Assault and Domestic Violence

Assault charges in New Hampshire have the potential to result in life-altering penalties for those accused of committing such crimes. These charges can result from many different types of incidents. Often, misunderstandings can lead to such accusations being levied against a person. In other cases, deep emotions and moments of passion can lead to actions that are eventually charged as assault.

Whatever the reasons may be behind an alleged assault, it is important that you completely understand your charges and the repercussions that could result upon conviction. With a free consultation with a Nashua assault crime defense lawyer at The Anzalone Law Firm, you can have a deeper insight into your charges and potential legal options. Do not wait to begin creating a strong defense against your charges - call our office today at 603.548.3797.

New Hampshire Criminal Code Section 631 separates assault into first and second degree crimes depending on the circumstances of the incident.

• First Degree Assault

  Class A felony, punishable by a maximum of 15 years in prison. This can be charged when the assault purposely causes serious bodily injury; when bodily injury is caused via a deadly weapon; when the assault purposely results in miscarriage or stillbirth; or when the victim of serious bodily injury is younger than 13.

• Second Degree Assault

  Class B felony, punishable by a maximum of seven years in prison. Charges result when the assault knowingly or recklessly caused serious bodily injury; recklessly caused serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon; was done with “extreme indifference to the value of human life”; recklessly or negligently causes a stillbirth or miscarriage; or involves strangling the victim.

When an alleged assault does not match any of the criteria for first or second degree assault, it may be charged as simple assault. This can be charged when the defendant knowingly, recklessly, or purposely causes bodily injury or unprivileged physical contact to a victim, or negligently causes injury through using a deadly weapon.

Simple assault is a misdemeanor crime, punishable by up to one year in jail. However, if it is done in a fight that was given mutual consent, it is deemed a violation.

New Hampshire does not have a criminal statute that specifically creates a charge of domestic violence, which would be based on the relationship between the alleged perpetrator and victim. Rather, a person will be charged with an assault crime while police officers mark that it was a domestic violence-related incident. This may become part of court proceedings but is not related to the degree of crime that is charged.

Being convicted of an assault crime can lead to multiple penalties, with years spent in prison having a major negative impact on the personal and professional life of a defendant. Additionally, this could result in restraining orders issued by alleged victims including family and friends. In any case, the negative effects of a conviction could last for years after all time has been served in prison.

At The Anzalone Law Firm, our New Hampshire assault defense lawyers are dedicated to protecting our clients throughout all aspects of their trials. We understand that a conviction may not only result in years behind bars, but also severe damage to personal and familial relationships. As such, we work toward creating the best possible outcome for a case for the wellbeing of both the defendant and his or her family. Remember that in this time of need you are not alone; the legal team at The Anzalone Law Firm is only one call away at 603.548.3797.