Criminal records in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, are available through several channels. MerrimackCourt.us allows you to find publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office provide access to records—online, in person, or by mail. Federal cases related to the county can also be viewed through the PACER system.
How to Search Criminal Records in Merrimack
Start your search with MerrimackCourt.us—this resource allows you to quickly check public information about criminal cases in the county. For a more in-depth search, use one of the methods below.
Online Search
- New Hampshire State Court Portal — The NH Judicial System (New Hampshire Circuit Court) handles criminal cases at the county level. Case searches are available through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch portal at courts.nh.gov.
- Federal Cases — Federal-level criminal cases filed after January 1, 2005, are stored electronically. Use the U.S. District Court of NH case file access system or PACER for the New Hampshire District Court.
- Inmate Information — Information about individuals held in the county correctional facility is available on the Merrimack County website.
In-Person Visit
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Concord. There are public access terminals available to view case materials. Bring identification with you.
Written Request
A request to check criminal history can be submitted by mail to the Criminal Records Unit of the New Hampshire Department of Safety. You will need:
- The full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Case number (if known)
Search Merrimack Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in New Hampshire is assigned a unique number. A typical format looks like this:
- Court Prefix — indicates the specific division of the Circuit Court (e.g., 217 for Concord District Division).
- Year — two digits of the year the case was filed.
- Case Type — letter code: "CR" for criminal cases.
- Sequential Number — the sequential number of the case within the year.
For example, the number 217-2024-CR-00456 indicates a criminal case filed in 2024 through the Concord District Division. Knowing the exact number will give you access to case materials much faster than searching by name—especially when the last name is common.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Merrimack
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code (RSA) | Reference to the specific section of the Revised Statutes Annotated of NH that was violated |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor (Class A or B), Violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend or reduce charges during the case proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is actively being heard by the court
- Disposed — the court has rendered a decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including sentence execution
Types of Hearings
Arraignment — the first official session where charges are read to the defendant. Subsequent proceedings may include preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences, and then the trial. After a plea or verdict, a sentencing hearing is scheduled. Sometimes the court also schedules review hearings to check compliance with conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Convicted |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict — the prosecutor withdrew charges or the court dismissed the case |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after substantive review |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Merrimack
Certified copies of criminal records are officially authenticated documents accepted by employers, licensing agencies, and courts. There are two main ways to obtain them in Merrimack County.
Through the Court Clerk's Office
Contact the 6th Circuit Court — Concord District Division. You will need to:
- Provide the case number or the full name of the defendant
- Present valid photo identification
- Complete a copy request and pay the applicable fee
Through the NH Department of Safety (Criminal History Check)
A full state-level criminal history check is conducted by the Criminal Records Unit at the NH Department of Safety. Requests can be submitted online or by mail. For fingerprint-based checks, you must appear in person to have fingerprints taken.
Note: Some records may be restricted from public access—particularly juvenile cases and annulled records under RSA 651:5.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Merrimack
Below are estimated fees. Exact amounts should be confirmed directly with the court clerk's office or the Criminal Records Unit, as they may change.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document | $0.50 per page | Standard rate for NH courts |
| Document Certification | $5.00 per document | In addition to the copy cost |
| Criminal History Check (name-based) | $25.00 | Through NH Criminal Records Unit |
| Fingerprint-Based Check | $32.00–$50.00 | Depends on the type of request (state or federal) |
Processing Times
Requests for document copies at the court clerk's office are usually processed within a few business days for in-person requests. Mail requests take 5 to 15 business days. Criminal history checks through the Criminal Records Unit can take 5 to 10 business days for name-based requests; fingerprint checks may take longer—especially if the FBI is involved. Payment is accepted by check or money order payable to "State of New Hampshire."