Rockingham County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Rockingham County
Arrest records in Rockingham County are considered public information pursuant to the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law, RSA 91-A. This statute establishes that government records, including those created by law enforcement agencies, shall be available to the public for inspection and copying. The law specifically states that "every citizen has the right to inspect all governmental records in the possession, custody, or control of such public bodies or agencies."
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement and may include details of the alleged offense. These records exist regardless of whether the individual was subsequently convicted of any crime. Conviction records, by contrast, document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense following legal proceedings.
Under New Hampshire RSA 106-B:14, the Division of State Police maintains criminal history record information, which includes arrest data. However, certain exemptions to public disclosure exist, particularly for records that are part of an ongoing investigation or those that would constitute an invasion of privacy if released.
The New Hampshire Department of Safety provides guidance on accessing criminal history information, including arrest records, while balancing public access rights with privacy protections.
What's in Rockingham County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Rockingham County typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and generally 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
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where booking occurred
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Whether bail was posted
- Type of bail (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bail conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case number
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employer information
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with New Hampshire RSA 651:5, which governs the maintenance and annulment of criminal records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Rockingham County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Rockingham County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in place for accessing arrest records:
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Submit a Request to the Arresting Agency
- Identify the law enforcement agency that made the arrest (Rockingham County Sheriff's Office, local police department, or New Hampshire State Police)
- Complete the agency's public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or electronically depending on agency procedures
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Contact the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
99 North Road
Brentwood, NH 03833
(603) 679-2225
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office- Request arrest records in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies
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Request Records from the New Hampshire State Police
New Hampshire State Police, Criminal Records Unit
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 223-3867
NH State Police Criminal Records Unit- Submit a Criminal Record Release Authorization Form
- Include the required fee ($25 for each name search)
- Provide notarized authorization if requesting records for another individual
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Visit the Rockingham County Department of Corrections
Rockingham County Department of Corrections
99 North Road
Brentwood, NH 03833
(603) 679-2244
Rockingham County Department of Corrections- Request inmate booking information and current custody status
- Inquire about visitation eligibility and procedures
- Obtain information about bail and release conditions
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Contact the Rockingham County Attorney's Office
Rockingham County Attorney's Office
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
(603) 642-4249
Rockingham County Attorney's Office- Request information about pending criminal cases
- Inquire about case status and court proceedings
- Obtain information about charges filed following an arrest
When requesting arrest records, requestors should be aware that certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations in accordance with exemptions under the Right-to-Know Law.
How To Find Rockingham County Arrest Records Online
Rockingham County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. The following methods are currently available for conducting online searches:
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Rockingham County Inmate Lookup
- Visit the Rockingham County Department of Corrections website
- Navigate to the inmate search function
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review current custody status and basic arrest information
- Note that this system only provides information on currently incarcerated individuals
-
New Hampshire Judiciary Electronic Court System
- Access the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website
- Utilize the public case lookup feature
- Search by name or case number
- Review case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition
- Note that this system provides court records related to arrests, not the arrest records themselves
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New Hampshire Department of Safety Online Records
- Visit the NH Department of Safety Criminal Records Unit
- Complete the online Criminal Record Release Authorization Form
- Submit payment electronically ($25 per name search)
- Receive results via secure electronic delivery
- Be aware that notarized authorization is required for third-party requests
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Local Police Department Websites
- Check the website of the specific police department that made the arrest
- Many departments in Rockingham County maintain online arrest logs or police blotters
- These typically include recent arrest information for a limited time period
- Example: Salem Police Department
-
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office Online Resources
- Visit the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office website
- Check for publicly available arrest information
- Review warrant lists and most wanted individuals
- Access information about recent significant arrests
When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that comprehensive arrest records may not be available through public-facing websites due to privacy considerations and legal restrictions. For complete records, a formal records request may still be necessary.
