Washington, New Hampshire Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Washington, New Hampshire?
Warrants are considered public records in Washington, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that governmental records, including warrants, shall be available for inspection and reproduction by members of the public. The law operates under the principle that the public's right to access governmental proceedings and records is essential to ensure government accountability and transparency.
Under RSA 91-A:4, any person has the right to inspect governmental records during regular business hours on business days. Warrants, as judicial documents, fall within this category unless specifically exempted by statute. The Washington Police Department and Sullivan County Superior Court maintain these records in accordance with state regulations.
Certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed by judicial order, particularly in cases where premature disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger public safety. In such instances, the records become public after the warrant has been executed or when the court determines that the need for confidentiality no longer exists.
Residents seeking warrant information may submit a formal records request to the appropriate governmental agency. Agencies must respond to such requests within five business days, either by providing the requested records or explaining why access is being denied, as stipulated in RSA 91-A:4(IV).
Where Can I Find Warrants Online in Washington?
The State of New Hampshire provides several official channels through which members of the public may access warrant information for Washington and surrounding jurisdictions:
New Hampshire Judicial Branch Website: The state judiciary maintains an online case lookup system where certain warrant information may be accessible. This resource is particularly useful for bench warrants issued for failure to appear in court.
Sullivan County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains records of outstanding warrants within its jurisdiction, including those for Washington. Limited information may be available through their online portal.
Washington Police Department Website: The local police department may publish information about active warrants on their official website, particularly for individuals wanted for serious offenses.
New Hampshire State Police: For warrants issued at the state level, the New Hampshire State Police maintains a database that may include warrants applicable to Washington residents.
Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4(IV), governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of providing copies of public records. Electronic records, when available, must be provided in the format requested if reasonably practicable.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Washington in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine whether a warrant has been issued for their arrest in Washington, New Hampshire may utilize the following official procedures:
Direct Court Inquiry: Contact the Sullivan County Superior Court or Washington District Court directly to inquire about potential warrants. Court personnel can conduct a search of the judicial database using proper identification.
Legal Counsel Consultation: Retain an attorney who can make inquiries on your behalf. Attorneys have access to court systems and can determine if warrants exist while providing legal advice regarding next steps.
Law Enforcement Contact: The Washington Police Department can verify warrant status upon request. Individuals should be aware that appearing in person at a police station with an active warrant may result in immediate arrest.
New Hampshire Judicial Electronic Information System: The state judiciary's electronic system may provide limited information regarding certain types of warrants, particularly those related to court appearances.
For safety and privacy reasons, warrant verification requests typically require proper identification. Third parties seeking information about another individual's warrant status may face restrictions due to privacy considerations under New Hampshire law.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Washington
Sullivan County and the Town of Washington maintain systematic procedures for checking outstanding warrant status:
Sullivan County Superior Court Records: The court maintains a public access terminal where individuals may search for outstanding warrants during regular business hours. The court is located at 14 Main Street, Newport, NH 03773.
Washington Town Clerk's Office: While the Town Clerk does not issue warrants, they may direct inquiries to appropriate judicial or law enforcement agencies. The office is located at 7 Halfmoon Pond Road, Washington, NH 03280.
Sullivan County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff maintains records of all outstanding warrants within the county. Their office is located at 14 Main Street, Newport, NH 03773.
Washington Police Department: The local police department maintains records of active warrants within their jurisdiction. Their office is located at 7 Halfmoon Pond Road, Washington, NH 03280.
Pursuant to RSA 106-B:14, the New Hampshire State Police also maintains a central repository of warrant information that includes warrants issued in Washington. This information is available to law enforcement agencies statewide through the Justice Information System.
Contents of a Washington Warrant Records
Washington, New Hampshire warrant records contain specific information as required by state law and judicial procedure. These documents typically include:
Subject Identification Data: Full legal name of the subject, date of birth, last known address, physical description, and when available, a photograph or fingerprint information.
Case Information: The docket number, issuing court, date of issuance, and the name of the issuing judge or magistrate.
Statutory Authority: Citation of the relevant New Hampshire statute under which the warrant is issued, typically referencing RSA Title LXII (Criminal Code) for criminal matters.
Offense Details: Description of the alleged criminal offense or court violation, including the date, location, and nature of the alleged offense.
Bail Information: When applicable, the predetermined bail amount or notation that the subject must be held for bail hearing.
Service Instructions: Special instructions for law enforcement regarding execution of the warrant, including any cautions about potential dangers or flight risk.
Expiration Information: If applicable, the date upon which the warrant expires or requires judicial review.
In accordance with RSA 595-A, search warrants contain additional specific information regarding the property or premises to be searched and the items sought. These warrants must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.
Search Warrant Records in Washington, New Hampshire
Washington Police Department
7 Halfmoon Pond Road
Washington, NH 03280
(603) 495-3294
Washington Police Department
Sullivan County Superior Court
14 Main Street
Newport, NH 03773
(603) 863-3450
New Hampshire Judicial Branch
Sullivan County Sheriff's Office
14 Main Street
Newport, NH 03773
(603) 863-4200
Sullivan County Sheriff's Office
New Hampshire State Police Troop C
15 Ash Brook Court
Keene, NH 03431
(603) 223-8494
New Hampshire State Police
Search Arrest Records in Washington
