Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Manchester, NH

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Manchester, New Hampshire?

  The non-emergency number for the Manchester NH Police Department is (603) 668- 8711.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Manchester, New Hampshire?

  Criminal records can be obtained by contacting the NH State Police Criminal Records Department at (603) 223-3867 or visiting the Concord office from Mondays to Fridays, 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Only the person listed on the record may retrieve the record. They must also submit a photo ID and pay a $25 fee.

• Who should you get in touch with if you have been charged with an offense in Manchester?

  Case prosecution is handled by the arresting state trooper, and all other state courts are just secondary. For Manchester, you may call (603) 223-8989 for Troop B of the Department of Safety Prosecution Unit in East Point Drive, Bedford. The primary court is the 9th Circuit-District Division, which also handles cases for Merrimack and Nashua.

• What happens during a pretrial conference or hearing for a criminal case in Manchester?

  Following the filing of criminal charges and the arraignment of a defendant in Manchester, the court will set up a pretrial hearing where defense and prosecution attorneys can meet to exchange information and go over pertinent legal issues. This information includes the types of evidence, how many witnesses there will be, and the motions that will be filed.

• How soon can you post bail in Manchester after being held at the police station or local jail?

  In Manchester, bail hearings are scheduled within 48 hours of an arrest, which is the standard procedure in New Hampshire. This excludes weekends and holidays. The bail amount will be up to the judge's discretion. The hearing also determines if you will be allowed to post bail and be released from jail while awaiting trial.

• What are the penalties for assault and battery charges in Manchester?

  The types of penalties given in Manchester and all of New Hampshire depend on the charges you are facing, which vary based on knowledge and intent of the criminal act. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and one year of jail time. Class A and B felonies may be punishable by a fine of $4,000 and 15 and 7 years in prison, respectively.

• What are the most common crimes committed against persons and properties in Manchester?

  In the latest year-end statistics from the Manchester Police Department, the highest number of offenses committed against persons are simple assault, intimidation, and aggravated assault. For offenses against property, the top-most contributing charge is destruction, damage, or vandalism, followed by theft from motor vehicles and other forms of larceny.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.