Top Best Criminal Defense Lawyers | 26140 Available

Attorney Bratton's first case as a lawyer was won before the Massachusetts Supreme Court and then again at the United States Supreme Court.  He tried the first homicide case on Court TV obtaining a verdict of not guilty, and has won numerous other homicide cases since then.  He is a member of the American Bar Associations, Massachusetts Bar Association, New Hampshire Bar Association and the Federal Bar.. Last year Attorney Bratton received a personal injury settlement of $2.5 Million Dollars, and the year before that, settled a medical malpractice case for $3 Million Dollars.. He handles all criminal cases including DWIs in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and specializes in injury cases including auto accidents and other high value cases.

Chuck is a member/partner since joining the firm in January of 2008. He specializes in criminal defense and trial work in all levels of state and federal court in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. As the former vice president and current president of the New Hampshire Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Chuck takes an active leadership role in every issue that affects criminal cases in New Hampshire.. Chuck went to college at Holy Cross where he played baseball and majored in history. After obtaining his degree with honors, he went on to Boston University School of Law. There, he again graduated with honors while receiving the Dean's Award for outstanding academic performance, acting as defense attorney for indigent clients in Boston, and working as an editor on one of the school's law journals.. After graduating law school, Chuck joined a civil trial law firm in Manchester where he worked on wrongful death cases that involved intricate legal issues as well as large monetary claims. Wanting to gain more courtroom experience, and knowing he would focus his career in criminal law, after two years he joined the Hillsborough County Attorney's Office in Nashua. While there he prosecuted felonies ranging from drug cases to physical and sexual assault, theft, and manslaughter. Seeking to apply his abilities at a higher level, Chuck then joined the Homicide Unit at the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office where he prosecuted through trial murder cases throughout the State of New Hampshire.. In January 2008, Chuck joined the firm as a member/partner, and since that time has focused his practice solely on the defense of people charged with state and federal crimes throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Since then, he has won bench and jury trials defending people charged with the most serious of crimes in state and federal court, and he was won cases before the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Later in 2008 after joining the firm, Chuck won the Robert E. Kirby Award given each year to a lawyer 35 years old or younger who represents the best qualities of a New Hampshire lawyer.. Chuck successfully represents people charged with various driving offenses, including DUI/DWI, theft and drug cases, physical and sexual assaults, computer crimes, white-collar matters, and murder. As a former prosecutor, he is well acquainted with the methods, procedures, and tactics used by police and prosecutors when they investigate and prosecute his clients. This allows him an advantage to prepare a steadfast defense for all of his clients at all levels of the court system. He has been recognized as an expert in criminal defense law in New Hampshire, and he has used the expertise to teach criminal defense law to other attorneys and author similar teaching materials, and he is regularly relied upon by local and national media to offer expert commentary on criminal cases.

I have been a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association since 1994.  I am a retired Police Captain with extensive experience in criminal procedure, criminal investigation, arrest, search and seizure and police operations, police procedure and other aspects of criminal investigation and law. I use my knowledge and over 20 years  of criminal justice experience to assist my clients in achieving a favorable outcome to their issues.. I also use my legal knowledge, compassion and understanding to work with my family law, divorce and child custody clients in their most troubling times.  I have experience in divorce, child custody, child support, parental rights, both father's and mother's cases, property and business issues in divorce and all levels of family law litigation.. I live in the Southern New Hampshire area and spend my time outdoors skiing, golfing, hiking, running, bicycling and anything else I can do outdoors!. I am a member of the New hampshire and Nashua Bar Association as well as the Family Law and Criminal Law practice groups.. I also believe in giving back to my community and I am on the Board of Directors of the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter.. January 2025 – Administrative License Suspension (ALS) dismissed against client after Atty Mello took it to an administrative hearing.. January 2025 – DWI accident resulting reduced to a Negligent Driving after Atty Mello negotiated with Police Prosecutor.. January 2025 – Stalking Order against client dismissed after Atty Mello took it to trial.. January 2025 – .16 DWI reduced to a non-criminal Reckless Operation- Salem District Court. January 2025 – Felony Identity Fraud dropped, client plead to a misdemeanor with a fully suspended sentence.. December 2024 – Felony Criminal Threatening with a Firearm-reduced to a misdemeanor with a fully suspended sentence -Merrimack County Superior Court. December 2024 – Complicated four day divorce trial culminated in a win for Atty Mello client where client’s parenting time was increased, alimony eliminated and assets equitably divided.. December 2024 – Complicated divorce trial with multiple business holdings decided for wife who was represented by Atty Mello. She was awarded the marital home and all related equity.. November 2024 – DWI reduced to Negligent Driving-no loss of license-Merrimack District Court. November 2024 – Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Images-client received a fully suspended sentence- Hillsborough Superior Court-Manchester

