Criminal records in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, can be accessed through several channels. CheshireCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the New Hampshire state court system, the Cheshire County Sheriff's Office, the Cheshire County Department of Corrections, and the clerk's office at the Cheshire County Superior Court. Records may also be obtained through law enforcement agencies and by written request to the state criminal history repository.
How to Search Criminal Records in Cheshire
Several methods are available to search for criminal records in Cheshire County. The approach you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official or unofficial copies.
Online Search Options
- CheshireCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases in Cheshire County.
- New Hampshire Judicial Branch Court Case Search — The state court system offers an online case lookup tool at courts.nh.gov where you can search by name or case number for cases filed in the Cheshire County Superior Court or the 8th Circuit Court–Keene District Division.
- Sheriff's Office Dispatch Logs — The Cheshire County Sheriff's Office dispatch logs provide daily incident information. The City of Keene also publishes a police logs archive.
- Federal Cases — For federal criminal cases originating in Cheshire County, use PACER for the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire. Criminal case files from January 2005 onward are available electronically through the court's electronic access system.
- NH Criminal Records Check — The New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit processes statewide criminal history checks. Requests can be submitted online through the state's criminal record check portal or by mail.
In Person
- Visit the Cheshire County Superior Court clerk's office in Keene. Public access terminals may be available for looking up case information.
- Ask the clerk for assistance locating specific case files or docket information.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Clerk of the Cheshire County Superior Court specifying the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- For a statewide criminal history record, submit a request to the New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit, which serves as the state repository.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required)
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date range of the case
Search Cheshire Criminal Cases by Case Number
New Hampshire court case numbers follow a structured format that identifies the court, case type, year, and sequence. A typical criminal case number in Cheshire County Superior Court looks like this:
- Court code — A numeric or alphanumeric prefix identifying the court location (e.g., "215" for Cheshire County Superior Court)
- Year — The two- or four-digit year the case was filed
- Case type indicator — A letter code indicating the type of case (e.g., "CR" for criminal)
- Sequence number — A sequential number assigned to the case within that year
For example, a case number like 215-2024-CR-00123 would indicate a criminal case filed in Cheshire County Superior Court in 2024. When searching by case number through the state court system, enter the full number exactly as it appears on court documents. If you only have a partial number, a name-based search may help you locate the correct case.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Cheshire
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The New Hampshire RSA section the defendant is charged under (e.g., RSA 631:1 for first-degree assault) |
| Severity | Felony (Class A or Class B), misdemeanor (Class A or Class B), violation, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be amended by the prosecution during the case — the docket will show both original and amended charges |
Case Status
- Pending — Case is open and awaiting resolution
- Active — Case has ongoing proceedings or scheduled hearings
- Disposed — Case has reached a final resolution (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.)
- Closed — All matters including sentencing and post-disposition activity are complete
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Initial court appearance where charges are read and a plea is entered
- Preliminary Hearing — Review of probable cause (typically in felony cases)
- Pre-Trial Conference — Meeting between parties to discuss case status, plea negotiations, or trial preparation
- Trial — Bench or jury trial on the merits
- Sentencing — Court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing — Follow-up hearing to monitor compliance with conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant convicted by plea or trial
- Not Guilty — Defendant acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the court or prosecution
- Nolle Prosequi — Prosecution declines to pursue the case further
- Nol Prossed — Similar to nolle prosequi; the state elects not to prosecute
- Continued for Dismissal — Case held open with conditions; dismissed if conditions are met
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Cheshire
Cheshire County Superior Court — Clerk's Office
Certified copies of criminal case records filed in Cheshire County Superior Court can be requested from the clerk's office. You can submit requests in person or by mail.
When requesting certified records:
- Provide the defendant's full name and case number
- Specify which documents you need certified (e.g., disposition, judgment, docket sheet)
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID if requesting in person
- Include payment for applicable copy and certification fees
Statewide Criminal History Record
For a complete New Hampshire criminal history report, submit a request to:
Requests require a completed Criminal Record Release Authorization Form, a full set of fingerprints (for fingerprint-based checks), and the applicable fee. Name-based checks are also available.
Inmate and Custody Records
For information about individuals currently held at the Cheshire County Department of Corrections, consult the inmate FAQ page or contact the facility directly.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Cheshire
Fees for criminal record copies and certifications in New Hampshire are set by statute (RSA 499:18 and related provisions) and court administrative rules. The following are standard fees:
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court record (per page) | $0.50 | Uncertified copies from the clerk's office |
| Certification fee | $5.00 | Per document certified by the clerk |
| NH State Police — name-based criminal record check | $25.00 | Submitted to the Criminal Records Unit |
| NH State Police — fingerprint-based criminal record check | $25.00+ | Additional FBI check fee may apply |
| PACER federal case search | $0.10 per page | Capped at $3.00 per document; free if charges are under $30 per quarter |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often fulfilled same day or within a few business days at the clerk's office
- Mail requests — Typically 1–2 weeks, depending on volume
- State Police criminal record checks — Name-based checks usually take 2–4 weeks; fingerprint-based checks may take longer
Payment methods accepted at the Cheshire County Superior Court clerk's office generally include cash, check, or money order. Confirm accepted payment methods before visiting or mailing a request.