Criminal Defense in Manchester, NH

What Is A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A criminal conviction can have serious consequences, and you want an experienced Manchester, New Hampshire attorney on your side. These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their own investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate. They can possibly reduce charges, lower bail, broker less sentencing time, and even get the charges dismissed. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Manchester, NH is the most effective way to protect your rights.

Unfortunately, the New Hampshire criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time, and incarceration. As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence, and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Manchester criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.

Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manchester, New Hampshire

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Manchester professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Manchester, NH who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers that are standing by in all areas of law. Get in contact with us today.

What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

If you are facing criminal charges in Manchester you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.

Probation

Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times where a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.

Because of this, New Hampshire laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.

When you receive probation, a judge usually will give you an opportunity to show that you have an interest in rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.

Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and frequent drug testing.

In Manchester, New Hampshire you may be also required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history.

In Manchester, New Hampshire a felony offense can result in a sentence of probation with a maximum of 5 years. In contrast, a misdemeanor offense can only receive a maximum probationary sentence of 2 years.

Probation Revoked

If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.

Residents of Manchester that receive probation have an opportunity to rehabilitate without serving jail time. The State Courts of New Hampshire gives a comprehensive breakdown of the expectations placed on you while serving probation. You’ll have a probation officer and an expectation to schedule regular meetings. You’ll also need to submit to random drug screenings, perform community service, and refrain from any future criminal acts. Moreover, you may undergo counseling if the judge deems it necessary. Failure to meet these expectations can have serious results. You may have to come before a judge at the District Court of Manchester. If you are in violation of your probation, it can be revoked.

Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may then revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Manchester, New Hampshire criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.

Parole

Instead of interacting with a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer. A parole officer will outline any expectations you are to meet. In addition to the rules of your parole. He or she also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.

Parole is a term to refer to the period of time that comes after a release from incarceration. Just as with probation, there are usually many conditions and safeguards that you must follow during your parole.

The New Hampshire Department of Corrections seeks to assist offenders in creating law-abiding lives. To this end, they will assign you a parole officer and help you establish regular meetings. You’ll have to submit your residence to random searches without a warrant. Additionally, you need the express permission of the court before traveling outside state lines. You’ll also have an expectation to maintain employment and pay any restitution or fines the court may require of you. You can meet with your parole officer at the Probation and Parole Office of Manchester.

If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Manchester, NH criminal defense attorney.

Work With an Experienced Local Manchester, New Hampshire Criminal Defense Lawyer

A Manchester criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Manchester, NH criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney. We can even help you connect with an attorney across New Hampshire state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!