Attorneys Who Will Always Put Your Interests First

Concord Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a crime in Concord can drastically alter your life. Not only can you face jail time, fines and probation, but there may also be long-lasting repercussions on your family, career and reputation.

Whether you face a DUI, drug charge, simple assault or homicide, a skilled Concord criminal defense lawyer could help. Let one of our steadfast attorneys help ensure your rights are protected as you navigate the criminal justice system.

What Is The Burden Of Proof In Local Criminal Cases?

In a criminal case, the burden of proof lies with the state. The prosecution must prove each element of the offense “beyond a reasonable doubt,” according to N.H. RSA 625:10. A skilled Concord attorney could work to discredit the prosecution’s claims or leverage the evidence in your favor to defend your rights and innocence during criminal proceedings.

Classification Of Criminal Charges In Concord

Criminal charges in Concord may be categorized as felonies, misdemeanors or violations under N.H. RSA 625:9. Felony and misdemeanor offenses are crimes, but violations are not. A seasoned Concord criminal defense attorney could help an accused individual understand what charges they are facing and their options going forward.

Felony Charges

In Concord, felony charges fall under Class A or Class B. Class A felonies are the most serious, and a conviction can result in seven and a half to 15 years in jail, fines of up to $4,000 and up to five years’ probation. Certain Class A felonies, such as murder, are punishable by the death penalty or life in prison without parole. Class B felonies are less severe than Class A but still result in serious consequences. Conviction of a Class B felony could lead to jail time of three and a half to seven years, fines up to $4,000 and up to five years’ probation.

In addition to jail time and fines, a felony conviction can impact someone’s ability to find work, housing or acceptance into college. A qualified defense attorney who is familiar with the Concord criminal justice system could negotiate for mitigation of charges and build a strong defense to obtain the best possible outcome.

Misdemeanor Charges

While misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, they are criminal offenses that result in penalties. Misdemeanors are classified as Class A and Class B. Class A misdemeanors can result in jail time of up to one year, fines of up to $2,000 and possible probation. Class B misdemeanors can lead to fines up to $1,200 but no jail time.

A misdemeanor charge will show up on your record and could have a negative impact on your future prospects. A skilled Concord criminal defense attorney could help mitigate penalties or even get the charges dismissed altogether, depending on the facts of the case.

Violations

Violations, such as traffic violations, are not considered crimes under state law. Penalties may include fines or license suspension, but will not remain on one’s record.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense

There is no more unsettling time for you than when you have a criminal allegation ahead of you. The uncertainty leads naturally to questions, and we’re proud to be able to give our clients the answers they crave to such questions as:

What should I do if I am arrested or charged with a crime?

There are two things to do that will protect you the most. The first is remaining silent. It’s your strongest right, and it keeps you from creating more problems for yourself down the road. The second thing you can do is contact our firm to get a representative. As your attorneys, we fight for your rights aggressively and do what it takes to make the authorities respect your rights.

What are my rights during a police investigation?

One of the primary duties of a criminal defense attorney is making sure that important constitutional rights you have as a citizen are not violated by the police and prosecutors. These rights include:

The right to remain silent so that you do not incriminate yourself
The right to a speedy and public trial
The right to see, hear and question all witnesses against you
The right to present all evidence and call all witnesses that support your defense
The right to have the court order that all evidence that tends to favor you be produced by the police and prosecutors
The right to have any evidence that has been gathered in violation of your constitutional rights excluded at trial
The right to appeal to a higher court if you are convicted at trial

A key right that too many people misunderstand and take for granted is your right to remain silent when the police are questioning you. Talking to the police when they are questioning you about a potential criminal act rarely, if ever, results in the police not charging you, and more often simply helps them build a case against you. Even if you believe you are in the right, it is much safer to consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney before speaking with the police.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

We covered most of the differences between misdemeanors and felonies earlier on this page. However, the technical difference between a misdemeanor and a felony relies on the potential incarceration time. If the potential for incarceration is less than a year, it is a misdemeanor, and if it is over a year, it is a felony.

How can I remove convictions from my record?

There are processes to remove criminal convictions from your record in New Hampshire, and it is called annulment. Any record expunged or annulled in New Hampshire is sealed from access in public access or even court filings. Effectively, the law would treat you as if you were never arrested at all.

The first step is verifying your eligibility, which is a conversation we can walk you through. New Hampshire annulment eligibility depends on your specific charge, with waiting periods that vary by classes of offense. We can examine your situation and provide clarity on whether you can pursue annulment in a meeting.

Once we know if you are eligible, we can file the paperwork and petition the court

How can a criminal defense lawyer help me?

When we take on a case, we take on the burden of confronting charges from you. We communicate with the police on your behalf. We file motions to protect your rights. We are aggressive with the prosecution and review the case against you with considerable attention to detail.

In short, we create a legal barrier between you and the prosecution and fight for you with everything – and every right – you have.

Call A Concord Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Any criminal charge, misdemeanor or felony, can result in severe consequences for you and your loved ones. To achieve the most positive outcome possible in your case, contact an experienced Concord criminal defense lawyer today at Lehmann Major List, PLLC. A member of our team could evaluate your case, provide all possible defenses and work to protect your future. Call today at 603-859-8588 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.