New Hampshire Murder / Manslaughter Attorney

We defend people who are alleged to have caused the death of another. Homicide charges can range from capital and first- and second-degree murder to manslaughter and negligent homicide. New Hampshire homicide cases are often prosecuted by the New Hampshire Attorney General's office and are typically investigated by the State Police Major Crime Unit in conjunction with local law enforcement.

The State can charge those alleged to be responsible for the death of another with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter or negligent homicide, depending on the alleged mental state of the defendant and the particular circumstances of the death. Punishments may include life in prison.

Homicide cases are complex. Mental health, scientific and complicated evidentiary issues are often implicated in such cases. Our criminal defense team includes former prosecutors including former members of the Attorney General's Homicide Unit, as well as lifetime defenders who have dedicated their careers to defending the accused. Our criminal lawyers understand the intersection of science and criminal law and have experience addressing expert issues relating to mental health defenses, DNA, bloodstain pattern analyses, footwear and tool mark analyses, fingerprint comparisons as well as the use of polygraph testing as an investigative tool. They have experience preparing major cases for the courtroom and don't hesitate to prepare a forceful defense during jury trials.

Speak with a New Hampshire criminal attorney immediately if you have been accused of or charged with a homicide offense.

Penalties Murder, Manslaughter & Negligent Homicide

Manslaughter is committed when a person recklessly causes the death of another individual, or kills a person while they are under extreme emotional or mental disturbance caused through provocation. The punishment for manslaughter as found in N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §630:2 is a prison sentence of up to 30 years. A person can also be guilty of negligent homicide (§630:3) by causing the death of another person through negligence. This is a Class B felony punishable by up to seven years in prison, unless it is committed while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; then it is a Class A felony penalized with a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Murder is the most serious homicide offense. This offense can be split into three levels: capital murder, first-degree murder, and second-degree murder. The least of these is second-degree murder, defined in §630:1-b as knowingly causing the death of another, or causing another person's death through recklessness under circumstances that manifest an extreme indifference to human life. This includes the intentional or unintentional killing of a person with a deadly weapon while committing or attempting to commit a Class A felony, or in the immediate flight after committing such a crime. Second-degree murder is punishable by up to a life sentence in prison.

First-degree murder (§630:1-a) occurs when a person purposefully causes the death of another or knowingly causes the death of another while committing rape, robbery or burglary when armed with a deadly weapon (which was used to kill the victim) or while committing arson. It is penalized by life imprisonment with no chance of parole.

The most severe of all murder charges, however, is capital murder (§630:1). Capital murder occurs when a person knowingly causes the death of a law enforcement or judicial officer in the line of duty; before, after, or while committing kidnapping, rape, drug crime or burglary; and more. New Hampshire has recently repealed the death penalty, and a conviction of capital murder will result in a life sentence to prison with no opportunity to gain parole.

Hire a New Hampshire Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for murder or manslaughter, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. can provide the defense you need. Our legal team is one of the largest and most recognized firms in the state and has had tremendous success defending all kinds of criminal charges, from sex crimes to federal offenses. We have successfully defended multiple cases of negligent homicide.

We can help you avoid jail or prison, or have your charges entirely dismissed! Contact our firm today to get started.