Aggravated Assault

Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney in Hampton

Trial-Tested Defense for Serious Assault Charges in Hampton, NH

Facing a felony assault charge is one of the most serious situations a person can encounter. At Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, attorneys Amy Beaton and Larissa Kiers bring over 50 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense cases in Hampton and throughout New Hampshire. We’ve handled thousands of cases and carry a track record of favorable trial outcomes earned in courtrooms across the state.

If you or someone you care about is facing a serious assault charge in Hampton, NH, don’t wait to get legal guidance. Call us at (603) 769-3491 to schedule a free consultation, available in person or virtually.

How New Hampshire Classifies Serious Assault Charges

New Hampshire doesn’t have a statute called “aggravated assault.” What most people mean by that term is prosecuted under two felony-level statutes: first-degree assault (RSA 631:1) and second-degree assault (RSA 631:2). Both sit above misdemeanor simple assault (RSA 631:2-a), which is generally a Class A misdemeanor and marks the dividing line between misdemeanor and felony charges. Where your charge lands matters enormously for your defense strategy.

Felony assault charges and their penalties:

First-Degree Assault (RSA 631:1) – Class A Felony: Applies when a person purposely causes serious bodily injury to another, or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury using a deadly weapon. A conviction carries up to 15 years in prison, or up to 20 years if the deadly weapon was a firearm.
Second-Degree Assault (RSA 631:2) – Class B Felony: Applies when a person knowingly or recklessly causes serious bodily injury, or recklessly causes bodily injury by means of a deadly weapon. A conviction carries up to 7 years in prison, or up to 20 years if a firearm was involved.

When the victim and defendant are intimate partners, family members, or household members, a conviction under either statute is recorded as “assault-domestic violence.” Under RSA 631:1 and RSA 631:2, courts must impose an additional $50 fine that cannot be reduced, suspended, or waived.

Where Your Case Will Be Heard

An assault arrest in Hampton typically begins at the 10th Circuit Court, District Division in Hampton, which serves Hampton, Hampton Falls, North Hampton, South Hampton, and Seabrook. Because first-degree and second-degree assault are felony charges, your case will be bound over to Rockingham Superior Court in Brentwood for prosecution. Knowing both courts, their procedures, and the people who work in them matters. We’ve built respected relationships throughout the Rockingham County legal community, and that standing shapes how we approach every case from the start.

Criminal Defense Rooted in the Community

Our memberships in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers keep us current on criminal defense law at every level. But our ties to the community go beyond professional organizations.

Attorney Beaton serves as Vice President of Connor’s Climb Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention education and awareness. Attorney Kiers is a board member of Family Reach, which provides financial support to families facing cancer. These commitments reflect how we approach client representation: with genuine investment in the people we serve.

We also bring extensive experience in New Hampshire’s mental health and drug courts. In felony assault cases where substance use or a mental health crisis played a role, that familiarity can identify pathways that a conventional criminal defense approach might miss.

Speak with Our Defense Attorneys Today

A felony assault charge can affect your freedom, your record, and your future. We offer free in-person and virtual consultations so you can get clear answers before committing to anything. Flat fees are available whenever possible to give you financial clarity from the start. We’re available 24/7 and have Spanish-speaking staff on hand to serve clients from all backgrounds.

Call Beaton & Kiers, PLLC at (603) 769-3491 to speak with an aggravated assault defense attorney in Hampton, NH. We’re here when you need us.

Defense Strategies in Felony Assault Cases

Every serious assault case turns on specific facts, and the right defense depends on those details. Several legal arguments come up frequently in first-degree and second-degree assault charges.

Self-Defense

New Hampshire law recognizes the right to use force when a person reasonably believed it was necessary to protect themselves or someone else from harm. When that belief was reasonable under the circumstances, self-defense can be a viable path forward.

Disputed Mental State

New Hampshire’s assault statutes are built around mental state. First-degree assault requires purposeful conduct; second-degree assault can be charged as knowing or reckless. Challenging what the prosecution can actually prove about the defendant’s intent at the moment of the alleged offense is often central to the defense.

Contested Injury or Weapon Classification

Whether an injury qualifies as “serious bodily injury” under the statute, or whether an object meets the legal definition of a “deadly weapon,” aren’t always straightforward questions. Medical records, forensic evidence, and expert analysis can all bear on these distinctions, and the difference can determine whether a charge is prosecuted as a felony or a misdemeanor.

Child Victim Provisions Under New Hampshire Law

Both first-degree and second-degree assault statutes include elevated provisions when the alleged victim is a child under 13. Under RSA 631:1, knowingly or recklessly causing serious bodily injury to a child under 13 is charged as first-degree assault, a Class A felony. Under RSA 631:2, purposely or knowingly causing bodily injury to a child under 13 is charged as second-degree assault, a Class B felony. These provisions can apply even when the conduct might otherwise fall under a lower charge, making early legal intervention particularly important when a child is alleged to be involved.

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Why Clients Trust Beaton & Kiers

With decades of combined trial experience, a proven record of success, and a reputation for compassionate, responsive service, we combine deep legal knowledge with a client-first approach to guide you through every challenge with confidence and care.

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We have decades of experience in New Hampshire courts, including drug and mental health courts.
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What Our Clients Say

At Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, we handle every case with compassion, honesty, and integrity. Our clients receive personalized counsel built around their specific situation, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Here’s what some of the people we’ve represented have shared about working with us.

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"Expertise of Law Was Apparent"
From the first phone call, I was put at ease. Choosing Beaton & Kiers to help in a moment of need is a great choice that I recommend.

- G.M.
"Fantastic Legal Advocate"
Could not recommend Amy more highly to anyone in need of representation.

- B.V.
"Professional and Compassionate"
She is a true advocate and did all within her power and ability to assist in the resolution of my legal issue. I would not hesitate to reach out to Amy and Beaton & Kiers, PLLC in the future.

- D.L.
"Compassionate Representation"
I would wholeheartedly recommend Ms Kiers, she is an outstanding lawyer with a stellar reputation.

- E.B.
"Genuinely Cares For Clients"
I would recommend Amy Beaton to anyone who needs representation --- she fights for her clients’ best interests and truly cares for us all.

- R.W.
"Strong Advocate"
Larissa was fantastic and made my wife and I feel much more comfortable than we were before hiring her.

- E.A.
"Outstanding Work"
I highly recommend using her as your attorney. We will certainly be reaching out to Larissa, if we have any more legal needs in the future.

- A.J.
"Top Notch Service."
By far the most compassionate lawyer I’ve ever had. When you think of a good lawyer Amy Beaton is one of those. I wish I would have found her a lot sooner.

- R.A.

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Attorneys Amy Beaton and Larissa Kiers are respected not only for their legal knowledge and advocacy skills, but for their integrity and compassion as they guide clients through challenging legal matters.

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