Here’s how you can look up criminal court cases in New Hampshire:
Online Case Access
The New Hampshire Judicial Branch provides an online portal for accessing court records, including criminal cases:
- Visit the NH Courts Case Access Portal (here)
- Register for an account and sign in
- Use the “Smart Search” feature
- Select “Superior Court” under location filters
- Search for criminal cases using available information like names or case numbers
- You don’t need a case number to search, but having more information will help narrow down the results
This portal lets you view case summaries for Superior Court criminal cases filed after January 1, 2005.
In-Person Access
For older records or more detailed information:
- Visit the courthouse where the case was filed/heard
- Speak to the court clerk to request access to criminal court records
- Provide identifying information like names, case numbers, and dates
- You may need to show ID and pay fees for searches/copies
Limitations on Access
- Many criminal records in NH are designated as confidential and not publicly accessible.
- Sealed or restricted records typically require a court order to access
- Records less than two years old are kept at courthouses; older ones may be in archives
- Full case files can be viewed at public court kiosks around the state
Other Resources
- The NH State Police in Concord maintains some criminal records
- Federal criminal cases can be searched via PACER (pacer.uscourts.gov)
- Some third-party websites aggregate public records but may not be fully up-to-date
Contacting the specific court directly is recommended for the most current and complete information. Access policies can change, so check with court staff if you have questions about the availability of particular records.