Exeter, NH Criminal Defense Attorneys

Your Strongest Ally When Everything’s on the Line

Being accused of a crime in Exeter hits like a shockwave. You’re going about your life—maybe walking downtown near Water Street, driving on Portsmouth Avenue, or heading to a class at Phillips Exeter Academy, when everything changes. Suddenly, you’re facing the terrifying possibility of jail time, legal fees, a criminal record, and worst of all, uncertainty. You may not know who to trust, what to say, or where to even begin.

Take a breath. You’re not alone. Many people in Exeter have faced this exact storm and come out on the other side. Criminal charges move fast here. Whether it’s a DWI or a more serious felony, delays can cost you. The sooner you take steps to protect yourself, the more control you’ll have.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know the ins and outs of both Exeter District Court and Rockingham County Superior Court. Our criminal defense attorneys have walked those courtroom floors, spoken with those prosecutors, and defended Exeter residents with grit and empathy. We work quickly, communicate clearly, and build a strategy to fight back—because that fear in your chest? We’re here to take that stress off your shoulders.

Charged in Exeter? Here’s Exactly What You’re Facing

If you’ve been charged in Exeter, you’re not alone—but you are in serious territory. Whether the arrest happened after a routine traffic stop on Route 108 or a call to a home near Swasey Parkway, the consequences can be life-altering.

Here are some of the more common charges people face in Exeter:

• Drug offenses: From minor marijuana possession to allegations of trafficking opioids, drug-related charges can carry severe penalties.
• Assault and violent crimes: These include everything from bar fights to domestic violence accusations. They can escalate quickly, especially if a weapon is involved.
• Theft and burglary: Stealing from a business on Front Street or breaking into a residence can result in felony charges, even for first-time offenders.
• DWIs and traffic offenses: Exeter police take driving offenses seriously. A single mistake behind the wheel could land you in court and strip you of your license.

Cases usually begin at the Exeter District Court, but more serious charges may be transferred to the Rockingham County Superior Court in Brentwood. There, prosecutors often pursue stiff penalties, especially if the case involves repeat offenses or violence.

You must understand what you’ve been charged with immediately. Misunderstanding a misdemeanor for a felony or underestimating a prosecutor’s approach can derail your entire defense. The earlier you get clarity, the sooner you can build a shield.

The Exeter Court System Doesn’t Play Around

In Exeter, the courtroom isn’t just a formality, it’s a battleground. Judges here move cases swiftly, and prosecutors in both the District and Superior Courts often come prepared to push for harsh sentences.

Your first step is usually an arraignment at the Exeter District Court. You’ll be informed of the charges and asked to enter a plea. From there, the process can unfold through several stages:

• Pre-trial hearings where evidence is shared and motions are argued.
• Plea negotiations that might offer a reduced charge or sentence—but only if they serve the state’s interests.
• Trial, if no agreement is reached, where your entire future hangs in the balance.

Every decision during this timeline matters. One missed deadline or the wrong word spoken in court can change everything. That’s why working with someone who knows the judges, understands how prosecutors approach specific crimes, and has argued in these very courtrooms can change the course of your case.

How Criminal Charges Can Disrupt Your Life in Exeter

The moment you’re charged, your life gets harder. Even if you’re never convicted, just being accused carries consequences.

Right away, you could face:

• Job loss, especially in regulated industries or positions requiring background checks
• Driver’s license suspension, particularly for DWI-related charges

And the longer-term impact?

• Landlords might pass on your rental application after a background check
• Employers could reject you before you even get an interview
• Students, including those at Phillips Exeter Academy or nearby community colleges, might lose scholarships or face disciplinary actions

It’s not just about a court date. It’s about your entire future. But here’s the truth: these disruptions aren’t permanent. With the right defense, you can avoid some of the worst outcomes. And even if a conviction does occur, there are steps you can take to rebuild.

