If you have been accused of a crime, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. is here to fight for your legal rights. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a New Hampshire Criminal Defense lawyer. Initial consultations are completely free and confidential.
Domestic Violence Attorneys in New Hampshire
Relentless Representation for Those Facing Criminal Charges
Domestic violence charges are serious in New Hampshire, and if convicted, your rights and your future will likely be jeopardized. For any criminal case, the prosecutors and judge may be too harsh in dealing out a penalty as they may use your trial to take a moral stance without thinking about how this could affect your life for years to come, from job opportunities to family life, and everything in between. Therefore, if you have been charged with domestic violence, it is vital that you act quickly and retain the legal help you need.
At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., we truly believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to defend themselves from a criminal conviction. For the past 40 years, we have helped clients mount a strong defense and have resolved their cases in their favor, getting charges reduced or dropped entirely. You have a right to representation so why settle for less? Hire renowned legal representatives who can give you a strong fighting chance in court.
Contact our New Hampshire firm online today to schedule a free consultation with a domestic violence attorney.
New Hampshire Domestic Violence Laws
Per New Hampshire Rev. Stat. § 173-B:1, domestic violence is defined as any of the following acts committed against a current or former sexual or intimate partner, family member, or housemate, roommate, or other household member:
- Assault
- Sexual assault
- Reckless conduct
- Criminal threats
- Interference with freedom
- Harassment
- Property destruction
- Unauthorized entry
According to N.H. Rev. Stat. § 173-B:10, a police officer can arrest a person even after the alleged violence is over and the one accused of domestic violence does not seem to pose an imminent danger to anyone. What’s more, police officers do not need a warrant to make an arrest for domestic violence as they would for other crimes.
How Serious Is a Protective Order?
Often, a domestic violence charge is paired with a protective order, which is simply a judge-ordered restraining order brought against you by the person alleging domestic violence, also known as the plaintiff. In cases in which the threat is seen as immediate, a temporary protective order may be implemented against you without any prior notice.
All protective orders are to be taken seriously, as they may bar you from:
- Entering the plaintiff’s residence and surrounding area
- Entering the plaintiff’s workplace or school
- Retaining the plaintiff’s property as detailed in the order itself
- Contacting the plaintiff
- Keeping any firearms or other potentially deadly weapons
- Exercising your child visitation rights, if applicable
If any part of a protective order is violated, police officers can and will arrest you. Again, they do not need an arrest warrant as long as the arrest is carried out within 12 hours of the violation. You may then face charges for domestic violence and criminal contempt for acting against the protective order. If the violation was intentional, it will be classified as a Class A misdemeanor and, therefore, punishable by up to one year in jail.
Protect Your Future
With such a broad definition of domestic violence and such severe penalties, don’t wait to consult a lawyer about your legal options. Our attorney team at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. have handled myriad domestic violence cases since our firm opened its doors 40 years ago. Should you work with us, we will apply our experience, our award-winning legal skills, and all our resources to defending you.
Take the first step toward protecting your future — call a New
