Get free answers to your Criminal Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My husband and I were assaulted at a storage facility in which we rent a container, by a man claiming to be the owner—later identified as the property manager. During the altercation, the manager damaged our phone and assaulted my husband. Although the incident was recorded, the police mentioned... View More

answered on May 27, 2025
You may be able to sue the storage facility for the actions of its employee, as businesses can be held liable for misconduct by their staff. A lawsuit could seek damages for assault, emotional distress, and property damage. A personal injury attorney can assess the strength of your case and guide... View More
When I was arrested in New Hampshire for alleged domestic violence, which was recorded on a body cam on the side of an interstate highway, my girlfriend was questioned at the scene but no statements were taken. Charges were later filed. Is it mandatory by law for the arresting officers to read me... View More

answered on Mar 24, 2025
The "Miranda" warning is issued by law enforcement officers who are about to take an individual into custody (typically at the time of arrest) as a means of assuring that the criminally accused is aware of the rights to an attorney, and to remain silent. Our justice system has this in... View More
My fiancé was pulled over, and her friend had 200 grams of heroin/fentanyl, which my fiancé was unaware of. She agreed to help the police catch the dealer, but the police arrested a runner instead of the dealer. Now, they want to charge my fiancé with possession of 100 grams, even though she had... View More

answered on Mar 9, 2025
Yes. The state can charge anyone with possession if they were around or near the drugs. Constructive possession means having access or control of a substance. If someone is arrested does not mean that they are guilty. A person arrested does not mean that they will be convicted. It is important... View More
I was working as a delivery driver for a major service when I picked up a package as directed and delivered it to the designated drop-off location. Two weeks later, I was arrested on a warrant for felony theft because the package turned out to be stolen. I have been released on bond, with a court... View More

answered on Mar 7, 2025
It seems like you may still have a criminal case. If so you should hire the best defense lawyer in the area where the court is located. I would suggest looking for any attorney who has at least 10 years of experience, is a member of a national (NACDL) and NH specific criminal defense lawyer... View More
I am 18 years old and was pulled over in Amherst, New Hampshire, with under 3/4 oz of weed in my car. This is my first offense, and I was cooperative with the officer, informing him of the location of the weed. I was charged with a misdemeanor. Additionally, I had tobacco products and unopened beer... View More

answered on Feb 17, 2025
You should contact a defense lawyer in or near Amherst. There are potential loss of license and under 20 DMV consequences. I practice in the northern part of NH and do not know the local prosecutors. I would recommend that you select a lawyer by going to the NHACDL or NACDL website to pick a... View More

answered on Sep 22, 2024
It is up to you. Having a criminal record can impact your future and getting a good lawyer can make a difference. I frequently tell a story about being a terrible plumber. If I have a leaky toilet I will spend hours and waste solder but eventually I will get the leak to stop. If I have to redo... View More

answered on Apr 16, 2024
In New Hampshire, willful concealment (also known as shoplifting) is treated as a misdemeanor for a first offense if the value of the merchandise is under $1,000.
The potential penalties for a first-time willful concealment conviction in NH include:
- A fine of up to $1,200... View More
(625.8)
VI. The period of limitations does not run:
(a) During any time when the accused is continuously absent from the state or has no reasonably ascertained place of abode or work within this state; or
(b) During any time when a prosecution is pending against the accused... View More

answered on Apr 1, 2024
The starting point for determining whether the statute of limitations bars prosecution is RSA 625:8. The general rule is that the State has six years to prosecute a felony, one year to prosecute a misdemeanor, and three months to prosecute a violation, RSA 625:8, I (a)-(d), but the statute contains... View More
My grandson was screaming, fighting, a 20-lb strong baby. My son lost his temper and threw the baby on sofa cushions. My daughter-in-law took baby to hospital , citing child abuse, reported him to CPS, claims my son caused a fracture to one of baby’s ribs. Police are following up, My has no prior... View More

answered on Jan 17, 2024
The allegations are very serious. The potential exists for there to be felony charges depending on if there was in fact a serious bodily injury. It is vital that your son not talk to the police or DCYF without speaking to a defense lawyer. The facts may also reveal that it was not a criminal... View More
she has no recollection ,asnd her ex boyfriend allegedly got a call that dcyf is taking kids tomorrow.no one will speak to her.its sunday,happened sat.what can she do?

answered on Dec 12, 2023
Your wife should take immediate steps in response to the complex situation.
If the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) gets involved, she should cooperate fully, answering questions honestly and maintaining politeness.
It's crucial to gather relevant documents,... View More
What are the registration requirements for homeless s** offenders in terms of their legal obligations?