How To Search Rockingham County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Rockingham County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for conducting free searches:
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Visit Law Enforcement Agencies in Person
- Go to the police department or sheriff's office during public counter hours
- Request to view public arrest logs or police blotters
- Examine recent arrest information that is publicly posted
- Note that while viewing may be free, copying fees may apply
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Utilize Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse
Rockingham County Superior Court
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
(855) 212-1234
NH Judicial Branch- Use public access computers in the clerk's office
- Search court cases related to arrests
- Review basic case information at no charge
- Be aware that printing documents incurs fees
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Check Local Newspaper Crime Reports
- Review local publications such as the Portsmouth Herald or Eagle Tribune
- Examine police log sections that report recent arrests
- Access online versions of these publications through public library resources
- Understand that reporting is selective and not comprehensive
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Access Public Library Resources
- Visit Rockingham County public libraries
- Use library computers to access online resources
- Request assistance from reference librarians in locating public records
- Utilize library subscriptions to news archives and databases
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Monitor Law Enforcement Social Media
- Follow official social media accounts of Rockingham County law enforcement agencies
- Review posts about significant arrests and public safety incidents
- Note that only select arrests are typically highlighted
- Example: Rockingham County Sheriff's Office Facebook page
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Review Municipal Websites
- Check town and city websites within Rockingham County
- Look for police department sections with public information
- Access arrest logs that may be published as public information
- Be aware that information is typically limited to recent arrests
While these methods provide free access to basic arrest information, they may not yield comprehensive records. For complete criminal history information, the New Hampshire Department of Safety maintains the official repository, which requires payment of statutory fees for formal record checks.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Rockingham County
Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access in Rockingham County must understand the distinction between expungement (complete legal erasure) and annulment (restricting public access). New Hampshire law provides specific procedures for these processes under RSA 651:5, which governs the annulment of criminal records.
Eligibility for Annulment:
Arrest records may be eligible for annulment in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The case was dismissed or resulted in a not guilty finding
- The conviction has reached the statutory waiting period based on offense classification
- The individual has completed all terms of their sentence
- No subsequent arrests or convictions have occurred during the waiting period
Annulment Process:
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Obtain and Complete Petition Forms
- Request annulment petition forms from the court where the case was processed
- Complete all required information accurately
- Include case numbers and dates of arrest/conviction
- Attach supporting documentation as required
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File the Petition with the Court
Rockingham County Superior Court
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
(855) 212-1234
NH Judicial Branch- Submit the completed petition to the clerk of court
- Pay the required filing fee (currently $125 per petition)
- Request a fee waiver if experiencing financial hardship
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Notification to Prosecuting Agency
- The court will forward the petition to the prosecuting agency
- The prosecutor has 10 days to object to the annulment
- If objections are filed, a hearing will be scheduled
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Court Hearing (if required)
- Attend the scheduled hearing
- Present arguments supporting the annulment request
- Respond to any objections from the prosecutor
- Await the judge's decision
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Implementation of Annulment Order
- If granted, the court issues an annulment order
- The order is sent to all agencies with records of the arrest/conviction
- Agencies must comply by restricting public access to the records
- The individual receives a certificate of annulment
It is important to note that under New Hampshire law, annulled records are not physically destroyed but are removed from public access. Law enforcement and judicial agencies retain access to annulled records for specific purposes, including consideration in future criminal proceedings.
For complex cases or individuals with multiple records, consultation with an attorney specializing in criminal record expungement is advisable. The New Hampshire Bar Association provides referral services for qualified attorneys.
What Happens After Arrest in Rockingham County?
Following an arrest in Rockingham County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New Hampshire law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
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Booking Procedure
- The arrestee is transported to a police station or the Rockingham County Department of Corrections
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots) are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
-
Bail Determination
- A bail commissioner reviews the case to set initial bail
- Factors considered include the nature of charges, criminal history, and flight risk
- Bail may be set as cash, surety, or personal recognizance
- Conditions of release may be imposed (e.g., no contact orders, travel restrictions)
- If bail cannot be posted, the individual remains in custody
-
Arraignment
- First court appearance, typically within 24-72 hours of arrest
- Formal charges are presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Plea is entered (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Bail may be reviewed and adjusted
- Public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies
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Pretrial Proceedings
- Discovery process where evidence is exchanged between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions may be filed (e.g., motion to suppress evidence)
- Status conferences to monitor case progress
- Plea negotiations may occur between defense and prosecution
- Pretrial services may monitor compliance with release conditions
-
Trial or Plea Resolution
- Case may be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement
- If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial
- Trials may be bench trials (judge only) or jury trials
- Prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
- Verdict is rendered (guilty or not guilty)
-
Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or community service
- Restitution to victims may be ordered
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Post-Conviction Proceedings
- Right to appeal within 30 days of conviction
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration at Rockingham County Department of Corrections or NH State Prison
- Participation in rehabilitation programs as ordered
- Payment of fines and restitution
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights protected under both New Hampshire and federal law, including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch provides resources to help individuals understand court procedures and their rights within the criminal justice system.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Rockingham County?
