Violent Crime Attorney in Rockingham County

Immediate Help When A Serious Charge Turns Your Life Upside Down—Call (603) 769-3491

If you or a loved one has been arrested on a violent charge in Rockingham County, you are probably worried about jail, your record, and how this will affect your family. You may have court dates approaching quickly, and police or prosecutors may already be asking questions. In this moment, you need clear guidance from a strong violent crime lawyer on your side.

At Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, we focus on defending people facing serious criminal accusations in New Hampshire courts, including cases filed in this county. Our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined legal experience and have handled thousands of criminal matters, many involving allegations of violence. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7, so you can reach us when an arrest or emergency happens, not just during business hours.

Contact a violent crime attorney in Rockingham County at Beaton & Kiers, PLLC today. Call us at (603) 769-3491 or reach out online to schedule your confidential, free case review.

Understanding Violent Crime Laws in New Hampshire

Violent crimes in New Hampshire are governed by a variety of statutes that categorize offenses based on the intent of the actor and the degree of harm caused. The legal definitions are precise, and even a slight difference in the facts can change a charge from a misdemeanor to a life-altering felony.

• Simple Assault (RSA 631:2-a): This is typically a Class A misdemeanor. It involves purposely or knowingly causing bodily injury to another or unprivileged physical contact.
• Domestic Violence (RSA 631:2-b): Domestic violence offenses generally involve assault or related crimes committed against a family or household member. While the underlying charge is often simple or second-degree assault, a domestic relationship can enhance penalties and may result in mandatory arrest, protective orders, and additional firearm restrictions.
• Second Degree Assault (RSA 631:2): A Class B felony, this involves knowingly or recklessly causing serious bodily injury, or causing injury by means of a deadly weapon.
• First Degree Assault (RSA 631:1): A Class A felony, this is charged when someone purposely causes serious bodily injury to another, or causes injury with a deadly weapon.
• Robbery (RSA 636:1): This occurs when a person, in the course of committing a theft, uses physical force or threatens the immediate use of physical force.
• Homicide and Murder (RSA 630): New Hampshire recognizes several levels of homicide, including Manslaughter, Second Degree Murder, and First Degree Murder.

A Rockingham County violent crimes lawyer from our firm will analyze the specific RSA cited in your case to ensure the prosecution is not overcharging you based on exaggerated claims or a lack of forensic evidence.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Violent Crime Convictions in New Hampshire

The penalties for violent crimes in New Hampshire are severe and intended to be punitive. A conviction stays on your record permanently and affects your life long after any sentence is served.

• Class A Felonies: Punishable by 7.5 to 15 years in the New Hampshire State Prison and significant fines.
• Class B Felonies: Punishable by 3.5 to 7 years in prison.
• Class A Misdemeanors: Can result in up to one year in the Rockingham County House of Corrections and a $2,000 fine.

Even a first-time felony conviction can bring additional consequences, including the risk of long periods of probation, protective orders, and a permanent record that can make work, housing, and schooling much more difficult. Some violent charges can also affect firearm rights or immigration status. In many cases involving domestic allegations, the court may quickly issue orders that limit where you can live or who you can see, sometimes before you have had a chance to tell your side of the story.

If your case is filed in Rockingham County Superior Court or a district court in this county, things often move fast at the start. Arraignments and bail hearings are usually scheduled soon after an arrest, and what happens at those hearings can shape the rest of your case. As violent crime defense lawyers in Rockingham County, we understand how judges and prosecutors typically approach these matters, and we work to put you in a strong position from the beginning.

Why Rockingham County Clients Choose Beaton & Kiers, PLLC

When so much is on the line, you want a team that knows New Hampshire criminal law, and understands how violent cases are handled in this county. At Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined experience and have handled thousands of criminal cases, including many serious felony matters. That experience helps us see patterns, spot weaknesses in the state’s evidence, and anticipate how a case may unfold.

Our proven trial background matters in violent crime defense in Rockingham County cases. Prosecutors often assume these charges will end in a plea. We prepare cases with trial in mind, which means we dig into the facts, examine police reports and witness statements, and consider how a jury or judge might view each piece of evidence. Being ready for trial can also place you in a stronger position when it is time to evaluate plea offers or other options.

We are members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Just as important as our courtroom work is how we treat people. We take a client-focused approach, which means we take time to listen to your concerns, explain your options in plain language, and make sure you understand the potential consequences of every decision.

We also know that cost is a real worry when you are thinking about hiring a violent crime attorney in Rockingham County. Our firm offers free in-person and virtual consultations and flat fees whenever possible, so you can have more financial clarity from the beginning. We are available 24/7 for urgent questions or emergencies, and with Spanish speakers on staff, we are able to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking clients and family members.

What To Do After An Arrest for a Violent Crime in Rockingham County 

One of the most important things you can do is avoid talking about the facts of the case with law enforcement or anyone else without first speaking with a lawyer. Officers and investigators are trained to ask questions in ways that may sound casual but are designed to collect statements that can be used in court. It is your right to remain silent and to ask for an attorney, and exercising those rights cannot be used as evidence of guilt.

Simple steps you and your family can take after an arrest include:

• Contacting our office as soon as possible so we can review what happened and advise you before any more conversations with police
• Gathering names and contact information for any witnesses who may have seen or heard the event, or who know important background details
• Preserving text messages, social media messages, call logs, photos, or other information that may relate to the incident or to your relationship with the alleged victim
• Following all bail conditions and court orders carefully, including no contact provisions, to avoid new charges or complications

If you are in custody, we can speak with your family, help them understand the process in Rockingham County courts, and begin preparing for your next hearing. If you have already been released, we can meet quickly to go over the charging documents, explain what the state must prove, and start planning your defense. Our team works to bring order and direction to a situation that often feels overwhelming.

Talk to Our Violent Crime Lawyers in Rockingham County —Free Consultation

If you or someone you love is facing a violent charge in this county, you do not have to navigate this alone. At Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, we bring decades of focused criminal defense experience, a client-centered approach, and deep local knowledge to every case we handle.

Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a violent crime lawyer in Rockingham County. Call (603) 769-3491 or reach out online—We are available days, nights, and weekends, and we can meet in-person or virtually to fit your needs.