Keene Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal charges can be daunting. An accusation alone can have destabilizing effects on your life and relationships, and a conviction can lead to a stigmatizing criminal record and incarceration. But Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.’s Keene criminal defense attorneys are here for you without judgment, and ready to come to your aid. Our firm has decades of experience arguing criminal cases, and we will work toward mitigating or eliminating your exposure to the criminal accusations you face.

We understand the importance of acting quickly when you have been arrested for a crime, and our Keene, NH attorneys waste no time in protecting and advocating for you. We are prepared to defend your case so you can retain as much of your freedom as possible. Call us at (800) 451-1002 or contact us online to request a consultation and learn more about your options.

The experienced team at Shaheen & Gordon knows how to navigate the criminal justice system and get results

With more than four decades of experience, Shaheen & Gordon’s criminal defense team is well-versed in the criminal justice system and knows how to navigate the state and federal court systems to secure positive results. We are well-connected in the Keene community and have the resources to provide our clients with the services and resources they need to win their case.

We also understand how confusing the criminal justice system can be, and we are here to provide guidance and simplify the process as much as possible. We handle all aspects of your case, and our team is committed to finding the solution and defense that will be the most effective against the prosecution.

Your legal rights as someone charged with a crime in Keene

Right to remain silent until you have representation: If you have been arrested, you have the right to remain silent and cannot be compelled to answer questions about an alleged crime when you are in custody. As part of a criminal investigation, law enforcement may wish to speak with you. The decision regarding whether you should invoke your Miranda rights is an important one and ought to be made in consultation with a qualified criminal defense attorney. Law enforcement can use your words against you during prosecution, so it is important to not say anything and retain legal representation before proceeding.

Right to due process: You have the right to learn of the charges against you and provide your own arguments and witnesses in your defense. The burden of proof is on the prosecution to demonstrate evidence of your crime beyond a reasonable doubt, and you are allowed to defend yourself.

Right to a speedy trial: You have the right to a speedy trial before a judge and (depending on the nature of the charge) a jury so your case is not unnecessarily delayed. You are to be treated fairly during custody and trial so you are not deprived of your basic freedoms.

Shaheen & Gordon will challenge the charges against you

Communication is at the heart of our criminal defense practice. Our attorneys will get to know you, work with you to build a compelling defense, and keep you informed as your case progresses. Every step of the way, we will make sure that you are aware of your options and work to secure the best outcome for your case.

The lawyers at Shaheen & Gordon understand what is at stake in your case. To make sure that you’re fully informed, our lawyers will outline the direct and collateral consequences you may face as a result of charges against you as they work to assess your case for legal and factual defenses. Our team will keep an eye out for issues pertaining to procedure, evidence, science, and constitutional concerns that may mitigate the consequences or defeat the charges altogether. They will not stop until they secure a favorable result or all options have been exhausted.

Client Testimonials

“I cannot begin to describe how much stress and anxiety you [Attorney Breda] saved me from, knowing that I had someone qualified in my corner fighting for me. I really appreciate the effort on your end and am so thankful with how things ultimately played out. My thanks to Heather as well!”

- Anonymous

“Jim Rosenberg and his staff get things done quickly and efficiently. Communicating with them was very simple and easy. Jim always replied in a timely manner. The whole team was effective in answering any questions I had with detail and transparency. Jim is a kind and caring attorney who made it simpler to understand the legal system in terms that made sense to me. I will recommend them to friends and family 10 out of 10 times.”

- Griffen N.

“[We] are both deeply grateful to you [Attorney Joe Cherniske] for representing our son in his recent legal trouble. The result was significantly better than imagined, and we do not minimize the effort and skill that went into such a favorable outcome. You have the ability to make your work appear effortless, yet there was clearly a significant amount being done behind the scenes. I remember saying to you in our initial conversation that we needed a lawyer who could be both compassionate and tough when necessary, and you assured me you could be that person. We found this to be true in our interactions with you.”

- Anonymous

Shaheen & Gordon is equipped to represent you in a variety of criminal defense cases

Shaheen & Gordon will aggressively fight to ensure you receive the most favorable outcome possible in your case. We help you navigate the legal system and fiercely advocate for you throughout the entire process. Our team has a vast knowledge of this area of the law and is ready to handle a variety of criminal cases. Some common cases we handle include:

Assault & battery
Burglary
Criminal appeals
Disorderly conduct
Domestic violence
Drug crimes
DWI and DUI
Expungements
Federal crimes
Juvenile defense
Major motor vehicle offenses
Murder and manslaughter
Negligent homicide
Public corruption
Sex crimes (including Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault, Felonious Sexual Assault, and Sexual Assault)
Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
Tax evasion
Tax fraud
Theft crimes

Regardless of the charges you face, our criminal defense attorneys take the time and effort to fully understand your case and tailor their defense accordingly. They will act quickly and work diligently to build a strong defense and improve your chances at success during negotiations or trial.

