Last Updated on: 17th October 2023, 10:57 pm

New Hampshire Federal Criminal Lawyers

If you have been charged with a federal crime in New Hampshire, you need an experienced federal criminal defense attorney on your side. Federal charges are serious business and can result in harsh punishments if not properly defended. A knowledgeable New Hampshire federal criminal lawyer can analyze the charges against you, build a strong defense, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

There are many complex issues that come into play when facing federal charges in New Hampshire. The federal system is very different from the state system, with different laws, procedures and sentencing guidelines. Having an attorney who understands the federal process and has experience defending federal cases is critical.

Finding the Right New Hampshire Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

When looking for a federal criminal defense lawyer in New Hampshire, it is important to find someone with experience handling federal cases in your district. Look for attorneys who:

• Have represented clients in your federal district – The U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.
• Have tried federal criminal cases before juries.
• Have argued federal criminal appeals.
• Have negotiated favorable plea agreements with federal prosecutors.
• Are respected by judges and prosecutors in the federal court.

It also helps to find a lawyer who has experience with the specific type of federal charges you are facing. Federal courts see a high volume of drug, fraud and cybercrime cases. An attorney experienced with those types of cases will understand the common defense strategies.

Look for federal lawyers with a proven track record of success. Ask about their dismissal rates, acquittal rates, sentencing outcomes, and experience avoiding mandatory minimums and other harsh sentencing enhancements. It’s not enough for an attorney just to be familiar with the federal system – you want someone who regularly gets good results for clients facing federal prosecution.

Building a Strong Defense in Federal Court

An experienced federal criminal defense lawyer will thoroughly investigate the charges and build a defense aimed at getting charges dismissed or beating the case at trial. Common strategies in federal court include:

• Motion to Suppress – Argue that evidence was obtained illegally and should be thrown out. This could destroy the prosecution’s case.
• Sentencing Mitigation – Present mitigating factors about you and the offense to seek the lowest possible sentence under federal guidelines.
• Independent Investigation – Independently gather evidence and witness statements to undermine the prosecution’s version of events.
• Plea Negotiations – Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to get charges dropped or reduced in a favorable plea deal.

In addition, a skilled federal criminal lawyer will look for ways to attack the prosecution’s case at its foundations – challenging improper investigative tactics, unreliable witnesses, deficient forensics, faulty assumptions, and weak inferences. Mounting an aggressive defense lays the groundwork for getting charges dismissed before trial, or sowing reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors.

Understanding Federal Sentencing Guidelines

One of the most important things a federal criminal defense lawyer does is help clients understand federal sentencing exposure and fight for the lowest possible sentence. The federal sentencing guidelines are extremely complex and can have an enormous impact on the sentence imposed.

Factors that influence federal sentences include:

• The defendant’s criminal history category
• The “offense level” under the guidelines
• Any applicable mandatory minimum sentences
• Sentencing enhancements and adjustments
• Departures from the guidelines

An experienced federal defense lawyer will know how to present mitigating factors to the judge in order to lower the guideline range. They will also argue for variances and departures from the guidelines when warranted. Thorough understanding of the intricacies of federal sentencing is key to developing a strategy focused on minimizing prison time.