Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Nashua

FAQs

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

  Call the Nashua Police Department at (603) 594-3500 for non-emergency matters.

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

  To request a police record in Nashua, call the city’s Records Division at (603) 594-3530, Mondays through Fridays, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• Will refusing the police’s request to search your home or your car make you guilty of a crime in Nashua?

  No. Refusing the police’s request to search your Nashua home or your car does not necessarily mean you are guilty of committing a crime. In fact, it is your constitutional right to deny a search of your home or your vehicle if law enforcement officers do not have a warrant or probable cause. You are strongly advised to exercise this right and not give consent to authorities who intend to find incriminating evidence against you by searching your property.

• What are the consequences of a criminal conviction in Nashua?

  Once a person in Nashua is convicted of a crime, they may face numerous negative long-term consequences in their lifetime. These may include:

  • Exclusion from certain types of jobs and professions
  • Difficulty passing a background check
  • Difficulty finding housing
  • Loss of the right to own a firearm
  • Difficulty obtaining a loan
  • Loss of the right to vote

• Can you remove a DWI from your criminal record in Nashua?

  It is not possible to remove a DWI from your criminal record in Nashua, but you have the option to annul it. If you were convicted of DWI or aggravated DWI, you must wait 10 years from the date of your conviction before filing a petition to annul it. If approved, your DWI conviction won’t be erased, but your record will say that your DWI has been annulled and you must be treated as though you have never been convicted.

• How likely are you to go to jail for a juvenile conviction in Nashua?

  It depends. Most juvenile criminal cases in Nashua are not dealt with through the same system as adult criminal cases, and convicted minors usually serve their sentence through programming, counseling, drug screening, and supervision by a probation and parole officer. It is also common for juvenile courts to join the school system as a party to a case for additional supervision and academic monitoring of juvenile offenders. More serious juvenile cases may result in the offender’s placement in a juvenile detention center.

• What happens if you pay a speeding ticket in Nashua?

  By paying a speeding ticket in Nashua, you essentially plead guilty of the offense. Your incident will then be reported to the registry and will become part of your driving record. Most of the time, a speeding incident will result in points being assessed against your license. If you’re a first-time offender, you won’t really lose your license right away; however, you could be paying higher insurance premiums if you choose to pay the ticket.

• 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.