New Hampshire Public Records

New Hampshire is one of the original 13 colonies located in the New England region of the U.S. and was admitted to the union on June 21st 1788, making it the 9th to gain statehood. Named the Granite state due to its early economy of natural resources, tourism such as skiers from southern states make up today's leading revenues. With a population of 1,316,470 it is the 41st most populous state and and 46th largest in territory with over 9,300 square miles.

The state of New Hampshire has 3 branches of governments that comprise of the executive, legislative and the judicial branch. The executive branch is headed by the governor, a 5 member executive council and the state's agencies. Directors of agencies are appointed by the governor and council members. The legislative branch is made of 2 chambers that include the house of representatives with 400 members and the senate with 24 members making it the second largest legislature in the U.S after the U.S. congress. Another name used to describe the legislature is the general court of New Hampshire. The judicial branch is the state's court system. Courts in New Hampshire serve in 4 levels, the state's supreme court being the highest and hearing appeals from lower courts, the county level superior courts with general jurisdiction over trials, district courts with presiding over smaller cases and small claims courts.

There are 10 counties and 234 towns and cities in New Hampshire. The provincial act of April 29, 1769 initially divided areas into 5 counties. Counties play a vital role as an extension of the state government. Counties elect a sheriff, operate prisons and other citizen services governed by county commissioners. However, local cities and towns perform most governments functions to its residents. Cities and towns include police departments, tax collectors, commissions, committees and departments with town clerks and managers.

Searching for records to conduct New Hampshire background checks requires retrieving many public records. Criminal records are a large part of most background searches. The New Hampshire state police Criminal Records Unit is the   central criminal history repository where record checks can be obtained. Many   individuals would like to search and view what future possible employers can see. Look into convictions, felonies and misdemeanors occurring in New Hampshire. Conduct instant searches of outstanding warrants, registered offenders, most wanted and inmates incarcerated online from the same site. Access the New Hampshire judicial branch and look into how to obtain court records. Where to order filings of divorces and other lawsuits, criminal trial details, transcripts and view current dockets of upcoming trials. Bankruptcy cases can be accessed with the PACER system where you can see lists of assets and liabilities and other file details.

New Hampshire supreme court has no mandatory jurisdiction except for capital murder where the death penalty is imposed. The state's highest court has discretionary jurisdiction in civil, noncapital criminal, administrative agency, juvenile, disciplinary, advisory opinions for the state executive and legislature, original proceeding and interlocutory decision cases.

State's superior court has jurisdiction over tort, contract, real property rights ($1,500/no maximum), and miscellaneous civil jurisdiction, exclusive jurisdiction over marriage dissolution, paternity, support/custody jurisdiction. Superior court criminal divisions have exclusive felony and criminal appeals jurisdiction.

District court has jurisdiction over tort, contract, real property rights ($0/$25,000), small claims ($5,000) miscellaneous civil matters,  misdemeanors, traffic and domestic violence cases, preliminary hearings and has exclusive juvenile jurisdiction. The New Hampshire district court has jurisdiction over

Probate courts have jurisdiction over guardianships, trusts, wills, estates, involuntary commitments, and some equity matters, adoption and termination of parental rights.