Hooksett, NH Robbery Criminal Defense Attorneys

The First Steps After a Robbery Charge in Hooksett

Getting charged with robbery in Hooksett is overwhelming. Your mind races. You think about the police report, what to say in court, and whether your life will ever feel normal again. Robbery charges carry weight. They’re more than just legal problems. They affect your job, your family, and your future.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how stressful this is. Our New Hampshire law firm helps people across Hooksett and Merrimack County fight robbery charges with clear-headed, aggressive strategies. If you're facing accusations, we’re here to guide you every step of the way from arrest through trial with the local insight and dedication you need to move forward.

Understanding Robbery Charges in Hooksett

Robbery isn't just theft. It's theft with force or the threat of force. In New Hampshire, robbery is defined under RSA 636:1. If someone uses physical force or threatens a person during the act of stealing, it becomes robbery even if no one gets hurt.

It’s easy to confuse robbery with theft or burglary, but they’re very different under the law:

• Theft involves unlawfully taking someone’s property.
• Burglary means entering a building to commit a crime inside (not necessarily theft).
• Robbery includes direct confrontation, like grabbing a purse or demanding money with a threat.

In Hooksett, robbery is almost always charged as a felony, one of the serious matters we handle as part of our broader practice areas in criminal defense. That means real prison time, even for a first offense. A standard robbery conviction can land you in prison for up to 7 years. If a weapon is involved or someone is injured, that sentence can jump up to 20 years or more under basic sentencing guidelines.

Here’s where people get caught off guard. Many think a robbery charge isn’t serious if no one was physically harmed or if it didn’t involve a weapon. That’s not true. In New Hampshire, even implying force like saying “Give me your wallet or else” can trigger full robbery charges.

What Makes Robbery Charges Unique in New Hampshire?

Not all robbery charges are the same. In New Hampshire, there are levels. Aggravated robbery and armed robbery raise the stakes.

Aggravated robbery involves either:

• Being armed with a deadly weapon during the crime, or
• Causing serious injury to another person.

These can carry 10 to 20 years behind bars and heavy fines. The situation becomes even more serious if you're accused of injuring someone or have a prior record. If you were carrying a firearm or even pretending to have one but didn’t actually use it, our criminal defense attorneys can counter Class A felony charges with experience in aggravated and armed robbery cases.

Another major factor? Where your case is heard. In Merrimack County, robbery cases are handled at the Merrimack County Superior Court in Concord. Judges there tend to scrutinize violent crimes more harshly, especially those involving weapons. Knowing how the court operates and what local prosecutors prioritize can make a huge difference.

Arrested for Robbery in Hooksett? Here’s What Happens Next

It often starts with flashing lights. If you're arrested in Hooksett, you'll likely be taken to the Hooksett Police Department on Main Street. Officers will process you through mugshots, fingerprints, and questioning in line with New Hampshire’s arrest and booking procedures.

From there, the bail process begins. New Hampshire recently shifted its approach to bail, and Merrimack County follows the newer protocols closely. Depending on the charge, you may be held overnight and brought to the Merrimack County Superior Court for a bail hearing. If the court sees you as a flight risk or a threat to the community, they might deny bail altogether, making it critical to have expert legal support for criminal charges right from the start.

Here’s a quick rundown of what usually happens:

• Booking at the Hooksett Police Department
• Initial bail hearing in court (sometimes within 24 hours)
• Arraignment, where charges are formally read
• Pre-trial hearing, where evidence and motions are discussed

Each step is intimidating, especially when the stakes are so high. But the earlier you have an attorney by your side, the better your chances of controlling the outcome.

Building Your Defense: Key Strategies in Robbery Cases

Robbery cases depend on what prosecutors can prove. That means the evidence matters a lot. We’ve seen successful case results come from reviewing police reports that reveal inconsistencies or oversights, the kind that shift the entire trajectory of a case.

Our team looks at:

• Surveillance video from businesses or street cams (like near Hooksett Village or along Hooksett Road)
• Eyewitness accounts, which are often unreliable or conflicting
• Police reports, checking for any inconsistencies or rushed assumptions

Mistakes happen more than you’d think. Officers might have skipped steps, ignored leads, or violated your rights during the arrest. These errors can shift the entire trajectory of your case.

We also dig into the details that often get overlooked like the element of intent. Maybe you never meant to scare anyone. Maybe you were there, but didn’t participate. Or maybe there's a perfectly valid alibi like being at Donati Park with friends when the incident happened across town.