Portsmouth, New Hampshire criminal defense attorney Kevin O'Keefe has represented thousands of clients in all areas of criminal law. Before establishing Reis & O'Keefe, Kevin handled every type of case from DWIs to major felonies including homicides as an attorney with the New Hampshire Public Defender.. A New Hampshire native, in 2009 Kevin returned to New Hampshire to practice law in his home state after gaining education and experience around the country. He began his legal career at the Broward County Public Defender in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Trial was a daily occurrence in this urban area where, for two years, Kevin spent every day in court and tried dozens of cases. He won acquittals in his first three cases, including two DWIs.. Kevin has ridden the bus with homeless clients in Miami and played badminton with military generals at the Pentagon. He knows that every client and every person has unique motivations and goals and he will see those through to the end with honesty, respect, and a tenacious desire to win.. No one can control what another human being will decide. Kevin provides straightforward advice, representation, and candor to everyone. He will not over-promise you results. Instead, he will fight to get you the best possible result.. You can rest assured that, when you hire him, you are in good hands. In a fast paced trial practice, there is no time to sugar coat and no tolerance for the unprepared. Kevin’s experience in New Hampshire and Florida is unmatched. He is often called on to pass his knowledge to other lawyers; typically presenting on panel jury selection.. Kevin captained, then coached, the UNH tennis team prior to law school. He attended Roger Williams University School of Law in Rhode Island and clerked at the Pentagon for the United States Air Force, conducting administrative analysis and assisting in criminal investigations.. Kevin is an avid surfer and can be found in the ocean at dawn year-round. He loves sports and graduated with a Master’s in Sports Administration from the University of Miami (FL).

Kirsten Wilson is a nationally-respected trial lawyer and former New Hampshire state and county prosecutor. Kirsten represents individuals and businesses in criminal matters in state and federal courts.. She servied for over twelve years as a Senior Assistant Attorney General for the State of New Hampshire and Assistant County Prosecutor in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. She has successfully tried hundreds of major criminal cases including  murder, sex crimes and drug offenses. Kirsten led the team that prosecuted the first capital murder case tried in New Hampshire since 1959. She has practiced at two of New Hampshire’s most-respected law firms handling civil and criminal defense matters and has argued numerous appeals before the New Hampshire Supreme Court.. Kirsten has served as a legal analyst for FoxNews and appeared frequently as a legal commentator on major legal news stories. Several of her prominent murder cases have been featured on the Discovery ID Channel, and she continues to serve as a commentator on additional cases. She previously served as an adjunct faculty member in Plymouth State University’s criminal justice department teaching Constitutional Law. In 2009 she was recognized as one of New Hampshire’s brightest young achievers with a record of professional and volunteer accomplishments in the Union Leader’s “40 Under 40”. She is a recipient of the Board of Governor’s National Award from the Association of Government Attorneys in Capital Litigation.. She is a contributing author to A Practical Guide to Evidence in New Hampshire (2012 and 2021) published by MCLE New England.. Admitted to practice in New Hampshire and Massachusetts as well as the First Circuit Court of Appeals, Kirsten graduated on the Dean's List from New England School of Law in 1997 and received her undergraduate degrees at Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio.

