Concord, NH Robbery Criminal Defense Attorneys

When you're facing robbery charges, everything can feel like it’s crashing down at once. You might be terrified, confused, or even angry. Maybe you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe things spiraled out of control faster than you could react. No matter how it happened, robbery charges in Concord are serious—and they don’t just go away on their own. Right now, you need answers, guidance, and a clear path forward.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we’ve represented individuals across Concord and Merrimack County in some of the most complex and emotionally charged robbery cases. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to protect your rights while crafting strong, strategic defenses tailored to your situation. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time charge or facing repeat allegations, we’re here to fight for your future with everything we’ve got.

What You Absolutely Need to Know About Robbery Charges in Concord NH

Robbery in New Hampshire isn’t just a simple theft charge—it’s a violent crime under state law. Even if no one got hurt, just the threat of physical force can elevate a situation to robbery.

According to RSA 636:1, robbery happens when someone commits or attempts to commit theft and uses physical force or threatens to use it—either to take property or to escape afterward. This threat doesn’t have to involve a weapon. Even the implication that someone might be harmed can be enough.

Here’s what often confuses people: robbery is not the same as burglary or theft.

• Theft involves taking someone else’s property.
• Burglary involves illegally entering a building to commit a crime inside.
• Robbery adds the use or threat of force to a theft.

So, if someone grabs a wallet without being seen, that’s theft. If they snatch it while pushing the victim, that’s robbery. These distinctions matter—especially when your freedom is on the line.

Getting Arrested for Robbery in Concord NH: What's Coming Next

An arrest for robbery in Concord can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been through the system. Here’s what typically happens so you know what to expect.

First comes the arrest, often by the Concord Police Department or the Merrimack County Sheriff's Office. You’ll be handcuffed, transported to the station, and processed. That process—called booking—includes fingerprinting, a mugshot, and a background check.

Then comes the waiting. If bail is set, you might be able to go home. If not, you’ll stay in custody until your arraignment (usually within 24 to 72 hours). During that court appearance, you’ll hear the charges and can enter a plea.

What should you do after an arrest? Three things:

1. Stay silent. Don’t try to explain yourself to the police.
2. Contact an attorney right away.
3. Avoid posting on social media. Even a vague post can hurt your case.

Time matters here. Every hour you wait could cost you important evidence or legal options.

Penalties for Robbery in Concord NH—This Isn't Something You Can Ignore

Robbery charges aren’t just scary—they carry life-changing consequences. New Hampshire treats robbery as a felony, and the stakes only rise if weapons or injuries are involved.

Here’s how the penalties break down:

• Class B Felony Robbery (no serious injury or deadly weapon): Up to 7 years in prison and significant fines
• Class A Felony Robbery (involving a weapon, serious injury, or threats of deadly force): 10 to 20 years in prison—sometimes more

In both cases, convicted individuals can be ordered to pay restitution to victims. And the damage doesn’t stop there. A robbery conviction results in a felony record that follows you for life, making it harder to secure housing, gain employment, or even qualify for student loans. You may lose the right to own firearms or vote in elections. These long-term consequences can limit your ability to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence. That’s why acting quickly and seriously from the start is so important.

Common Defenses Against Robbery Charges: You Have Options

Right now, you might feel like the world is against you. But the truth? You have more options than you think.

Not every robbery charge ends in a conviction. Many cases fall apart once they’re challenged by experienced legal defense. At Horn Wright, LLP, we build your defense around the facts—and your life.

Here are some of the most common and effective defenses:

• Mistaken identity: Eyewitnesses get it wrong more often than people think.
• Lack of intent: Maybe you didn’t plan to steal anything or threaten anyone.
• Insufficient evidence: Weak or missing proof makes for a shaky case.
• Duress or coercion: If someone forced you into it, that matters—a lot.

Each case is different, so we dig deep. We listen to your story, examine every piece of evidence, and identify every possible angle. You’re not just another file on a desk to us—you’re someone who deserves a real shot at justice.

How Concord NH Courts Handle Robbery Cases

Inside the Judicial Process

Robbery cases in Concord go through several stages. Knowing what’s ahead can help you feel more in control.

