Derry, NH Criminal Defense Attorneys

Protect Your Rights & Your Future

Getting charged with a crime in Derry, NH, shakes your entire world. You're suddenly dealing with fear, uncertainty, and a constant knot in your stomach. The stakes feel sky-high, your job, your relationships, your freedom. It’s not just a legal issue. It’s personal, and it’s stressful.

But here’s the truth: you’re not alone. All across Derry, from neighborhoods near East Derry Road to families living just blocks from Pinkerton Academy, people face these moments of crisis. Some made mistakes. Others are completely innocent. But all of them felt the same anxiety and overwhelming pressure you’re feeling right now.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we’ve spent years fighting for clients right here in Derry, from hearings in Derry District Court to trials at Rockingham County Superior Court. We’re not just legal professionals—we’re advocates who care. Our team is deeply committed to providing fierce, strategic defense and offering personal, one-on-one attention. We fight hard because we know what’s at stake for you, and we’ll never treat you like just another case file.

Facing Criminal Charges in Derry: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Derry, you're probably overwhelmed—and with good reason. Criminal charges in New Hampshire carry serious, long-lasting consequences. Even before you step into a courtroom, your life can begin to unravel.

Here are some charges people in Derry commonly face:

• DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)
• Drug-related offenses (from possession to trafficking)
• Assault and other violent crimes
• Theft and property crimes

What many people don’t realize is how quickly things can spiral. You could face steep fines, time behind bars, a lasting criminal record, and barriers to jobs or housing. The fallout from a conviction can haunt you for years. Even misdemeanor charges can feel like a wrecking ball swinging through your life.

Acting quickly gives you the best chance to minimize damage. That means understanding your rights, preserving evidence, and having an experienced defense attorney in your corner from day one. Because here in Derry, prosecutors and police don’t slow down—and you shouldn’t either.

DWI Charges in Derry—More Than Just a Mistake

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges are taken extremely seriously in New Hampshire—and especially in Derry. Law enforcement around here, especially along Route 102 and Route 28, aggressively patrol for impaired drivers. Whether it’s a Saturday night near Broadway or a weekday evening on Tsienneto Road, Derry police are out looking for signs of impaired driving.

Even a first-time offense can hit hard:

• License suspension for 9 months or more
• Mandatory alcohol or drug abuse programs
• Fines and court fees
• Possible jail time

And if you’re dealing with an aggravated DWI—like a high blood alcohol content, having a minor in the vehicle, or being involved in an accident—those penalties can escalate fast.

Quick facts about DWI charges in Derry:

• First-time offense? You could still lose your license for nearly a year.
• Aggravated DWI includes BAC over 0.16, speeding over 30 mph, or causing an accident.
• Convictions may affect jobs that require driving or background checks.

We know the local enforcement patterns, how field sobriety tests are administered, and how to challenge questionable evidence. You need someone who understands both the law and the local legal climate.

Drug Crimes in Derry: Fighting Serious Consequences

New Hampshire’s drug laws pack a punch. And in Derry, law enforcement treats every drug case as a serious threat. Police and prosecutors don’t hold back, whether you're caught with a small amount of marijuana or accused of distributing controlled substances near Hood Commons or along Route 28.

Charges can include:

• Possession of controlled substances
• Intent to distribute
• Drug trafficking

These charges can mean fines, time in jail or prison, and long-term damage to your record. But that’s not all—you could also face federal consequences depending on the type and amount of drugs.

A strong defense starts with evidence. Many arrests stem from traffic stops or home searches, and if your rights were violated at any point, that evidence might not hold up. We focus on identifying those violations and pushing back hard.

It’s not about making excuses. It’s about ensuring the law is followed—for everyone.

Violent Crime Accusations: Your Freedom on the Line

Being accused of a violent crime is one of the most stressful things anyone can go through. Whether it's assault, domestic violence, or aggravated assault, the stakes are sky-high. If you’re facing one of these charges in Derry, you're looking at potential prison time, large fines, and life-altering restrictions.

Judges in Rockingham County don't take violent charges lightly. Prosecutors will often push for harsh penalties. But being accused doesn’t mean you’re guilty.

