Goffstown, NH Criminal Defense Attorneys

Protecting Your Future and Freedom

Facing robbery charges can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you're living your daily routine, and the next, you're overwhelmed, trying to understand police reports, legal terms, and worst-case scenarios. In Goffstown, New Hampshire, these situations feel even more stressful when you're unsure what the future holds. But take a deep breath as being charged doesn't mean you're guilty. And it certainly doesn't mean you're out of options.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know how much is on the line when you're accused of robbery. Our New Hampshire-based law firm has years of experience fighting for people across Goffstown and Hillsborough County. We’ve handled complex robbery cases at the Hillsborough County Superior Court – Northern District and have seen how aggressive and fast-moving these charges can be. That’s why we take a personalized, focused approach to every case because you’re not just another file to us. You’re someone whose future deserves protection.

Understanding Robbery Charges in New Hampshire

Robbery isn’t just theft with force. Under New Hampshire law, it’s treated as a serious violent crime. According to RSA 636:1, robbery happens when someone commits or attempts to commit theft and either uses physical force or threatens immediate force against another person during the act. This can include pushing someone, brandishing a weapon, or even just making a credible verbal threat while stealing. Our team’s deep experience in robbery defense reflects our broader legal practice and expertise across criminal law.

Here’s how robbery differs from related charges: Theft means taking something that doesn’t belong to you, without consent. Burglary involves entering a building with the intent to commit a crime inside. Robbery, by contrast, is centered on the element of force or threat while stealing.

New Hampshire law treats robbery as a Class B felony in most cases, with penalties outlined under the state's sentencing procedures. But if a weapon is involved, even if it’s not used or if anyone is injured, the charge jumps to a Class A felony, which carries much harsher penalties.

Understanding these distinctions early can shape the direction of your defense and may impact plea negotiations, trial strategy, or sentence reductions.

Consequences of a Goffstown Robbery Conviction: It Could Change Instantly

If you're convicted of robbery in New Hampshire, the consequences go far beyond jail time. The impact can be long-lasting and sometimes permanent.

Legal Penalties

A Class B felony can bring up to 7 years in prison, while a Class A felony might result in up to 15 years or more, depending on aggravating factors, under NH basic penalties. Fines can reach thousands of dollars, depending on the damage or property value involved. Courts may also require restitution to the victim for losses. And even after serving time, probation means you’re under strict supervision that limits your freedoms, often mandated under probation or parole guidelines.

Life Consequences

And it doesn’t stop there. A conviction can affect every corner of your personal and professional life, with collateral consequences that often persist well beyond the sentence. Employers often run background checks, and a felony conviction could disqualify you instantly. Landlords may reject rental applications when they see a robbery on your record. Personal relationships suffer, and trust becomes difficult to rebuild. Your ability to get loans, enroll in college, or even volunteer in your community may disappear overnight.

That’s why it’s not just about fighting charges. It’s about protecting your entire future.

Robbery Investigations and Arrests in Goffstown: What You Can Expect

In Goffstown, robbery investigations typically begin with local police officers from the Goffstown Police Department on Mast Road. If the alleged incident is serious or spans jurisdictional lines, the New Hampshire State Police or the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department may get involved.

The investigation usually includes surveillance footage collection (from banks, convenience stores, or traffic cams), witness statements, 911 call logs, and reviewing phone records or GPS data if applicable.

If law enforcement believes there's enough probable cause, they'll make an arrest and transport you to the Hillsborough County Superior Court – Northern District for your arraignment. This is your first appearance in court and your first chance to start building your defense. While the legal process may follow similar steps in other locations, knowing how things work specifically in Goffstown can give your defense a local advantage.

Remember, police and prosecutors are working quickly. Evidence can pile up before you even realize you're the target of an investigation. That’s why fast action matters.

Common Defense Strategies That Could Turn Your Case Around

Every robbery case has two sides and we dig deep into the one that hasn’t been told yet: yours. Here are some defense strategies that might apply to your situation, especially those we've seen our criminal defense attorneys use effectively:

• Mistaken identity: Eyewitnesses get things wrong more often than you think, especially in high-stress moments
• No intent to commit robbery: Maybe you took something during an argument without meaning to use force.
• Insufficient evidence: Weak security footage or no fingerprints might mean the prosecution can’t prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
• You have an alibi and credible witnesses: If you were somewhere else and can prove it, your charges might fall apart.

We also examine whether statements were coerced, biased, or contradictory. It’s not just about poking holes. It’s about building a complete picture, one that shows you as a whole person, not just a charge on paper.

Preserving evidence early can be a game-changer. Phone records, camera footage, text messages, all of it can disappear quickly if we don’t act fast. That’s why calling a lawyer right away is one of the smartest moves you can make.

How to Navigate a Robbery Charge: Immediate Steps to Protect Yourself

If you’ve been arrested or even questioned for robbery in Goffstown, your next steps could decide your outcome. First and foremost, don’t talk. It’s your right to remain silent. Use it. Say nothing to friends or family about the case. Even casual posts on social media can be used against you in court. Even innocent conversations can be twisted or misunderstood and later used against you.

Write down everything you remember: who was there, what happened, what time it occurred, and where you were. Save any texts, emails, or photos that might back up your side of the story. Don’t wait to contact an attorney. Many people panic, and that’s normal. But making decisions out of fear often leads to bigger problems down the road. Getting legal advice early can stop that downward spiral before it begins.

Juvenile Robbery Charges in Goffstown: Protecting Your Child’s Future

When a teenager is charged with robbery, it’s not just about the immediate consequences. It’s about the long road ahead. In Goffstown, juvenile cases go through a different process than adult ones. But that doesn’t mean they’re less serious.

In most juvenile robbery cases, the goal is rehabilitation, not punishment. Judges look closely at a minor’s school history, family background, and involvement in the community. Penalties might include counseling, community service, or supervised release. But without strong legal advocacy, a minor can still face confinement or even be transferred to adult court and that’s a risk no family should take lightly.

We’ve seen how one poor decision can follow a young person for years. The earlier you involve an experienced lawyer, the better chance you have at working with someone from a recognized law firm to protect your child’s name, record, and future.

FAQs About Robbery Defense in Goffstown

How long does a robbery case usually last in Goffstown?

It depends. Some wrap up in a few months through plea deals; others go to trial and take a year or longer. The timing often hinges on motions, hearings, and other steps within the pre-trial process, which can significantly affect how fast or slow a case moves through the system.

Can robbery charges be reduced or dropped?

Yes, especially if the evidence is weak or your rights were violated. Prosecutors may also agree to lesser charges in exchange for a guilty plea. A deep understanding of criminal charges and their progression can inform your legal strategy.

How can a lawyer help my robbery case?

A strong attorney challenges the state’s evidence, protects your rights, and builds a strategy that fits your situation. You’re not alone in this and that makes all the difference.

Horn Wright, LLP: Your Strong Advocate in Goffstown Robbery Cases

Reach out to Horn Wright, LLP. We’ve handled robbery cases in Goffstown and across Hillsborough County for years. We understand the local court system, the prosecutors, and the way law enforcement builds its cases. Our approach combines personal attention, tireless investigation, and relentless advocacy. Whether you're an adult or a parent fighting for your child, we’re here to help protect your rights and your future every step of the way.