Exeter, NH Robbery Criminal Defense Attorneys

Exeter Robbery Charges: What You’re Up Against and How to Fight Back

Robbery charges in Exeter aren’t just intimidating, they’re life-altering. One minute, everything seems fine. The next, you're facing accusations that threaten your freedom, your job, and your reputation. Whether the incident happened near the shops on Portsmouth Avenue or a quiet neighborhood off Epping Road, the moment those charges hit, everything changes. You may feel overwhelmed, scared, or even completely blindsided.

That’s where Horn Wright, LLP, steps in. Our New Hampshire-based law firm knows Exeter, and we understand how serious robbery charges are. We take the time to listen, understand your side of the story, and fight to protect your future. We’re not just here to defend you legally. We’re here to help take that stress off your shoulders. With personalized, aggressive defense strategies tailored to your situation, we’ll stand with you every step of the way.

Understanding Robbery Charges in Exeter

In New Hampshire, robbery isn't just about taking something. It’s about how it’s taken. Under RSA 636:1, robbery occurs when someone uses physical force or even the threat of it while committing theft. That means if a person uses intimidation or force to steal, the charge goes beyond simple theft. It becomes robbery, a far more serious offense, one of the many practice areas where we bring years of focused legal experience.

Here’s where it gets a little tricky. People often confuse robbery with other crimes:

• Theft: Taking property without permission, but without any force or threat.
• Burglary: Entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime inside, which may not always involve stealing or confrontation.

Local context can also shape how robbery cases are treated. A robbery near the bustling retail strip of Portsmouth Avenue might involve surveillance footage, multiple eyewitnesses, or swift police response due to the area’s high visibility. Compare that to a case near Swasey Parkway or a quieter residential zone, and the details can change significantly. The location affects how quickly police respond, what kind of evidence exists, and even how prosecutors build their case.

Robbery Penalties You Could Face in Exeter

Robbery charges come with steep consequences under New Hampshire law. Robbery is classified as a Class B felony by default. But certain aggravating factors can bump it up to a Class A felony which means longer prison sentences and harsher penalties, making the insight of skilled criminal defense lawyers essential.

Here’s what you could be facing:

• Class B felony: 3.5 to 7 years in prison
• Class A felony, governed by sentencing procedures: Up to 15 years in prison, or more

In addition to incarceration, fines can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Probation and mandatory restitution may follow a conviction. And the fallout doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve got a felony conviction on your record, life doesn’t go back to normal.

It becomes harder to get or keep a job. Housing options shrink as landlords may deny your application. A criminal record can even complicate custody arrangements. The emotional toll? That lingers too: damaged relationships, community stigma, and the mental weight of it all. A robbery charge threatens everything you’ve worked for.

How the Exeter Police Department Handles Robbery Cases

Once a robbery is reported in Exeter, the police don’t waste time. The Exeter Police Department typically begins with the basics like responding to the scene, securing evidence, and interviewing witnesses. Officers might collect surveillance footage, canvass nearby businesses (especially downtown or around the historic district), and begin piecing together a timeline.

From there, the case often heads to Rockingham County Superior Court if felony charges are pursued. If it starts as a misdemeanor-level investigation, it might pass through Exeter District Court first. While the process may be similar in other areas, knowing how these specific courts operate and how local judges view robbery cases plays a huge role in forming an effective defense.

It’s important to understand what to expect.

The investigation phase begins with police gathering statements, video, and physical evidence. If an arrest is made, you'll be taken into custody, photographed, and fingerprinted. Next comes arraignment, where charges are formally presented and bail conditions are decided.

The case may involve pre-trial motions, where attorneys argue what evidence can or can’t be used. Finally, charges may be fought in court or negotiated outside of it. Each step has its own pitfalls. What you say or don’t say can either help or hurt your case. That’s why having someone who knows the system matters.

Effective Defense Strategies for Robbery in Exeter

When you're facing robbery charges, the facts matter but so does the strategy. Not every case is what it seems on paper. Our team digs deep to find the details that make your situation unique.

Some of the most effective defenses we’ve seen include:

• Lack of intent, where the event may have stemmed from a misunderstanding rather than a plan to use force.
• Mistaken identity is another strong approach. Someone else may have committed the crime, and you were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
• Insufficient evidence. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and if their evidence is weak, we’ll point that out using the prosecution’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

In Exeter, local factors can work in your favor. Surveillance from a nearby Market Basket or Rite Aid might not be as clear as the police claim. Eyewitnesses may misidentify someone, especially in a fast-moving situation. And if a robbery happened in a dimly lit area behind Lincoln Street School or near the train station, lighting conditions and visibility can create reasonable doubt. Every detail counts. Our job is to challenge every assumption the prosecution makes and turn those challenges into successful cases.

Immediate Steps to Take If Accused of Robbery in Exeter

Getting accused of robbery is a jarring experience. Whether the accusation comes during a heated argument or after an unexpected arrest, how you respond can shape your entire case.

Here’s what you should do immediately:

• Stay silent: You have the right to remain silent. Use it.

Equally important is contacting an attorney right away. Don’t wait. Legal help can make the difference between charges that stick and charges that fall apart. Document everything you remember about the incident including where you were, who you were with, and what happened from your perspective. Also, don’t consent to searches, confront accusers, or share details with anyone. Save texts, receipts, or phone logs that support your side. Acting fast gives your defense team a head start.

Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Robbery Charges

When emotions run high, people make choices that can backfire. One major mistake is talking to the police without a lawyer. Officers may seem friendly, but their job is to build a case, not protect your rights. Another is posting on social media. Even vague comments can be twisted and used against you.

Avoid discussing case details with anyone other than your lawyer. Friends and family may mean well, but what you say to them isn’t protected and could come back to hurt your defense. That’s why we offer insightful discussions to help people understand the ins and outs of legal challenges like these.

You might think explaining yourself will help. But often, it just makes things worse. Keep quiet. Let your lawyer do the talking.

FAQs About Robbery Charges in Exeter, NH

What if I didn’t commit the robbery?

That’s exactly why you need an experienced defense attorney. Being innocent doesn’t mean the system will automatically work in your favor.

Can robbery charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, depending on the evidence and circumstances. As a recognized law firm committed to strategic advocacy, we explore every avenue from filing motions to suppress weak evidence to negotiating with prosecutors.

How quickly should I contact a lawyer?

Immediately. The earlier we’re involved, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong defense.

Trust Horn Wright, LLP, with Your Robbery Defense

Contact us at Horn Wright, LLP, today. We understand that being accused of robbery in Exeter doesn’t make you a criminal. Our attorneys know how to challenge evidence, protect your rights, and guide you through every step of the legal process with empathy and skill. From the streets of downtown Exeter to the halls of Rockingham County Superior Court, we’re ready to fight for your future with heart, experience, and strategy that works.