Arrest records in Rockingham County are maintained according to retention schedules established by New Hampshire law and administrative rules. The New Hampshire RSA 33-A:3-a establishes the legal framework for records retention, while specific schedules are detailed in the Department of State's Municipal Records Retention Schedule.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention
- Arrest Logs and Police Blotters: Minimum of 7 years
- Investigation Reports: Permanent for felonies; minimum of 7 years for misdemeanors
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention unless annulled by court order
- Mugshot Photographs: Permanent retention unless annulled by court order
- Incident Reports: Minimum of 7 years
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Sealed upon reaching age 21 if no subsequent adult offenses
Different agencies within Rockingham County maintain separate record systems with specific retention requirements:
-
Local Police Departments
- Maintain records of arrests made by their officers
- Follow municipal records retention schedules
- May have department-specific policies for longer retention
-
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
- Maintains records of arrests by deputies
- Follows county records retention policies
- Preserves records of warrant service and civil process
-
New Hampshire State Police
- Maintains the central repository for criminal history information
- Retains records permanently unless annulled
- Provides official criminal record checks for the state
-
Rockingham County Department of Corrections
- Maintains booking and incarceration records
- Preserves inmate files according to corrections retention schedule
- Retains records of pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates
-
Rockingham County Attorney's Office
- Maintains prosecution files related to arrests
- Preserves case files according to prosecutorial standards
- Retains records of case dispositions and court proceedings
The extended retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:
- 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 and transparency in law enforcement actions
- Supports historical research and policy development
Individuals seeking to limit the accessibility of their arrest records should refer to the annulment process outlined in RSA 651:5, as this provides the legal mechanism for restricting public access to qualifying records.
How to Find Mugshots in Rockingham County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographic records taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and serve as visual identification within law enforcement records. In Rockingham County, mugshots are created as part of the standard booking procedure at police departments and the county department of corrections.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Rockingham County are maintained by several law enforcement agencies:
Rockingham County Department of Corrections
99 North Road
Brentwood, NH 03833
(603) 679-2244
Rockingham County Department of Corrections
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
99 North Road
Brentwood, NH 03833
(603) 679-2225
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
Additionally, local police departments within Rockingham County maintain mugshots for individuals they arrest and book. These photographs become part of the official arrest record and are stored in agency databases.
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Rockingham County, individuals may:
- Submit a formal public records request to the arresting agency
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Specify that the booking photograph is being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
- Present valid identification when collecting requested records
Can They Be Found Online
The availability of mugshots online through official Rockingham County sources is limited. Unlike some jurisdictions, Rockingham County law enforcement agencies generally do not publish comprehensive databases of booking photographs on their websites. This practice aligns with New Hampshire's balanced approach to public records access and privacy considerations.
Some limited online resources may include:
- Recent arrest information on law enforcement agency websites
- Booking photos of wanted individuals or those with active warrants
- Information about high-profile cases released to the media
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The official process for obtaining mugshots requires:
- Identifying the agency that created and maintains the record
- Submitting a written request under the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law
- Providing sufficient information to locate the specific record
- Allowing the agency time to respond (typically within 5 business days)
- Paying established fees for record reproduction
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Rockingham County may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- If the record is part of an ongoing investigation
- If the subject is a juvenile
- If the record has been annulled pursuant to RSA 651:5
- If release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
- If the photograph is part of a grand jury proceeding
Law enforcement agencies must balance the public's right to access government records with privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice process when determining whether to release mugshots in response to specific requests.