It’s all about building a picture that challenges the prosecution’s version of events, piece by piece. That includes scrutinizing the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

How to Handle Police Interactions After a Robbery Charge

What you say and when you say it matters more than you realize. After an arrest, officers may push you to talk. They may act friendly, say it’s just a chat, or claim it’ll “go easier” if you cooperate. Don’t fall for it.

Here’s what you need to remember:

• You have the right to remain silent. Use it.
• Don’t explain. Don’t justify. Don’t argue.
• Ask for your lawyer immediately.

If you're being questioned at the Hooksett Police Department, Merrimack County Jail or any of our locations across New Hampshire and beyond, don’t answer anything without legal representation. Innocent people sometimes talk themselves into trouble just by trying to “clear things up.”

Police are trained to extract confessions or admissions even if you didn’t do anything wrong. Know your rights in any police encounter and protect yourself. Say nothing until your lawyer is with you.

Potential Defenses: How Hooksett Lawyers Can Fight Robbery Charges

Every robbery case is different. Some boil down to identity, others to motivation. We've helped clients in Hooksett get charges reduced or dropped by focusing on key defense strategies.

Some of the most effective defenses include:

• Mistaken identity: Eyewitnesses get things wrong, especially in high-stress situations.
• Lack of intent: If there was no intent to steal or no threat involved, it may not meet the robbery threshold.
• Coercion or duress: If someone forced you to commit the act under threat, it can change how your case is handled.
• Police misconduct: If Hooksett officers didn’t follow procedure like searching you without a warrant, the evidence may be thrown out.

We also watch for weaknesses in the opposing side’s case, a strategy that contributed to being recognized as one of New Hampshire’s best law firms in 2025. If they’re missing a key element, like video footage or reliable witness testimony, that opens the door for dismissal or a lesser charge.

The Impact of a Robbery Conviction on Your Life

A robbery conviction doesn’t just end with a prison sentence. It follows you long after you're released. In Hooksett and across New Hampshire, employers often reject applicants with felony records, especially for anything involving violence or theft.

The ripple effects include:

• Difficulty finding housing, especially in tighter markets like Merrimack County
• Loss of civil rights, like voting or owning firearms
• Strained personal relationships, especially if children or custody agreements are involved

You’ll also carry a reputation that’s hard to shake even if you served your time. That’s why plea deals, alternative sentencing, or pretrial diversion programs are often smart options. They can reduce the long-term damage and give you a second chance. For many, expungement becomes a critical path forward. Others may face mandatory parole conditions.

Community Resources and Support for Accused Individuals in Hooksett

Getting charged with robbery doesn’t mean you’re alone. Hooksett has several local resources that can help you rebuild and regain stability during this time.

Consider reaching out to:

• Merrimack County Diversion Programs, which offer rehabilitation in place of jail time for eligible individuals
• Catholic Charities NH – Manchester Office, for counseling and job readiness programs
• New Hampshire Legal Assistance, for support with housing, employment, and civil rights issues post-conviction
• Bail bond agents, including services near Route 3A and Interstate 93, to help secure temporary release while your case proceeds

Believe it or not, judges often consider community involvement and personal growth when determining sentencing. Attending counseling, finding steady employment, or staying on top of legal principles can positively influence how judges view your case. It also helps to understand the collateral consequences of criminal convictions.

Final Thoughts: Moving Forward After a Robbery Charge in Hooksett

Being accused of robbery in Hooksett isn’t the end. It’s a turning point and what you do next matters most. With the right legal support, the right information, and a clear plan, you can take back control of your future.

Our advice? Stay focused, stay silent until you have legal help, and don’t assume your case is hopeless. Even serious charges can be overcome with preparation, a clear understanding of how criminal charges are filed, and a skilled defense team that knows Hooksett and Merrimack County inside and out.

Horn Wright, LLP: Your Robbery Defense in Hooksett, NH

We’ve built a reputation for fierce, compassionate defense. Our attorneys understand what’s at stake, including your freedom, your reputation, and your future. We’ve handled robbery cases throughout Hooksett and Merrimack County, and we know how to challenge the prosecution, reduce charges, and protect your rights. If you’re facing a robbery charge in Hooksett, don’t face it alone. Contact Horn Wright, LLP, and let us take that stress off your shoulders and fight for the best possible outcome.