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.
New Hampshire Assault & Battery Attorney
Criminal Injury of Another
Assault allegations arise in a variety of disputed circumstances, many of which allow for a compelling defense. Our assault and battery defense lawyers regularly defend assault charges that surface following bar room brawls, allegations of domestic abuse, road range incidents and arguments at sporting events.
Even the best of us find ourselves in heated moments from time to time and a momentary lapse in judgment can result in criminal charges, calling for a vigorous defense.
Assault Charges & Penalties in New Hampshire
In the state of New Hampshire, an assault allegation may arise from any unprivileged touching, but the law classifies various assault crimes depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. These include: simple assault, second-degree assault and first-degree assault. Some states separate assault and battery into two separate offenses, but New Hampshire laws combine the two under the statutes for assault.
- Simple assault involves purposefully, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another. Additionally, unprivileged physical contact is a simple assault, as is negligently causing bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon. As a misdemeanor, it is punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000.
- Second-degree assault occurs when a person knowingly or recklessly causes serious bodily injury to another; recklessly causes bodily injury by means of a deadly weapon or under certain circumstances; purposefully or knowingly engages in the strangulation of another; causes bodily injury to a child under 13; and in a number of other ways. Second-degree assault is a Class B felony punishable with a fine of up to $4,000 and up to seven years in prison.
- First-degree assault occurs when a person causes serious bodily injury to another; purposefully or knowing causes bodily injury to another by means of a deadly weapon; or knowingly or recklessly causes serious bodily injury to a person under 13 years of age; as well as in other ways. First-degree assault is a Class A felony punishable by as many as 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $4,000.
Defending Assault Allegations
Defending assault cases requires an application of the law to the specific facts of the case. New Hampshire law provides for a number of affirmative defenses and justifications including self-defense, defense of another, defense of property, competing harms, and mistake.
Even simple allegations may also require complex examination. For instance, many assault offenses require the State to establish that the victim suffered the required injury. Establishing proof of this element typically requires medical records and proof that the victim suffered some sort of permanent impairment. Law enforcement often has difficulty obtaining this required proof. Our criminal defense attorneys regularly consult with medical experts in order to assess the severity of any injury and to investigate all possible defenses.
Aside from these criminal offenses, New Hampshire law also provides for a non-criminal, violation level offense known as Mutual Combat. Effective negotiation and plea bargaining includes the consideration of non-criminal charges.
Where these discussions fail, our criminal lawyers prepare for trial, conducting a thorough investigation, evaluating witness statements, advancing available defenses, sizing up expert issues and putting together a powerful trial presentation.
Negative Effects of a Conviction
The penalties can be serious, including high fines and stand committed jail or prison time, but our attorneys understand fully that the consequences in assault case extend well beyond these risks.
Assault charges can result in:
- Ruined reputations
- Job loss, and
- A negative impact on family law cases
Where the personal and professional stakes are so high, speak with a New Hampshire criminal lawyer right away if you have been charged with assault. The firm of Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. will not stop fighting until the best results have been achieved for your case.
Excellent Criminal Defense in New Hampshire
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. is proud of its criminal defense practice, values the constitutional rights that are increasingly forgotten in our system and pours energy in to assisting people accused of criminal conduct. We practice at all levels of the state and federal criminal justice system in New Hampshire. We apply an aggressive approach to defending our criminal cases whether it be a complicated federal offense, a superior court felony or a misdemeanor pending before a local circuit or district court. If you are searching for an experienced and successful defense attorney, look no further than Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. For more than four decades, our firm has obtained outstanding results in countless criminal cases.
We handle all types of criminal charges ranging from assault to burglary, drug possession, murder as well as a wide range of motor vehicle cases including DWI.
