Portsmouth, NH Robbery Criminal Defense Attorneys

Facing Robbery Charges in Portsmouth, NH: Protecting Your Rights and Future

Getting charged with robbery can turn your life upside down. The shock. The fear. The uncertainty. It's overwhelming. You might feel like everything is spinning out of control, and suddenly, your future is hanging in the balance.

That’s why it’s so important to have someone in your corner who knows the legal terrain and can fight for your rights. Legal representation isn’t just a formality, it’s your lifeline. Here in Portsmouth, the legal system has its own unique pace and procedures. Understanding that system, and how robbery charges play out within it, can help take some of that stress off your shoulders.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our criminal defense attorneys understand how serious robbery charges are, and how local experience makes a difference. We've represented clients across Portsmouth, from Islington Street to the edges of Pease International Tradeport. We know the courts, the prosecutors, and how to build a strong defense in this community.

Robbery Charges in Portsmouth – More Serious Than You Think

Let’s make one thing clear: robbery isn’t just stealing. It’s stealing by force or threat. Under New Hampshire law, specifically RSA 636:1, robbery happens when someone uses physical force or the threat of it while committing theft. That force could be as simple as pushing someone, or as serious as brandishing a weapon.

Robbery is different from burglary or shoplifting. Burglary usually involves entering a building unlawfully, often when no one’s around. Theft might involve taking something without permission but without confrontation. Robbery, though? It’s direct. It involves people, confrontation, and fear.

New Hampshire treats robbery as a felony. That means you’re not just facing a slap on the wrist. Robbery convictions can carry sentences ranging from seven to fifteen years in prison. If there’s a weapon involved or someone gets hurt, that sentence can increase significantly. In addition to prison time, you could also be facing thousands of dollars in fines. And perhaps most damaging of all, a felony conviction leaves you with a permanent criminal record.

Think about the long-term effects:

• Time in prison
• Financial penalties
• Lost opportunities due to a criminal record

These consequences don’t just affect the present—they reshape your entire future.

How Portsmouth Police and Prosecutors Handle Robbery Cases

In Portsmouth, law enforcement doesn’t take robbery lightly. Market Square and areas around Memorial Bridge often see heavier patrols, especially during busy times. If an incident happens in one of these zones, expect an immediate response. Officers quickly secure the scene, talk to witnesses, and pull footage from nearby businesses.

Once a suspect is in custody, the case often moves quickly to Rockingham County Superior Court. Prosecutors there are methodical. They collect statements, scrutinize timelines, and line up every detail to build a case for trial. Some may push for plea deals early on—but don’t assume the offer is your best option.

Prosecutors often:

1. Use surveillance evidence aggressively
2. Rely on statements made during arrest
3. Aim to secure convictions with minimal delays

This is why it’s important to get legal help right away. The earlier you act, the better your defense will hold up against this kind of pressure.

Your Rights Matter – Protecting Yourself During an Arrest in Portsmouth

Arrests are chaotic. But even in that chaos, your rights stand firm. If you’re taken into custody, the police must read your Miranda rights. You’ve heard them on TV—"you have the right to remain silent, anything you say can be used against you..."

It’s not just a formality. It’s protection.

What you should do:

• Politely decline to answer questions
• Request an attorney immediately
• Stay calm—resisting or arguing won’t help

What you should avoid:

• Sharing details with others in custody
• Speaking to police without your lawyer present

Keeping quiet doesn’t make you look guilty. It shows you’re smart enough to protect yourself. Let our defense attorneys do the talking from the moment you’re arrested.

Crafting a Solid Defense Against Robbery Charges in Portsmouth

Robbery cases often rely on fast-paced events and uncertain recollections. That opens the door for a strong defense strategy. Your legal team can break down the facts, challenge the timeline, and poke holes in the prosecution’s theory.

Here are three defense angles we frequently explore:

Mistaken identity: Downtown Portsmouth can be chaotic. Someone may have misidentified you in the heat of the moment.

Lack of intent: Being nearby isn’t the same as taking part in a robbery. Your attorney can argue you had no role in the crime.

Bad or unclear evidence: That grainy surveillance video? It might not prove what they think it does.

Portsmouth courts tend to value concrete, reliable evidence. If there’s doubt, or if something doesn’t add up, our defense attorney can use that to your advantage.

Navigating Portsmouth’s Court System – What You Need to Know

Let’s walk through what typically happens after a robbery arrest in Portsmouth:

First, you’ll appear in Portsmouth District Court for your arraignment. That’s where you hear your charges and enter a plea. If the case involves a felony robbery charge, it moves to Rockingham County Superior Court.

From there, you may go through:

• A preliminary hearing to assess the evidence
• A discovery period where both sides exchange info
• Motion hearings to exclude weak or flawed evidence
• Plea bargaining, depending on the strength of the case

If a plea isn’t reached, your case goes to trial.

Your behavior matters, too. Always arrive early, dress respectfully, and follow courtroom etiquette. Judges and juries notice those details.

Real Consequences – How a Robbery Conviction Impacts Your Life in Portsmouth

The punishment doesn’t end after you serve your sentence. Robbery convictions can trail behind you for years, affecting where you live, how you work, and who’s willing to give you a second chance.

Think about the ripple effects:

Employment? Tougher. Employers may hesitate.

Housing? Many landlords reject applicants with felonies.

Education? Some schools and programs may deny entry.

Even socially, a felony record creates distance. You might feel like people don’t trust you, or that you constantly need to explain yourself.

This is why fighting your case isn’t just about staying out of jail, it’s about protecting every part of your future.

Portsmouth Community Resources to Help During Legal Difficulties

There’s help in Portsmouth for those willing to reach out. Legal, emotional, and career support is within reach, especially if you’re trying to get your life back on track.

You might start with:

• New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA): Legal aid for qualifying residents
• Seacoast Mental Health Center: Counseling and support during legal or emotional stress
• WorkReady NH (via Great Bay Community College): Career readiness and job training

Whether you’re rebuilding after a charge or seeking stability during your case, these local groups can be lifelines.

Horn Wright, LLP – Your Portsmouth Ally in Robbery Defense

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how overwhelming it is to face a robbery charge. That’s why we bring more than just legal knowledge to the table—we bring real empathy. Our dedicated Portsmouth criminal defense attorneys have helped clients across Portsmouth handle the toughest legal moments of their lives. We know the local courts. We know the prosecutors. Most importantly, we know how to build a defense that works here. When your future’s on the line, you need someone who won’t just represent you, but truly fight for you. We’re ready to be that team. We’ve earned national recognition as a top-tier criminal defense firm in the U.S.—and we’re proud to put that experience to work for Portsmouth residents.

Call (603) 716-9415 now to speak directly with a Portsmouth defense attorney who’s ready to stand between you and a life-changing conviction.