Our team has successfully used a range of defenses in violent crime cases, including:

• Self-defense
• Mistaken identity
• Lack of credible evidence

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Violent crime allegations can lead to restraining orders, job loss, and fractured relationships—even before your case is resolved.

What you should know:

• Violent crime includes physical harm, threats, or weapons involvement.
• If you’re accused, avoid speaking about the incident—especially on social media.
• Protect your reputation early. The sooner you act, the better your outcome can be.

Theft & Property Crimes—Preserve Your Reputation

Theft and property crimes might seem less serious than violent offenses, but they carry real consequences—especially in Derry. Local courts treat these cases seriously, and even minor charges like shoplifting from stores downtown or vandalism near Birch Street can leave you with a permanent record.

You might be facing charges like:

• Shoplifting
• Burglary or breaking and entering
• Criminal mischief (vandalism)

Penalties can include jail, restitution, court fines, and community service. But the biggest issue? Damage to your name. A theft conviction tells future employers or landlords you’re not trustworthy. That stigma is hard to shake, especially in smaller communities like Derry.

Young people—especially those with no prior record—can often benefit from early intervention, alternative sentencing, or counseling programs. But you need a strong advocate to help make that happen.

Juvenile Crimes: Protecting Your Child’s Future

When a child or teen gets in trouble with the law, parents are left scared, confused, and unsure what to do next. We’ve worked with many families in Derry whose children, often students from Pinkerton Academy or West Running Brook Middle School, faced charges they didn’t fully understand.

Juvenile crimes are handled differently than adult cases. The goal is supposed to be rehabilitation, not punishment. But that doesn't mean the process is easy—or fair. Juvenile records can still follow a child later in life.

We help with charges like:

• Underage drinking
• Drug possession
• School-related fights or assaults
• Vandalism and theft

We work hard to protect your child’s privacy, minimize long-term consequences, and keep their future on track. With the right legal help, a youthful mistake doesn’t have to define their future.

Probation Violations and Preventing Harsh Consequences

Probation sounds simple. Follow a few rules, stay out of trouble, and avoid jail. But in reality, it’s easy to slip up. And in Derry, even a small violation can lead to big consequences.

Miss a meeting? Fail a drug test? Get arrested again—even for something minor? Any of those could trigger a probation violation hearing.

Here’s what that could mean:

• Immediate arrest or jail time
• Harsher conditions or extended probation
• Additional fines or community service

We work to show the court your side of the story and reduce or eliminate penalties. Sometimes that means proving the violation didn’t happen. Other times, it’s about convincing the judge you deserve another chance.

Understanding Your Rights When Arrested in Derry

Knowing your rights can make a massive difference when you're arrested or questioned. Derry police won’t always explain your rights clearly—and one wrong move can make your case harder to defend.

So here’s what you should remember:

• You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Anything you say can hurt you later.
• You have the right to an attorney. Ask for one. Immediately.
• Don’t try to explain your way out of it. Be polite, but firm. Wait for your lawyer.

We’ve seen countless cases where a client’s own words ended up being used against them. Protect yourself from the beginning.

Navigating Derry’s Criminal Courts

Facing the legal system in Derry can feel like stepping into a maze. But when you understand the steps, it becomes a little less scary.

Criminal cases in Derry usually begin in Derry District Court. More serious charges may head to Rockingham County Superior Court in Brentwood. Each court has its own procedures, rules, and personalities.

Here’s what typically happens:

• Arraignment: You hear the charges and enter a plea.
• Bail Hearing: The judge decides if you can be released.
• Pre-Trial Motions: Lawyers argue about evidence and legal issues.
• Plea Bargaining: You may be offered a deal.
• Trial: If no deal is reached, your case is presented before a judge or jury.

An experienced defense lawyer helps at every stage. From challenging shaky evidence to negotiating fair outcomes, we’re there to fight for you.

Horn Wright, LLP, Provides Fierce Defense in Derry Courts

When you’re facing criminal charges in Derry, you need a defense team that understands the local courts, local laws, and your personal concerns. At Horn Wright, LLP, we’ve helped countless people through some of the hardest moments of their lives—whether in Derry District Court or at Rockingham County Superior Court. We bring experience, compassion, and relentless defense strategies to every single case. With our attorneys by your side, you won’t face this alone, and you’ll have someone in your corner who truly cares about your future.