Bedford, NH Criminal Defense Attorneys

Don’t Let Criminal Charges Define Your Future

Being charged with a crime in Bedford can upend your entire life. One moment you’re heading home from the store or work, and the next, blue lights are flashing, and you’re facing handcuffs, questions, and panic. It’s confusing, frightening, and way more serious than it may first seem.

Here’s what matters most: you don’t have to go through this alone. People right here in Bedford—on Nashua Road, near South River Road, and beyond—have faced charges and made it through with the right legal help. At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand the pressure you're under. Our Bedford criminal defense lawyers fight hard because they know what's at stake: your freedom, your job, your future.

Charged with a Crime in Bedford? Here's What You Must Know

Criminal charges in New Hampshire fall into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors can carry up to a year in jail and a fine. Felonies, on the other hand, mean longer prison terms, larger fines, and more lasting consequences—including the loss of civil rights.

In Bedford, some charges come up more often than others. These aren’t just words on paper, they carry weight in a courtroom and in your daily life.

Here are the most frequently charged crimes in the area, and what they mean under New Hampshire law:

• DWI (RSA 265-A): Police focus heavily on areas like Route 101. A first offense can mean up to a $1,200 fine, a 9-month license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education.
• Drug Possession (RSA 318-B): Even small amounts of controlled substances like opioids, methamphetamine, or prescription meds without a prescription can carry up to 7 years in prison.
• Assault (RSA 631): Charges range from simple (a shove or slap) to aggravated (serious injury, weapons). Penalties vary from 1 year in jail to 15+ years in state prison.
• Theft (RSA 637): Shoplifting and larceny can become felonies based on the amount taken—more than $1,000 in value elevates the charge.

Every case is different. But what doesn’t change is this: the faster you understand the charge—and how to fight it—the better your outcome will be.

Navigating the Criminal Court System in Bedford

When you’re facing charges in Bedford, your case will go through either Merrimack District Court or Hillsborough County Superior Court (North), depending on the level of the offense.

You’ll start with an arraignment, where the court officially tells you what you’re being charged with and asks how you plead. This is also when bail is set. In misdemeanor cases, that might be your only court date. In felonies, it’s the first of several.

Knowing what to expect helps take some of the fear out of the process. These aren’t just faceless courtrooms—they’re places where experience matters. And we’ve been there, many times, standing next to people just like you.

If Bedford police are involved, things can feel even more tense. But remember: the law still protects you. You don’t have to speak to police without a lawyer. You don’t have to answer questions. And what you do say could hurt you later. These aren’t suggestions. They’re your constitutional rights under the Fifth and Sixth Amendments.

Building Your Defense: Strategies That Make the Difference

Every strong defense starts with early, aggressive action. The things we do before trial often shape the entire outcome. Many clients are surprised to learn how much can be accomplished before a jury is even selected.

When we take on your case, we focus on tactics like these:

• Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence from illegal searches or stops (protected under the Fourth Amendment)
• Reviewing bodycam, dashcam, and officer reports for inconsistencies or missed steps
• Cross-checking lab tests in drug or DWI cases for proper procedures and calibration
• Identifying constitutional violations, such as lack of Miranda warnings or improper interrogation

Each one of these actions is grounded in real law—from Brady v. Maryland on evidence disclosure to New Hampshire-specific rules around probable cause and police conduct.

These aren’t just technicalities. They’re safeguards meant to ensure fairness. When those rights are violated, we push hard to get evidence thrown out—or the whole case dismissed.

Understanding the Real Consequences of a Conviction

When people think of criminal penalties, they often focus on the immediate outcome: jail, fines, maybe probation. But the impact of a conviction goes much deeper—and can last for years.

Right after a conviction, you could face:

• Jail or prison time, which disrupts every part of your life
• Fines or restitution, depending on the charge
• Loss of your license, especially in DWI or drug cases
• Probation or mandatory treatment programs

But those are just the start. The long-term consequences may hit harder:

A criminal record can make it harder to find work, especially in licensed professions. Landlords may deny you housing. And socially? You may feel judged in ways that are difficult to undo.

If you qualify, we can also explore expungement or annulment options under RSA 651:5, which may allow you to clean up your record after a period of good behavior.

What to Do (and What to Avoid) After an Arrest

The hours after an arrest are emotional. But how you respond can directly affect your case. Here’s what we tell every client:

First, take control by taking the right steps:

• Call an attorney as soon as possible. Don’t try to talk your way out of it.
• Write down everything you remember. Details matter—names, times, what was said.
• Save anything relevant—messages, photos, receipts, or videos that support your story.

Next, avoid actions that could make things worse:

• Don’t talk to police without a lawyer present
• Don’t post about the case on social media
• Don’t reach out to witnesses or alleged victims

Each of these mistakes can complicate your defense. But early action, guided by our skilled lawyers, can prevent those landmines and set you up for success.

Horn Wright, LLP: Your Bedford Criminal Defense Ally

At Horn Wright, LLP, we don’t just handle cases—we represent real people going through some of the most stressful moments of their lives. Whether you were pulled over near South River Road or arrested after a misunderstanding at home, we’re here to fight for you.

We bring the courtroom experience, investigative skills, and strategy you need. But just as important, we bring humanity. If you're ready to hire one of the best law firms in America, we’re ready to get to work. Call our Bedford office now at (603) 716-9415, let’s defend your future, together.