Merrimack County Arrest Records

In Merrimack County, an arrest is made when an officer of the law has justifiable reasons, legally referred to as "probable cause," to suspect that an individual has committed a criminal offense. Typically, probable cause is established when the law enforcement officer witnesses the crime, if the officer has reliable evidence that connects the individual to the crime, or if a trustworthy witness has provided information. Arrests are made when a Judge or Magistrate issues a warrant for the arrest of an individual.

When an arrest is made in Merrimack County, arrested individuals are taken through a "Booking" process in their jail or holding cell, typically retrieving personal information and possessions and capturing mugshots and fingerprints. The information recorded during this process makes up the Merrimack County arrest records produced by the law enforcement agency. Depending on the severity of the charges, they may then be released on bail or transferred to a larger detention facility to await trial.

Arrest records often serve as valuable evidence and points of reference in criminal court cases, making them an important part of the judicial process and featured within some Merrimack County court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Merrimack County?

Yes, arrest records are public in Merrimack County. This is per the NH RSA 91-A, commonly referred to as the Right-to-Know Law. The law authorizes public access to information and records created, obtained, and maintained by all public bodies and agencies. As a result, members of the public are legally permitted to request access to arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Merrimack County. Nonetheless, certain arrest records and information are deemed confidential by law and are exempt from public access except by explicit court order. This is done to ensure that the right to privacy or safety of the subject of the arrest record is protected or, in some instances, to prevent the obstruction of justice. These exemptions include:

• Pardon boards and parole records
• Financial, welfare, medical, and other personal information that may violate the privacy of the subject of the record
• Arrest-related preliminary drafts and notes that have not been finalized and made public by the law-enforcement agency
• Video and audio recordings from body cameras worn by a law enforcement officer, except in cases where:
  • There was use of force or restraint
  • A firearm was discharged
  • The arrest made was for an offense considered a felony

Portions of the recordings that may put the arrestee's privacy at risk are still exempt.

• Records that are protected by attorney-client privilege

It is important to note, however, that while the general public may be restricted from accessing the above arrest records and information, specific individuals may still have access to them. These usually include the subject of the records, their attorney, and some government departments for official or legal purposes.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

In Merrimack County, the following public information can be found in an arrest record:

• Personal and visibly identifying information about the individual, such as their name, date of birth, gender, height, weight, tattoos, marks, hair, and eye color
• Details of the arrest, which include the date, time and location
• The law enforcement agency and officer responsible for the arrest
• The specific charges the individual is facing, and their classification i.e., misdemeanor or felony
• Information collected during the Booking process, such as their mugshot and fingerprints
• The bail amount, if applicable

Merrimack County Crime Rate

The most recent crime statistics provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting Program for Merrimack County were published in 2022. According to their report, the total number of criminal offenses committed in the County that year was 90. The most prevalent crimes that occurred that were reported by the Merrimack County State Police and Sheriff's office were simple assault (17), drug violations (13), possession of pornography and obscene material (15), and vandalism (7).

Merrimack County Arrest Statistics

The FBI also provides data on the arrests that occur within Merrimack County, alongside the data on the crime rate. According to their most recent publication in 2022, a total of 501 arrests were made by the Merrimack County State Police and Sheriff's Office. With the exception of arrests categorized under "all other offenses except traffic" (434 arrests), the crimes with the highest number of arrests were driving under the influence (32 arrests), offenses against family and children (12 arrests), simple assault (7 arrests) and drug abuse violations (6 arrests).

Find Merrimack County Arrest Records

Individuals looking to find Merrimack County arrest records can utilize the State—and federal-operated platforms. To find Merrimack arrest records at the state level, requesters can use the Criminal Offenders search tool provided on the New Hampshire State Police website. On this platform, the arrest records of criminal offenders in Merrimack County can be accessed by entering the subject's first and last name.

For arrests made in Merrimack County by federal-level agencies, there are several platforms that can be utilized to access the required arrest records. They include:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The FBI provides a database, the Federal Inmate Locator, which can be used to access information on federal arrests. Interested persons can use this tool to search for individuals arrested in Merrimack County who are currently held in their holding facility and awaiting trial by the court. The holding facility can then be contacted to retrieve further information.

• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

For arrests made concerning immigration-related offenses, the Online Detainee Locator System provided by ICE can be searched using the subject's personal information—their first and last names and country of birth. Interested individuals can also conduct a search using the detainee's A-number, if available.

Free Arrest Record Search in Merrimack County

Various resources provide free access to Merrimack County arrest records. Requesters typically can access arrest records at the local police departments. While some may charge fees for processing requests and reproducing the records, some may provide viewing access to them in person at no cost. Requesters should note that police departments will only release adult arrest records, as juvenile arrest information is not considered public information.

Merrimack County arrest records can also be retrieved at no cost from the databases of third-party public records websites. These databases are operated by private organizations that aggregate data from various government sources, including the different law enforcement agencies located in Merrimack County. These databases are often free to use in most cases, and searches can be conducted simply using the first and last names of the subjects of the records. However, a fee may be required to access more comprehensive arrest records.

Get Merrimack County Criminal Records

Criminal records are legal documents that provide information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. They include personal details of the individual, as well as the crimes they have been charged with, prosecuted for, and acquitted of.

