Peterborough Criminal Defense Attorneys

Protecting Your Freedom & Your Future

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side. In New Hampshire, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and judges take criminal accusations extremely seriously; you could be at risk of significant criminal penalties, ranging from jail or prison time to thousands of dollars in fines, probation, and more. A conviction can not only threaten your freedom but also your reputation, your rights, and nearly every aspect of your future.

At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., we help individuals from all walks of life who are facing serious criminal charges. Our Peterborough criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience and a long, proven record of success. We have developed a reputation for providing clients with the personalized legal counsel they need and the aggressive representation they deserve. Reach out to our firm right away to learn how we can help you with your defense.

Understanding Your Rights When You Are Arrested or Accused of a Crime

When you are stopped by law enforcement, arrested for a crime, or even under investigation, you have certain constitutional rights. It is important that you know these rights to protect yourself. However, our attorneys regularly identify constitutional violations when defending our criminal cases and incorporate those arguments in negotiations, pre-trial motions, and trial presentations.

Below is a brief outline of some of your most important constitutional rights during an arrest or any interaction with law enforcement:

• The Right to Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent. Other than supplying basic identifying information to a police officer, you are under no obligation to discuss the subject matter of a criminal offense. We recommend you remain polite and level-headed, but that you refrain from speaking to law enforcement regarding any potential crime until you have first met with an attorney. Those things you say to police officers really may be used as evidence against you down the road!
• The Right to an Attorney: You have the right to legal counsel anytimelaw enforcement initiates a charge against you, meaning you have the right to speak to and engage the services of an attorney to defend your case and communicate with police and prosecutors on your behalf. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one for you in cases where there is exposure to potential jail or prison time.
• Miranda Rights: Your Miranda rights include the two rights listed above (the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney). An arresting officer must read you your Miranda rights when two factors are present: police place you in custody AND subject you to interrogation regarding the subject matter of a potential criminal matter. However, it is not unusual for police to make an arrest without issuing Miranda warnings in a range of circumstances, including routine motor vehicle arrests where they do not intend to interrogate you.
• Unlawful Search and Seizure: Generally speaking, police must have a warrant to search you, your home, your vehicle, or your computer. However, there are several recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement, including consent, plain view, hot pursuit, and certain emergency circumstances. Further, in New Hampshire, police may conduct an inventory search of your motor vehicle following a roadside arrest where law enforcement intends to tow your vehicle. When police seek your consent to conduct a search of your person, home, vehicle, or electronic devices, you have the right to refuse consent. An arresting officer is permitted to conduct a search incident to a lawful arrest or a “pat down” to search your person and ensure you are not carrying a weapon.
• Due Process: The right to due process refers to your right to receive fair treatment under the law. This means that you have the right to be treated fairly during all phases of the criminal justice process, including having a lawyer represent you, receiving “discovery” or the information and evidence that police and prosecutors plan to rely upon to support the charges against you. In cases where you could face jail or prison time, this also includes your right to have a jury consider your case.

In many cases, law enforcement violate people’s rights. At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys routinely spot constitutional violations in our client’s cases and incorporate those defects in our negotiations and pre-trial motion practice. For example, if we discover that an arresting officer obtained evidence against you through an unlawful search and seizure, we can file a motion to suppress that evidence in the hope of excluding it from trial.

The Effects of a Criminal Conviction

The consequences of a criminal or motor vehicle conviction can be serious. A criminal record can impact your employment, educational opportunities, ability to secure loans, housing opportunities or you’re your ability to participate in a range of community events, such as coaching youth sports. Even minor motor vehicle convictions can result in points or habitual offender consequences that threaten your privilege to drive. Certain criminal convictions may result in jail or prison sentences, steep fines, and restitution, not to mention the social stigma associated with criminal charges as today’s news media often report local events online, creating a lasting footprint of criminal allegations. Certain criminal convictions may also impact your constitutional rights, such as your right to vote or possess a firearm. Sexual offense convictions typically require registration on the sex offender registry, a publically available list of those convicted of certain offenses, which may have a draconian impact on your life. Our defense team is aware of these risks and works to fashion outcome-oriented results that reflect the priorities in your life, prioritizing your family and professional responsibilities.

Unfortunately, prosecutors often seek to make an example of people arrested for criminal offenses. In many cases, they push for significant penalties. Judges don’t just dismiss cases based on a compelling explanation. Our criminal lawyers have years of experience in local, state, and federal courts. It is critical that you work with a Peterborough criminal defense attorney to defend your case.

Types of Criminal Matters We Handle

At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., we assist clients with all types of criminal matters, including but not limited to:

• Appeals
• Assaults
• Domestic violence charges
• Drug crimes
• DWI
• Federal crimes
• Firearm offenses
• Internet crimes
• Juvenile crimes
• School disciplinary hearings and Title IX matters
• Sexual offenses
• Theft crimes
• Violent crimes
• White collar crimes

No matter how serious the situation, we can help. Our attorneys strive to absorb the impact of a criminal case on your life. Our work begins when we meet you to gather information about you, your background, family circumstances, and professional obligations. We spot legal and constitutional issues that apply to your case and blend those defenses into our negotiations with prosecutors, pre-trial motion practice, trial presentation, and appeals. Our goal is to divert charges, seek dismissals for our clients, and, when necessary, try our cases with the goal of securing the best result possible. We strive to do so with compassion for our clients, an understanding of the criminal process, and with zealous advocacy, styling a defense that is unique to the circumstances of every case.