After arrest and arraignment, you’ll likely face a preliminary hearing. At this stage, the court decides whether there’s enough evidence for the case to continue. This hearing usually happens in Concord District Court.

If your case moves forward, it may be transferred to Merrimack County Superior Court for felony-level proceedings. Here’s what the rest of the process looks like:

• Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence.
• Plea negotiations: Many cases are resolved here—sometimes with reduced charges.
• Pretrial motions: These shape what evidence can be used at trial.
• Trial: If you go to trial, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Sentencing: If convicted, the judge decides your penalties.

Each of these steps comes with deadlines, choices, and legal strategies. You shouldn’t try to manage it alone.

Why It's Essential to Get a Local Concord NH Criminal Defense Lawyer

When it comes to fighting a robbery charge in Concord, it’s not just about having any lawyer—it’s about having the right one.

A local criminal defense attorney knows more than just state law. They understand how things actually work in Concord’s courtrooms. That includes knowing how prosecutors think, how judges typically rule, and how juries tend to react.

This local knowledge can lead to faster resolutions, better-informed strategies, and more favorable plea deals. A Concord-based attorney can tailor your defense not only to the law but also to the people enforcing it.

Plus, let’s be honest—it’s comforting to work with someone who understands the streets you walk and the neighborhoods you live in. Someone who gets it, because they’re here too.

Dealing With Robbery Charges as a Juvenile in Concord NH

Juvenile robbery cases in Concord follow a different path, but they’re still very serious. While adults face punishment, the juvenile justice system focuses more on rehabilitation.

If your child has been charged with robbery, the case will likely go through Concord Juvenile Court. Instead of a traditional trial, there’s usually a delinquency hearing. Judges in these cases aim to guide young people toward better choices—not simply lock them up.

However, don’t mistake this approach for leniency. Juvenile penalties can still include detention in a juvenile facility, probation, and mandatory counseling. In some situations—especially if a weapon was used or someone was hurt—the court might consider transferring the case to adult court. That’s a serious turning point, and it’s one more reason to involve experienced legal counsel early.

Robbery vs. Armed Robbery in Concord NH

Why the Difference Matters

There’s a big leap between simple robbery and armed robbery in New Hampshire—and the law treats them worlds apart.

Armed robbery means someone used a deadly weapon (like a gun or knife), or even just pretended to have one, during the commission of a robbery. That’s what turns a Class B felony into a Class A felony, or worse.

Under RSA 636:1, the use or threat of a weapon significantly increases prison exposure and restricts plea bargain flexibility. Even something like brandishing a realistic-looking fake firearm can be prosecuted as armed robbery if the victim believed it was real. These charges often come with mandatory prison time and fewer chances for reduced sentencing. So, if your case involves any kind of weapon—even an implied one—you’re facing much steeper odds.

Protect Your Future: Steps to Take Immediately After a Robbery Charge

The hours after a robbery charge are critical. What you do—or don’t do—can shape the rest of your case.

Here’s what you need to do right away:

• Stay silent during police questioning. Don’t explain, justify, or argue. Just ask for a lawyer.
• Secure bail as soon as possible so you can return home to prepare your defense.

Next, begin gathering anything that could help your case. That includes photos, surveillance footage, or names of people who may have seen what happened. Witness contact information can be vital for building your defense early on. And just as importantly, stay off social media. Even innocent posts or reactions can be taken out of context and twisted to damage your credibility in court. Let your legal team do the talking for you.

Protecting Your Rights with Horn Wright, LLP

Robbery charges don’t have to define your future. The right defense can change everything. At Horn Wright, LLP, our team understands how high the stakes are, and we’re ready to stand between you and a devastating conviction. We’ve defended clients throughout Concord and Merrimack County with compassion, focus, and relentless effort. Whether you’re facing a Class A felony or a lesser robbery charge, we’ll fight to get you the best possible outcome—because your future is worth protecting. When your freedom is on the line, it helps to hire one of the best law firms in America—and that’s exactly what we’ve been recognized as in 2025.

Ready to talk? Call us today at (603) 716-9415 and take the first step toward a stronger defense.