What to expect in a criminal defense case in Keene, New Hampshire

If this is the first time you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it is understandable to be uncertain about the process and what to expect. This is where a lawyer can help prepare you for what to expect as you move through the court system. While not all cases go to trial, those that do follow a certain process.

Arraignment: Following an arrest for a crime, an arraignment is set, which is a first appearance in court where a defendant may plead not guilty and address any bail conditions that might be a concern. In many cases, a New Hampshire lawyer has the ability to waive arraignment on behalf of a client.
Discovery: From here, defendants have the right to discovery–to receive the information and evidence that the state plans to rely on to support its charges against them. Our lawyers protect that right by demanding discovery and, where necessary, litigating motions for discovery on behalf of our clients.
Pre-Trial Motions and Negotiation: Our team of criminal defense attorneys then analyzes the factual and legal issues in the case to spot legal issues and consider any pre-trial motions, such as motions to suppress evidence and statements, as well as other motions addressing the application of the rules of evidence to the facts of the case. All the while, our lawyers use court hearings and other opportunities along the way to engage in negotiations as they prepare the case for the possibility of a trial.
Trial: Depending on the seriousness of the charge, criminal trials may either occur in front of a judge alone or a jury. Trials conclude with a finding of guilty or not guilty.
Verdict and Appeal: Following a guilty verdict, the judge imposes a sentence. From there, criminal defendants have a right to appeal any legal errors made during the trial to the New Hampshire Supreme Court in state cases or the First Circuit Court of Appeals in federal cases.

How aggravating and mitigating factors can impact the outcome of a criminal case

In state court cases, judges impose sentences after considering concepts such as punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation. However, a sentencing guideline applies in federal cases to create a sentence range based on a number of aggravating and mitigating circumstances. A judge has the discretion to deviate from these guidelines and increase or decrease the baseline sentence as they see fit.

Generally, sentencing courts consider the facts of the case itself, as well as a defendant’s prior record, family circumstances, employment history, conduct during police contact and throughout the case, and the impact on victims and their families in fashioning a sentence.

The circumstances surrounding a criminal event can supply important context for a court to consider in mitigating a potential sentence in a criminal case. Mental illness, substance use and abuse, a job loss, financial hardship, parenting responsibilities as well as a myriad of other potential issues can impact a sentence in a criminal case, for better or worse.

Shaheen & Gordon is ready to defend you against criminal charges

Shaheen & Gordon provides exceptional legal representation when you are facing criminal charges. You deserve to be treated fairly and have a legal advocate who can ensure that the outcome of your case is not threatened. We work hard to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed and minimize the effect on your life. To discuss your case with an attorney, contact us online or call our offices at (800) 451-1002 to request a consultation today.

Answers to your questions about criminal defense cases in Keene

What defenses may be used in my case?

In consultation with you, the defense your lawyer chooses to use will depend on the specific details and factors involved in your case. However, there are some common defenses that can be used in a variety of situations to combat allegations by the prosecution. According to the New Hampshire Criminal Code, these defenses can include:

Alibi
Mistaken identity
Self defense
Duress
Entrapment
Intoxication (may not apply in all circumstances)
Insanity

What potential punishments could I receive if convicted?

Depending on the nature of the crime, the strength of the prosecution’s case, or the judge’s discretion, you could potentially be convicted and punished for the alleged crime. The type of punishment you could receive is likely to depend on whether the crime is a misdemeanor or a felony, and what other factors were involved. If you receive a sentence, you might face community service, jail or prison time, house arrest, diversionary measures, and restitution, among other punishments.

What is a plea bargain, and should I take it?

The criminal defense team actively works to prepare your case for trial while engaging in negotiations in order to address the risks associated with a criminal conviction. A plea bargain allows a defendant to take advantage of a deal that would lessen their charges or sentence if they enter a plea of guilty. This can benefit both the prosecutor and the defendant, who may be able to avoid trial or additional charges.

However, a plea deal may not be available in every situation, and whether or not it should be accepted can also vary. While a plea bargain can reduce charges, it often requires that you accept responsibility for the alleged crime. If you did not engage in the crime you are accused of, then accepting a deal may not be in your best interests. There may also be other factors that preclude you from accepting the deal, so always be sure to speak with your attorney before proceeding.

How long will my case take to resolve?

The amount of time it will take to resolve your case will largely depend on the type of crime, the complexity of the case, and the specific court in which the case will unfold. If your case goes to trial, this can significantly lengthen the duration of your case. Your criminal defense lawyers can provide a clearer picture of how long your case could take, and they will keep you updated on developments that could increase or decrease that estimate.