Powerful Strategies for Fighting Criminal Charges in Exeter

Fighting a charge doesn’t mean hoping for the best. It means getting strategic. And in Exeter, success depends on knowing what works.

Here are some of the most effective defense approaches we use:

• Challenging unlawful searches: If Exeter police overstepped their authority during your arrest, evidence they collected might be thrown out.
• Questioning evidence: From unreliable witnesses to flawed drug tests, we dig deep into how the prosecution built their case.
• Negotiating plea deals: Sometimes, the smartest move is securing a reduced charge that keeps you out of jail and protects your record.

Want to know what to do right now? Here are three quick moves that can help:

• Stay silent: Don’t explain, justify, or try to "clear things up" with police.
• Document everything: Write down exactly what happened, who was there, and what was said.
• Call a defense lawyer who understands Exeter’s court system inside and out.

Why Local Knowledge Makes All the Difference in Exeter

Exeter isn’t just any town. It’s a tight-knit community with its own way of doing things—and that extends into the courtroom.

Having a lawyer who knows the Exeter District Court’s schedule, how Judge Michael Mace operates, or how certain prosecutors approach drug cases can be a serious advantage. It’s not just familiarity—it’s foresight.

We’ve seen firsthand how this plays out. One client was facing a second DWI and thought all hope was lost. But knowing that a particular prosecutor tends to negotiate favorably when a defendant enters treatment early? That insight helped us secure a deal that avoided jail entirely.

Another client was arrested after a search that didn’t follow protocol. Because we knew how local judges interpret state search laws, we successfully pushed to have the evidence excluded. Case dismissed.

Local insight isn’t a bonus. In Exeter, it can be everything.

Clearing Up Confusion: Your Top Questions About Criminal Defense in Exeter

What should I do if I’m arrested in Exeter?

 Stay calm. Don’t answer police questions beyond giving your name. Ask for an attorney immediately.

Can charges be reduced or dismissed in Exeter?

Yes, especially if it’s a first offense or there are weaknesses in the case. Outcomes depend on your history and how strong your legal defense is.

How long does the criminal defense process take locally?

It varies. Misdemeanors may resolve in a few weeks. Felonies, especially in Rockingham Superior Court, can take several months or longer.

Do I need to appear in court personally every time?

Not always. For some hearings, your attorney can appear on your behalf. For others—like arraignments or trials—you must be there.

Protecting Your Rights: Understanding Your Constitutional Safeguards in Exeter

Even when everything feels chaotic, your rights stay constant.

• Fourth Amendment: Protects you from unlawful searches. If police searched your car or home without a warrant or probable cause, we can challenge that.
• Fifth Amendment: You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Don’t answer questions without your lawyer.
• Sixth Amendment: Guarantees your right to a fair trial and legal representation. If you can’t afford a lawyer, one will be provided.

These aren’t just abstract rights. They apply in every Exeter courtroom, in every hearing, and at every stage of your case.

Moving Forward After Criminal Charges in Exeter—Your Life Isn’t Over

Facing a charge can feel like the end of the road. But it’s not. People bounce back from criminal accusations and convictions every day—including right here in Exeter.

New Hampshire offers options like annulment, which can erase certain charges from your record after a waiting period. If eligible, this gives you a second chance at jobs, housing, and peace of mind.

Even before annulment, you can start rebuilding:

• Seek employment assistance through local organizations
• Access support services through Rockingham County agencies
• Reengage with your community and build positive references

It takes time, but the path forward is absolutely there. And with the right help, you can walk it with your head held high.

Why Exeter, NH Trusts Horn Wright, LLP

At Horn Wright, LLP, we don’t just know criminal defense—we know Exeter. We’ve worked in these courtrooms, partnered with local advocates, and defended our clients with real results. Our approach is simple: compassionate counsel when you’re overwhelmed, and fierce representation when you’re under attack. Whether you're up against a misdemeanor or a felony, our legal team has your back. We’ll protect your rights, ease your stress, and help you take back control of your future—starting today.