Facing Receiving Stolen Property Charges in Rockingham County? Our Criminal Defense Attorney Is Ready to Defend You
If you’ve been charged with Receiving Stolen Property in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, you are likely facing uncertainty, stress, and the risk of a serious criminal conviction. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we understand how these charges can impact your life, your job, your reputation, and your freedom. That’s why our experienced, aggressive, and relentless Rockingham criminal defense attorneys approach each case with thoughtful legal strategies designed to protect your future, not just react to the charges.
Our firm focuses on criminal defense with an emphasis on theft and property crimes, including Receiving Stolen Property and Theft of Services. We represent individuals across Brentwood, Candia, Derry, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Salem, bringing local insight and legal skill to every case. If you’ve been accused of Receiving Stolen Property, we are here to guide you through the legal process with clarity and purpose.
What Is Receiving Stolen Property in New Hampshire?
Under New Hampshire RSA 637:7, a person can be charged with Receiving Stolen Property if they knowingly receive, retain, or dispose of stolen property, and either know or should have known it was stolen. This means you can be charged even if you didn’t steal the item yourself. Simply accepting or holding onto stolen property can be enough.
The law considers factors such as:
- Whether the person believed the property was stolen
- Whether the property was acquired under suspicious circumstances
- Whether the person attempted to conceal the property
The severity of the charge typically depends on the value of the stolen item(s):
- Misdemeanor: If the item is worth less than $1,000.
- Class B Felony: If the value is more than $1,000 but less than $1,500.
- Class A Felony: If the value exceeds $1,500 or if the offense is part of an ongoing pattern.
Each classification carries potential fines, restitution, and jail or prison time. Conviction also leads to a criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and even immigration status.
Strategic Defense for Receiving Stolen Property Charges
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we take a strategic, evidence-based approach to criminal defense. Our team includes a former prosecutor with unique insight into how the other side builds their case. We analyze every detail to develop defenses such as:
- Lack of Knowledge: We work to demonstrate that you had no reason to know the property was stolen.
- Mistake of Fact: You may have believed the property was lawfully owned or given to you.
- Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt—we challenge weak or missing links in their case.
- Chain of Possession: We may question whether the item in question truly qualifies as stolen, and whether your involvement was mischaracterized.
Our goal is always to minimize the consequences you face: whether that’s dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable resolution through negotiations or trial. We tailor each defense to your specific circumstances, with full awareness of the local courts in Rockingham County.
Why Choose a Rockingham County Criminal Defense Attorney?
When facing a criminal charge like Receiving Stolen Property, you want someone who knows the system from the inside out. Our Rockingham County criminal defense attorneys have extensive courtroom experience in the local New Hampshire courts. We understand how judges and prosecutors operate here and how to position your case for the best outcome.
Choosing our firm means:
- Personalized legal strategy sessions
- Access to trial-ready defense attorneys
- Honest guidance about your options and risks
- Skilled handling of theft and property crime cases
We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every client and case gets the focused attention it deserves. Contact us now to set up a strategy session and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Additional Related Charges We Handle
Alongside Receiving Stolen Property, our firm also defends clients against related offenses, including:
- Theft by Unauthorized Taking (RSA 637:3)
- Theft by Deception (RSA 637:4)
- Theft of Services (RSA 637:8)
- Shoplifting (RSA 637:3-a)
- Possession of Burglary Tools (RSA 635:1)
These offenses are often charged together or used to escalate the seriousness of a case. Having a skilled defense team that understands the broader picture can make a significant difference.
Protect Your Rights—Start Building Your Defense
Receiving a criminal charge doesn’t mean you’re guilty, and it doesn’t have to define your future. The sooner you speak with a relentless Rockingham criminal defense attorney, the more options you may have to protect your rights and your record.
Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson now to set up a strategy session. We are ready to stand by your side and advocate for you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Receiving Stolen Property a felony in New Hampshire?
Yes, depends upon the worth of the pilfered goods. If the value exceeds $1,000, it may be charged as a felony. The classification (Class A or Class B) depends on the total value and whether it’s a repeat offense.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the item was stolen?
You can only be convicted if the prosecution proves that you knew or should have known the property was stolen. Our defense often focuses on disputing this knowledge element.
What are the penalties for Receiving Stolen Property?
Penalties can include jail time, fines, restitution, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Misdemeanor penalties are less severe than felony charges, but any conviction can have lasting consequences.
What should I do if I’m contacted by police about stolen property?
Do not speak to law enforcement without legal representation. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact our office immediately to discuss your rights and next steps.
How can a criminal defense attorney help my case?
A qualified criminal defense attorney can evaluate the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, file motions to suppress evidence, and fight your case at trial if needed. With experience in Rockingham County, our attorneys can provide clear, practical guidance to help you move forward.