Bedford, NH Robbery Criminal Defense Attorneys

Getting accused of robbery can flip your entire world upside down. One minute, life feels normal. The next, you're dealing with handcuffs, court dates, and a deep pit of anxiety in your chest. Robbery is seen as a violent felony in New Hampshire—it carries weighty consequences and a level of public judgment that’s hard to shake. Whether it's a misunderstanding, a false accusation, or a single mistake, the fear of what comes next can be overwhelming.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand what you're going through. We’ve helped people in Bedford and across Hillsborough County who found themselves in this exact spot—scared, uncertain, and unsure where to turn. Our Bedford-based criminal defense attorneys know robbery cases aren’t one-size-fits-all, and we work tirelessly to uncover the truth, protect your rights, and get your life back on track.

Understanding Robbery Charges in Bedford: Not Just Another Theft

Let’s be clear—robbery isn’t the same as shoplifting or even burglary. Under New Hampshire law (RSA 636:1), robbery happens when someone uses or threatens to use physical force while committing theft. That threat element is what separates robbery from other property crimes. It makes the charge much more serious, and it often turns a non-violent accusation into one that carries the label of “violent felony.”

In Bedford, robbery charges are treated with a high level of seriousness. Whether it happens near the South River Road retail strip, at a gas station off Route 101, or anywhere else in town, Bedford Police take immediate action. Officers here are trained to treat potential robbery calls as dangerous situations, meaning you could face aggressive questioning, a drawn weapon, or arrest on the spot—even if you’re innocent.

There’s also a big difference in how these cases are handled compared to smaller theft incidents. Robbery in Bedford almost always ends up in Hillsborough County Superior Court (North Division), where judges and prosecutors tend to take a firm stance on public safety. That means higher bail requests, stricter conditions, and a deeper investigation from local detectives.

Facing Robbery Allegations? Here's What's at Stake

Robbery is a felony offense in New Hampshire. If it’s charged as a standard robbery (Class B felony), you could be facing 3.5 to 7 years in prison. But if there was a weapon involved—or even just the implication of one—it’s likely to be upgraded to armed robbery, a Class A felony, which carries a prison sentence of 7.5 to 15 years.

And those are just the basic penalties. The ripple effects are just as damaging. You could end up paying thousands in fines and legal fees. Even after serving your time, you might face mandatory probation or parole. A conviction also creates a permanent criminal record labeling you as violent, which makes it harder to get jobs, housing, or loans. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it can also trigger immigration issues.

In Hillsborough County courts, sentencing isn't just about jail time. Judges will also consider victim impact statements, whether force or injury was involved, and your criminal history—if any. The local DA’s office often pushes for plea deals that still include prison time, even for first-time offenders.

Caught Up in Robbery Accusations in Bedford? Act Fast

If you’re being investigated or you've already been arrested for robbery, every second matters. The Bedford Police Department moves quickly in these cases. Surveillance footage, witness interviews, forensic evidence—it all starts getting compiled within hours.

Here’s what you need to do immediately:

• Don’t talk to the police without a lawyer present.
• Write down everything you remember—what was said, who was there, and where it happened.
• Save any potential evidence like texts, videos, or receipts.

Also, avoid discussing your case with friends, coworkers, or even family—especially over the phone or on social media. Bedford detectives are trained to comb through conversations, looking for anything that can be turned into “evidence.”

The earlier an experienced robbery defense attorney gets involved, the better chance you have of controlling the narrative and protecting your future.

Your Rights in New Hampshire Matter More Than Ever

When you're facing robbery charges, your constitutional rights are your last line of defense. But here’s the catch—if you don’t assert them, the system may not protect them for you.

You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer police questions. You’re also entitled to be informed of your Miranda rights and to refuse searches unless officers have a warrant. Finally, you have the right to contact a lawyer before and during any questioning.

Still, people make honest mistakes. It’s natural to want to explain your side to the Bedford Police. But even a small slip—like admitting you were in the area—can come back to haunt you in court.

Another common issue? Unlawful searches. Police might search your home, car, or phone without the proper legal authority. If that happens, and evidence is found, a skilled defense lawyer can work to have it suppressed.

Navigating Bedford's Legal System Can Feel Overwhelming

From the moment you're arrested to the final court appearance, the process can feel like a maze. If your case is being handled in Hillsborough Superior Court (North), you’ll likely go through several stages:

• Arrest & Booking happens right after you’re taken into custody—often at Bedford Police headquarters on Constitution Drive.
• Arraignment comes within a few days and includes formal charges and bail decisions.
• Pre-Trial Hearings involve motions, discovery, and plea discussions.
• Trial is where evidence and arguments are presented to a jury.
• Sentencing occurs if there's a conviction, and mitigating factors are considered.

The local court system doesn’t stop to explain things, and prosecutors won’t wait for you to catch up. That’s why having a seasoned lawyer who understands Bedford’s legal culture is so important.

Defenses That Can Turn Your Bedford Robbery Case Around

Robbery charges sound scary—and they are—but that doesn’t mean your case is hopeless. There are several defense strategies that can lead to a dismissal, reduced charges, or even a full acquittal.

Let’s break down a few:

• Mistaken Identity: Eyewitness testimony can be unreliable. We’ve seen wrong arrests based on clothing or vehicles.
• No Intent to Use Force: If you didn’t threaten anyone, the charge may be downgraded.
• Unlawful Police Conduct: A violation of your rights could lead to suppression of key evidence.

Each robbery case is unique. What works for one person might not work for another. That’s why personalized legal strategies, built on the exact facts of your situation, matter so much.

How Robbery Cases Typically Unfold in Bedford Courts

You don’t need a law degree to understand the flow of your case. Here’s a simple breakdown of how robbery charges play out:

The investigation begins as police gather evidence, question witnesses, and submit findings to the DA. Then charges are filed, typically within days of the arrest. Next, your attorney and the prosecutor may enter plea discussions, possibly leading to reduced charges or lighter sentences.

If no plea is accepted, you’ll attend preliminary hearings, where a judge decides if there’s enough evidence to proceed. A jury trial follows if the case moves forward, with both sides presenting arguments and evidence. Finally, if found guilty, a sentencing hearing is held.

That’s where mitigating circumstances and personal background can impact the outcome.

Not all cases go to trial. In Bedford, plea bargains are often encouraged to reduce court congestion. But that doesn’t mean you should accept the first deal offered. A smart defense weighs every angle before deciding what’s best.

Life After a Bedford Robbery Charge: Rebuilding Your Future

Even if your case ends well, there’s no denying the mark it can leave. A robbery charge—especially one that sticks—can follow you long after the court closes the file.

You may face job rejections after background checks. You could also have trouble finding housing or renewing a lease. And the emotional fallout—losing the trust of family, friends, or coworkers—can feel just as punishing.

But that doesn’t mean your future’s over.

Start by staying proactive:

• Seek expungement if you're eligible.
• Pursue education or skills training.
• Join counseling or community service programs that show growth.

With the right legal support and personal effort, people do move past robbery charges. We've seen it happen. One decision, one bad moment—those don’t have to define your whole life.

Horn Wright, LLP: Bedford’s Robbery Defense Advocates

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know how scary it is to face robbery charges. But we also know how to fight them. Our team brings a combination of tough courtroom experience and genuine compassion. We’ve defended clients in Hillsborough County Superior Court and worked with Bedford-area investigators for years. That local insight makes a difference. We dig deep into the facts, build strong defenses, and fight hard to protect your freedom. When you're facing serious accusations, you need someone who’s seen it all—and still sees you as a human being worth defending.