New Hampshire laws and procedures related to criminal defense are complicated and require a skilled criminal defense lawyer to properly navigate through the process. Criminal defense Attorney Patrick E. Donovan of Hatem & Donovan fights for the rights of alleged criminal offenders in Salem, New Hampshire, and throughout the State of New Hampshire. Attorney Patrick E. Donovan delivers personalized attention to his clients by keeping case information detailed and accessible, and provides criminal defense legal solutions related to the following matters:

• Drunk Driving/ DUI
• Drugs and Narcotics Charges
• Felony Crimes
• Sexual Offenses
• Misdemeanors
• Serious Violent Crimes and Murder

When a society and its government deem that certain behavior or conduct is dangerous to citizens, or collectively damaging to society, such conduct is labeled a "crime" and is made punishable by sanctions, such as fines and imprisonment. Most crimes are identified in statutes that have been enacted by federal, state, and local government legislatures, in response to issues that affect the jurisdiction. Criminal statutes describe the type of conduct that has been deemed a crime, the mindset or intent required, and in some instances, the proper punishment.

In criminal law, the pending litigation is initiated by the state or federal government through a prosecutor rather than being initiated by the victim, as it is in civil law. Plaintiffs in a civil law suit only need to show by a preponderance of the evidence that a defendant is 51% or more liable (responsible) for the damages. However, the prosecutor in a criminal law case has to prove to the judge or jury "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the defendant is guilty of the crime charged.

At all stages of the criminal process, an individual suspected of or charged with a crime is entitled to certain fundamental rights that derive from the U.S. Constitution and key court decisions. These include the right to an attorney, and the right to a fair trial. These constitutional rights enforce a balance between the government's interest in ensuring that criminal behavior is identified and punished, and the need to protect an individual's freedoms as set forth by a democratic society.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime in New Hampshire and needs the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, call Patrick E. Donovan of Hatem & Donovan, P.C., today at  866-723-0626, or complete the contact form provided on this site to begin your free consultation.