New Hampshire Misdemeanor Lawyers

Serving Hampton, Manchester, and the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire

Crimes that do not rise to the level of a felony classification are called misdemeanors. Although misdemeanors are generally less serious than felonies, that doesn’t mean that they are not serious. There is no such thing as a minor conviction.

Even a misdemeanor conviction can still lead to serious consequences, including fines and jail time. Beyond the official penalties for a criminal conviction, there are other consequences. You could be denied educational or job opportunities because you have a criminal record. You might lose access to federal student financial aid. You may become ineligible to hold a professional license, and you could be denied housing if a landlord conducts a criminal background check. If you are an immigrant, a conviction could limit your ability to stay in the United States or to become a citizen.

In addition, if you rack up multiple misdemeanor convictions, you could face even more harsh penalties for future offenses. In some cases, repeat offenses could escalate to felony charges. It’s best to have a strong defense against a misdemeanor charge to prevent larger problems down the road.

Attorneys Amy Beaton and Larissa Kiers are criminal defense attorneys with more than 50 years of combined experience in New Hampshire criminal courts. They are respected in the legal community for their legal knowledge and trial experience in misdemeanor cases and other criminal matters. Contact Beaton & Kiers today to speak to misdemeanor lawyers who are committed to helping you.

New Hampshire Misdemeanor Offenses

As with felonies, misdemeanors in New Hampshire are classified either as Class A or Class B, with Class A being the more serious of the two. Class A misdemeanors can carry penalties of up to a year in jail, and fines of up to $2000. Class B misdemeanors can result in up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1200.

In their decades of practice as criminal defense attorneys, Amy Beaton and Larissa Kiers have successfully represented clients in all types of misdemeanors, including:

• Criminal mischief (such as graffiti or vandalism)
• Criminal trespass
• Disorderly conduct
• DUI/DWI (first, second, or third offense)
• Indecent exposure
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Marijuana possession
• Prostitution
• Resisting arrest
• Stalking
• Shoplifting
• Violating a protective order

Depending on the circumstances, experienced misdemeanor lawyers are often able to negotiate a more favorable outcome for someone charged with a misdemeanor in New Hampshire, especially if they are charged with a non-violent offense or have no prior record. For more serious misdemeanors, or repeat offenders, it is even more important to have a skilled attorney to challenge the prosecutor’s case.