Interested parties can access Merrimack County criminal records through the various options available at the county, state, and federal levels. At the county level, requesters can contact the local Sheriff's office to request information on retrieving county criminal records. While their website does not provide a self-search option through a portal or database, the Sheriff can be reached by phone at (603) 796-6600.ext 6620, and requesters may be able to receive guidance on how the criminal records may be accessed. Alternatively, inquirers may make in-person requests at the office:

333 Daniel Webster Highway STE 1
Boscawen NH 03303

At the state level, the New Hampshire State Police provides online, mail, and walk-in options to access criminal history information. For online access, they can be retrieved via the New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Portal. Requesters who would prefer to make their request physically may do so by filling out the Criminal History Records Release Authorization form and submitting it at the office at 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, Room 106A. To make a request by mail, the form should be completed and be addressed to:

Department of Safety
Division of State Police
Criminal Record Repository
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305

This service costs a flat fee of $25. However, the New Hampshire Administrative Rule Saf-C 5703.07 permits a reduction in the fee to $10 for requesting non-profit organizations and their volunteers and requesters who will be working with children, the elderly, and the disabled. On the other hand, all representatives of any law enforcement agency, the Department of Defence, the Internal Revenue Service, and the attorney of the subject of the record may be exempt from paying any fees if they are requesting the records for investigative purposes. Criminal history information maintained in the Central Repository of the New Hampshire State Police cannot be disseminated to anyone beyond these categories of people except if they have been permitted access by the subject of the record.

Criminal history records, also referred to as a "rap sheet," can also be retrieved from the FBI for $18. These can only be accessed by the subject of the record.

Merrimack County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

"Arrest record" and "criminal record" are terms used to describe a person's criminal history record and are often substituted for each other. Although both terms have similarities, they differ in meaning.

An arrest record is a formal document that provides information about an individual who has been arrested and the situation that led to the arrest. It specifically includes descriptive information about the offender, the name of the agency and officer in charge of the arrest, the events that brought about the arrest, and the outcome of the arrest, which may be the charges made, detainment, or release on bail.

On the other hand, a criminal record is a document that comprehensively details an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. It provides information about the crimes committed and the convictions, charges, or sentences that followed. The record includes input from several agencies and offices within the criminal justice system, from law enforcement agencies to the courts of law and correctional institutions.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In New Hampshire, arrest records remain on your record for life. There is no definite timeline for their removal from your criminal history, except you file for an annulment (expungement), which permanently removes them, making it as though the arrest never happened.

Expunge Merrimack County Arrest Records

Individuals who have previously been arrested can permanently get the arrests expunged (annulled) from the state and FBI criminal history records. Eligibility for an annulment, however, depends on factors including the nature of the crime committed and the completion of any court-ordered mandates or requirements. The following crimes are eligible for expungement:

• Class A and B Misdemeanors
• Class A and B Felonies
• Violations

Arrests where no charges were made and charges that the court dismissed are also eligible for expungement. All arrests for the crimes listed have their own requirements and waiting periods that must be completed before an expungement can be petitioned for. For instance, arrests for Class A or B misdemeanors can generally apply for an expungement 2 years after all requirements have been met. These requirements often include probation or parole, court fees or fines, and programs such as community service and rehabilitation.

Several steps must be taken before an expungement can occur. The first step is to file for an official petition to annul. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch provides petition forms and petitioners are required to locate and complete the appropriate one, then submit it to the court jurisdiction where the case was handled. Requesters are advised to retrieve their criminal records, case summaries, and FBI records prior, as they possess information that will be required on the petition form.

The court charges a fee of $125, which is paid alongside the submission of the petition to annul. The Department may require an additional fee of $100 for corrections, should an investigation of the arrest record be deemed necessary. Suppose the court approves the petition; in that case, a notification is sent to the New Hampshire State Police criminal records unit mandating them to remove the arrest from their records within 1-2 working days. For arrests that resulted in a guilty charge, the annulment is made after the fee of $100 has been made to the Department of Safety. Removal from the FBI records may take between 2 to 4 weeks.

For more information or to clarify any requisitions regarding annulments and the process, interested individuals can contact the Court Call Center at (855) 212-1234, or the New Hampshire State Police criminal records annulment office at (603) 223-3867 and select prompt #3.

Merrimack County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a written order issued by a court magistrate or judge that authorizes a law enforcement agent or officer to arrest an individual suspected of a crime. In Merrimack County, an arrest warrant is issued when there is probable cause to believe that an individual has committed a criminal offense.

In Merrimack County, arrest warrants are issued when a law enforcement or peace officer has reason to believe that an individual has committed a felony, misdemeanor, or violation. They are also issued in cases where an individual suspected of a misdemeanor or violation has been given a written summons—a formal notice to appear in court—but does not show up as ordered.

According to §594:7 of the New Hampshire Statutes, as soon as the arrest warrant has been issued to the law enforcement officer, they have the express right and permission to arrest at any time or place. Also, the arresting officer is not required to have the warrant in their possession when making the arrest. However, if the suspect requests it, they are expected to provide it as soon as realistically possible.

An arrest warrant in Merrimack County typically includes the following information:

• The first and last names of the offender, including any aliases
• Physical descriptions, including their race, sex, scars, and tattoos, if known
• Their last reported address
• The offense committed by the individual
• The agency in charge of the execution of the warrant
• The issuing authority and the date of issue

Merrimack County Arrest Warrant Search

To find active warrants in Merrimack County, interested individuals can contact the local Sheriff's office. The Sheriff's office has a dedicated warrants division responsible for managing and executing arrest warrants issued within the County. This division can be reached by phone at (603) 796-6644 or by email at warrants@merrimacksheriff.net.

The local police departments can also provide information on the active warrants in the County. Alternatively, individuals can contact the New Hampshire Judicial Branch, as they can provide information on warrants they have issued.

Do Merrimack County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants in Merrimack do not expire. Once issued, they are valid until the subject is arrested by law enforcement, turns themselves in, or the court withdraws the warrant.