answered on Jun 12, 2025
Homeless sex offenders face significantly stricter registration requirements than those with permanent addresses. Under California's Penal Code 290, homeless sex offenders must check in with authorities at least once every 30 days, compared to annual registration for those with fixed... View More
In New Hampshire, is it illegal to take items such as wheelbarrows, metal bins, clothes, and other random items from a store's open and unlocked dumpster, which is located on the store premises without any "no trespassing" signs? The store is open to the public and there are no signs... View More

answered on Jun 7, 2025
If you’re thinking about taking items from an open, unlocked store dumpster in New Hampshire, it’s understandable to wonder where the law stands on this. There’s no specific state law that outright bans “dumpster diving,” but that doesn’t automatically make it legal in every situation.... View More
I am currently being charged with violating several statutes in New Hampshire, including the control of premises where drugs are kept, transporting drugs in a motor vehicle, possession of controlled drugs, and driving after revocation or suspension due to DUI. The charges arose after I was found... View More

answered on May 15, 2025
The Good Samaritan Law in New Hampshire is designed to protect individuals from being charged with drug possession or other minor offenses if they are seeking medical help after a drug overdose. This law may apply if you were in immediate need of medical assistance, as you were unresponsive in the... View More
I'm facing charges in Londonderry, NH for possession of a controlled substance, DWI (2nd offense), and possession of drugs in a vehicle. I haven't consumed alcohol in over 15 years, and after the recent arrest, I entered treatment and have provided clean drug screens to the court. The... View More

answered on May 15, 2025
The Good Samaritan Law in New Hampshire is designed to protect individuals from prosecution for certain drug-related offenses when they seek medical help for an overdose. However, it’s important to note that this law typically applies to individuals who are seeking assistance for themselves or... View More
What legal consequences could a bartender face for overserving a customer in New Hampshire, where the customer was later involved in an accident without injuries, and the NH Liquor Commissioner is investigating? The customer was served 3 drinks within 1 hour by one bartender and 2 more drinks over... View More

answered on May 22, 2025
Consider reaching out to New Hampshire attorneys familiar with dram shop laws for guidance here. These laws govern liability for establishments serving alcohol to minors or patrons who are already intoxicated. A local attorney could advise on the specifics of your state's laws, and may... View More
I'm facing a class D misdemeanor charge, and before my initial plea, a judge sealed my records. I filed multiple motions, including a motion to dismiss, and highlighted numerous federal and state violations. These include issues under 18 U.S.C. § 242, ADA Title II, and Brady v. Maryland. I... View More

answered on Apr 14, 2025
To address your situation effectively, the first step is to ensure you have legal representation experienced in civil rights, police misconduct, and ADA violations. You may want to reach out to civil rights organizations or attorneys who handle cases involving police harassment and ADA issues.... View More
I am an 18-year-old high school student, and I accidentally broke a toilet lid at school. I have never vandalized my school before, but I am now being charged with criminal mischief. The incident was reported to the school administration and law enforcement. What should I do to address this charge,... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
If you're being charged with criminal mischief for accidentally breaking the toilet lid, it's important to approach the situation carefully. Since this was an accident and you have no history of vandalism, you should explain the circumstances clearly to the school administration and law... View More
I'm an 18-year-old high school student, and I accidentally broke a toilet lid at my school. The school is charging me $135 and has accused me of criminal mischief. What are my rights in this situation, and what steps should I take?

answered on Apr 13, 2025
If you're being charged with criminal mischief for accidentally damaging school property, it's important to understand your rights. You have the right to a fair process and to dispute the charges if you feel they are unjust. Since this incident was accidental, you can explain your side of... View More
Can I get my first-degree assault charge, which involved a deadly weapon, annulled in New Hampshire? I completed my probation in 2023 and there was no prison time or suspended sentences. I do have a criminal history. What are the chances of annulment given these circumstances?

answered on Feb 25, 2025
A first degree assault is not able to be annulled. It is by definition a violent offense.
RSA 651:5
XIII. As used in this section, "violent crime" means:
(b) First degree assault under RSA 631:1;
I want to know if it is mandatory in New Hampshire for a pro se defendant to receive all Brady material before a bench trial. In my case, there has already been a motion denying all Brady material to the defendant. Is the prosecution required to disclose these materials despite this motion?

answered on Feb 22, 2025
Brady materials are required in any criminal case. They are also court ordered in both the superior and district courts.
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