The criminal defense lawyers of Beaton & Kiers have a decades-long track record of successfully defending clients charged with crimes in New Hampshire. Amy Beaton and Larissa Kiers have a reputation throughout New Hampshire for being thorough, passionate defense attorneys who leave no stone unturned in protecting their clients’ rights and pursuing justice for them.

Amy and Larissa are seasoned litigators and fierce advocates who have over 50 years of combined experience representing criminal defendants in courts across New Hampshire. They have extensive courtroom experience and a strong track record of success for their clients. In their decades of practice, they have developed in-depth knowledge of New Hampshire criminal courts, judges, prosecutors, and players in the legal system. Amy and Larissa have earned the respect not only of the clients they help, but of their colleagues, judges, and even their opponents.

If you have been charged with a crime, your attorney’s experience and reputation matter. Being convicted of a crime can cost you your job, your relationships, and your freedom. The effects of a conviction can haunt you for years, maybe for the rest of your life. Your defense attorney is all that stands between you and a system that is determined to convict you. Contact Beaton & Kiers today to get the defense you deserve.

New Hampshire Criminal Defense Services

Our criminal defense lawyers represent individuals charged with a wide variety of felonies and misdemeanors in New Hampshire, including:

  • Domestic violence
  • Driving offenses
  • DUI/DWI
  • Assault
  • Drug crimes, including marijuana violations
  • Drug possession
  • Sexual assault
  • Failure to register as a sex offender
  • False imprisonment
  • Kidnapping
  • Fraud
  • Theft crimes, including shoplifting
  • Vandalism
  • Negligent homicide
  • Arrest warrants
  • Habitual offender matters
  • Annulments and expungements

We understand how stressful it is to be charged with a crime, and we know the impact it can have on your future. We help you understand what to expect from the legal process and provide you with straightforward advice to help you navigate the system. Our criminal defense lawyers support you throughout your case, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your freedom and your future.

Criminal Defense FAQs

What happens when you are charged with a crime in New Hampshire?

What happens after your arrest depends in part on whether you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. In either case, you will be arraigned soon after your arrest, and given a chance to plead “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest” to the charges.

There are two ways that a felony can be charged. For some felonies, a “probable cause” hearing will be held within a “reasonable time” after the arraignment: 10 days if you are in jail, and 30 days if you have been released. Criminal defendants can decide to waive a probable cause hearing.

At a probable cause, or PC hearing, the state has to show that there is probable cause to believe you committed the offense in order to move forward with their case. Criminal defense lawyers Amy Beaton and Larissa Kiers have handled numerous New Hampshire probable cause hearings. They know when it is to their clients’ advantage to waive a PC hearing or proceed; if they go forward with the hearing, they have an excellent track record countering the state’s assertion that there is probable cause to move forward.

For certain other types of felonies, such as capital offenses and other serious crimes, a grand jury makes the decision whether to move forward with a case; this is called charging by direct indictment. Amy and Larissa have decades of experience representing clients in these serious felony cases as well.

Should I hire a criminal defense attorney?

You should hire criminal defense lawyers as soon as you are arrested, or, if possible, as soon as you think you might be arrested. An experienced local attorney will not only understand the legal process and be able to prepare you, but will help prevent you from accidentally doing or saying something that could harm your defense. An attorney will evaluate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and stand up for your rights. The longer you wait to hire an experienced attorney, the greater the chances that you could inadvertently jeopardize your case.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?

Attorney fees will vary based on the seriousness and complexity of the crime charged. At Beaton & Kiers, we offer flat fees whenever possible so our clients will have clarity about their legal expenses.

The reality is that not having criminal defense lawyers can cost you a lot more than hiring one. A conviction could cost you your freedom, not to mention eligibility for certain jobs, even your ability to travel outside the country.

How to find a good criminal lawyer?

Whenever possible, it’s best to look for a criminal defense lawyer with lots of experience, preferably experience in the court system where you are charged. There’s also a personal component to hiring a criminal defense lawyer; this person is going to be guiding you through a very challenging time. You should hire someone with whom you feel comfortable, who listens to you, and whom you trust to fight for your rights.

Trust the NH Criminal Defense Lawyers at Beaton & Kiers

Criminal defense lawyers Amy Beaton & Larissa Kiers have over 50 years of combined experience focusing exclusively on criminal matters throughout New Hampshire. To learn more about our background, our approach to practice, and how we can help you, contact Beaton & Kiers. We will guide you through the legal process, supporting you and advocating for you every step of the way.