- The court will issue an order of annulment
- Copies will be sent to all agencies with records of the arrest/conviction
Special Circumstances:
- First-time drug possession offenses may be eligible for annulment under RSA 318-B:28-b
- Juvenile records are automatically sealed when the individual turns 21 under RSA 169-B:35
- Victims of human trafficking may petition for annulment of certain offenses under RSA 651:5, III(e)
Individuals seeking annulment are advised to consult with an attorney, as the process can be complex and outcomes vary based on individual circumstances.
What Happens After Arrest in Grafton County?
Following an arrest in Grafton County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New Hampshire state law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
- Booking Procedure
After physical arrest, the individual is transported to a booking facility, typically the Grafton County Department of Corrections or a local police station. During booking:
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening may be conducted
- The arrestee is placed in a holding cell pending arraignment
- Bail Determination
Under RSA 597, bail may be set by:
- A bail commissioner
- A judge during arraignment
- A judge at a separate bail hearing
Factors considered include:
- Severity of the alleged offense
- Criminal history
- Ties to the community
- Risk of flight
- Danger to the community
- Arraignment
The first court appearance typically occurs within 24-48 hours of arrest for individuals held in custody. During arraignment:
- Charges are formally read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Legal representation is addressed (public defender appointed if necessary)
- Plea is entered (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Bail is reviewed
- Future court dates are scheduled
- Pretrial Phase
This period between arraignment and trial involves:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense)
- Pretrial motions (requests for the court to make legal rulings)
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial conferences
- Bail compliance monitoring
- Diversion Programs
Eligible defendants may be offered alternatives to traditional prosecution:
- Drug Court
- Mental Health Court
- Veterans Track
- Restorative Justice programs
- Trial
If the case proceeds to trial, it may be:
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial (guaranteed for offenses with potential imprisonment)
The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing
If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration at the Grafton County Department of Corrections or state prison
- Probation supervision
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Combination of the above
- Post-Conviction
Following conviction, individuals have rights to:
- Appeal within 30 days to the New Hampshire Supreme Court
- File for sentence modification under certain circumstances
- Petition for annulment after waiting periods expire
Throughout this process, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty and retain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to due process.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Grafton County?
Arrest records in Grafton 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. Additionally, law enforcement records are subject to specific retention schedules developed by the New Hampshire Department of Justice and the Division of Archives and Records Management.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest logs and booking information: Minimum of 7 years
- Arrest reports and supporting documentation: Permanent retention
- Fingerprint cards and photographs: Permanent retention unless annulled
- Investigation reports related to arrests: Permanent retention for felonies; minimum of 7 years for misdemeanors
- Juvenile arrest records: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed pursuant to RSA 169-B:35
- Warrant information: Until executed plus 7 years
Agency-Specific Retention Requirements:
Different agencies within Grafton County may maintain arrest records for varying periods:
-
Grafton County Sheriff's Department: Maintains arrest records permanently in electronic format, with paper records converted to digital after 7 years.
-
Municipal Police Departments: Local departments follow the Municipal Records Retention Schedule, which requires permanent retention of felony arrest records and minimum 7-year retention for misdemeanors.
-
Grafton County Department of Corrections: Maintains booking and incarceration records for a minimum of 10 years after release, with summary information retained permanently.
-
New Hampshire State Police: Maintains criminal history information permanently in the State Police Records Management System.
-
Grafton County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests and prosecutions are maintained permanently, with older records archived after 20 years.
Purpose of Records Retention:
The extended retention of arrest records serves several important functions:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Supports historical research and analysis of criminal justice trends
Records that have been annulled pursuant to RSA 651:5 are sealed from public view but may still be maintained by agencies for limited official purposes. These records are not accessible through standard public records requests.
How to Find Mugshots in Grafton County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Grafton County, these photographs typically include:
- A front-facing (portrait) image
- A profile (side) image
- A placard or digital overlay showing the arrestee's name, booking number, and date
- Sometimes height markers in the background
These photographs serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and are taken pursuant to RSA 106-B:14, which authorizes the collection of identification data.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Grafton County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- The arresting agency - typically the municipal police department or Grafton County Sheriff's Department
- Grafton County Department of Corrections for individuals who are booked into the county jail
- New Hampshire State Police in the central criminal records repository
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Grafton County, individuals may:
-
Submit a Right-to-Know request to the arresting agency under RSA 91-A. The request should:
- Identify the specific individual
- Include approximate date of arrest if known
- Specify that the booking photograph is being requested
- Include requestor contact information
-
Contact the Grafton County Department of Corrections:
Grafton County Department of Corrections
3787 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
Phone: (603) 787-6767
Grafton County Department of Corrections
- Request criminal history information from the New Hampshire State Police, Criminal Records Unit:
NH State Police, Criminal Records Unit
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
Phone: (603) 223-3867
NH Criminal Records Unit
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
Unlike some states, New Hampshire does not maintain a centralized online database of mugshots accessible to the public. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Law enforcement agency press releases about significant arrests
- Local news media coverage of arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from various sources
It is important to note that the presence of a mugshot online does not indicate guilt, as these photographs are taken at the time of arrest, before any determination of guilt.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal records request to the appropriate agency. Requestors should be prepared to:
- Pay reasonable fees for reproduction (typically $5-15 per photograph)
- Provide identification
- Submit the request in writing
- Allow time for processing (typically 5 business days)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (under 18) have protected records under RSA 169-B:35
- Records that have been annulled or sealed by court order
- Cases involving ongoing investigations
- Situations where release would constitute an invasion of privacy that outweighs the public interest
Agencies evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis to determine if exemptions to disclosure apply.