New Hampshire Criminal Records

When someone is arrested or detained by law enforcement in New Hampshire, a criminal record is created. New Hampshire's criminal records are an assortment of documents and information about a person's dealings with the state's legal system and law enforcement.

The state’s central repository for criminal records (both conviction and non-conviction data) received from local courts, law enforcement organizations, and correctional facilities is the New Hampshire State Police's Criminal Records Unit (CRU). The Unit maintains and operates the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which collects and processes fingerprint data from criminals and applicants for the FBI criminal record database.

New Hampshire criminal records ensure justice system transparency, public safety, and legal decision-making.

Are Criminal Records Public in New Hampshire?

Yes. According to New Hampshire State Statutes and federal legislation such as the Freedom of Information Act 5 U.S.C. § 552, criminal records are considered public information. Hence, these records are deemed disclosable to the public.

However, under Title VII, Section 106-B of the New Hampshire Statutes, there are specific guidelines for disseminating criminal record information. Among these guidelines is the requirement that Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) held in the Central Repository be shared for either criminal justice or non-criminal justice purposes. In criminal justice, both conviction and non-conviction data are provided, and the focus is usually on law enforcement and judicial duties. Only conviction CHRI is supplied for non-criminal justice needs, such as employment, housing, licensing, etc.

Only members of law enforcement officers are eligible to access confidential criminal history information, including non-conviction data. A New Hampshire CHRI, or both an FBI and a New Hampshire CHRI, are statutorily necessary in a few specific situations. Examples include the following: employment, healthcare, and professional licensure.

New Hampshire Crime Records by County

In New Hampshire, crime data and records are typically collated by local law enforcement agencies and the State Police.

The only options for accessing a comprehensive criminal history record are mail or in-person queries to the State Police's Criminal Records Unit, the central state repository. Usually, all county courts and law enforcement agencies are required to provide data to this central database. For example, the superior courts of Rockingham and Hillsborough (North and South) can be reached online using their contact details.

Populous counties like Hillsborough and Rockingham may report higher crime rates due to greater urbanization and population density. Economic conditions, education levels, and law enforcement resources can also contribute to variations in crime rates among the state's counties. Rural counties like Coos may experience lower crime rates, reflecting different socio-economic dynamics.

New Hampshire Criminal Record Check

Inquirers may perform a New Hampshire criminal record check via one of the following options:

• Apply in person at the public counter located at 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, Room 106A. Walk-in service is available.
• Utilize the custodian's mail request options (notarization is not required).
• Request the release of records to a third party (notarization is not necessary).
• Request a private, confidential "full" record. A notary public or justice of the peace's signature, date, and seal are needed when applying by mail for this category. On the other hand, in-person applications must include a current ID photo.
• The applicant must get the Criminal Record Release Authorization Form.
• Credit cards are only accepted at the public counter; requests sent in by mail will not be accepted. Payment options for cash, checks, money orders, Mastercard, Visas, or Discover must total precisely $25.00 and be made payable to the State of New Hampshire.

Volunteers working for a public or private not-for-profit organization may be eligible for a reduced charge of $10.00 per CHRI request under New Hampshire Administrative Rule Saf-C 5703.07 (c), given that the organization satisfies all outlined requirements. Requestors are required to fill out a form if qualified.

Applicants can also visit or mail the county courthouse in the relevant judicial district to seek background checks at the county level.

Find Criminal Records Online in New Hampshire

New Hampshire criminal records are not easily accessible online. Interested persons may apply for the records via mail or make in-person requests to the record custodians. However, applicants can find the required application forms on the official website of the State Police.

Free Criminal Record Search in New Hampshire

Some aggregate third-party websites can provide some New Hampshire criminal record information for free. However, applicants will likely be required to make a payment if they request extensive information.

What Does it Mean if You Have a Criminal Record in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, having a criminal record can severely impact the record holder's ability to get work, find housing, and maintain social connections. They may also face difficulty obtaining professional licenses or jobs that involve the care of vulnerable individuals. In addition, there are fewer housing options available since housing providers frequently run background checks.

To safeguard residents' rights to privacy, the New Hampshire Statutes provide stringent regulations on record access.

Regardless of the alternatives for expungement, the long-term effects of bearing a criminal record emphasize how crucial rehabilitation and social support are for people with criminal histories.

Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years in New Hampshire?

No, a person's criminal record remains unaltered in New Hampshire even after 7 years. Criminal records can be sealed or expunged when the record subject qualifies under State Statutes RSA 651:5 and applies to the relevant court.

Generally speaking, the 7-year rule is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), whose goal is to support "accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information" in consumer reporting agencies (CRAs). Many rights are included in the Act for employees, such as the ability to access their credit score, see what's in their consumer report, and challenge any incomplete or erroneous information. It stipulates that consumer reporting companies are only allowed to disclose negative information about an individual's criminal history that was reported during the last 7 years.

Arrest Record Vs. Criminal Record

In New Hampshire, an arrest record describes the circumstances surrounding an individual's apprehension by law enforcement. It doesn't always imply conviction or guilt. On the other hand, a person's arrests, charges, and convictions are all included in their criminal record. Although "Arrest record" and "Criminal record" are sometimes used synonymously, they have distinct meanings.

New Hampshire arrest records by themselves may not have a significant effect on someone. However, a criminal record can have a long-term impact on social standing, housing, and work.

New Hampshire Police Records

In New Hampshire, police records cover a variety of actions related to law enforcement, such as incident and accident reports, arrests, investigations, and detentions. These records give a thorough understanding of police operations by outlining the conditions surrounding interactions with the law.

Police records have a broader scope and provide insight into law enforcement operations outside of an individual's personal past. In contrast, standard criminal records concentrate on an individual's history of arrests and convictions. Under the state's Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A), police records in New Hampshire are typically available to the public, fostering accountability and transparency in law enforcement while honoring legal constraints and privacy concerns.