Attorney Joanne M. Stella has been representing clients in New Hampshire since graduating from Boston University School of Law in 1993.  Over 20 years of outstanding and compassionate criminal defense and civil litigation.. During law school Attorney Stella was a research assistant to a law professor working on Title VII and IX Sexual Harassment laws.  She spent her first summer interning for an International Dispute Resolution Firm in London, England and spent her second summer working for the Alaska Public Defender’s Office where she gained a passion for representing those falsely accused of crimes.. Upon graduation and up until 1996 Attorney Stella worked tirelessly as a court appointed counsel for indigent defendants in the criminal courts.  As a New Hampshire Public Defender her caseload included felony level sexual assault and drug cases as well as misdemeanor criminal offenses and juvenile delinquency offenses.. After leaving the Public Defender’s office Attorney Stella began her own practice as the contract attorney hired to provide legal services to all full-time students at the University of New Hampshire (UNH).  During her 18 year tenure as the UNH legal services attorney she has represented over 9,000 students.  Many thousands of those cases involved drug and alcohol offenses, as well as the litany of criminal offenses often connected to the use of substances such as DWI, Possession of Fake IDs, Simple Assault, Resisting Arrest, Underage Intoxication, etc.  Attorney Stella has experience representing those charged locally by the Durham Police, UNH Police, Dover Police, New Hampshire Liquor Law Enforcement Officer and New Hampshire State Police as well as representation in the surrounding communities such as Newmarket and Portsmouth.   In addition to guidance in their criminal cases, UNH students received expert advice from Attorney Stella on the collateral consequences affecting their status as a student for such things as financial aid, scholarships, study abroad, disciplinary matters, immigration issues for international students and the potential impact on future employment.  Attorney Stella has the knowledge and experience to guide young adults through this maze of sanctions that can occur as a collateral consequence of being arrested.   Also, during her time at UNH Attorney Stella counseled thousands of students involved in landlord tenant disputes and twice argued their cases successfully in the New Hampshire Supreme Court.. Attorney Stella has tried hundreds of cases, both criminal and civil, and everything in between from Supreme Court appeals to motor vehicle hearings.   She has represented thousands of clients and has a proven track record of success.  Attorney Stella always provides a free consultation and will take the time address each client’s needs expertly and with compassion.

Richard Samdperil has been practicing law in New Hampshire since 1995.  He has tried hundreds of cases in New Hampshire courts and won cases before the Circuit Courts, Superior Courts, and New Hampshire Supreme Court.  Richard's practice regularly includes DUI's, felonies, drug cases, assaults, and other criminal cases, as well as certain civil and business matters.  Richard has also published and taught lawyers and students on topics including criminal law, evidence, and ethics.. Richard is a partner at Samdperil & Welsh, which he co-founded in 2006.  The firm, which has its principal office in Exeter, New Hampshire and a satellite office in Portsmouth, maintains a state-wide practice.. Richard is a member of a number of professional organizations, inlcuding the New Hampshire Bar Association, and has been selected by peers to New England SuperLawyers for the past 2 years.

Attorney Kevin M. Tighe is a dedicated criminal defense attorney offering expert drunk driving defense, DUI and drug defense in Salem NH, Manchester NH, and Derry NH.. At the Law Office of Kevin M. Tighe we realize that the last thing you expected to be doing was surfing the web looking for a Criminal DUI lawyer. Sorry about that. However, if you're reading this right now you have some sort of pressing issue or you're in a jam and looking for help. I have over 15 Year's experience working with clients in Salem New Hampshire to resolve their issues.

Attorney Justin Shepherd has been selected by the American Society of Legal Advocates as one of the top criminal defense lawyers in the State of New Hampshire for 2014. This award is based on Attorney Shepherd's stellar legal credentials and his proven commitment to community engagement, leadership and the highest professional standards.  Attorney Shepherd was voted 'Best of Nashua' 2014, 2015 & 2016.  Attorney Justin Shepherd covers cases across New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Attorney Justin Shepherd has been named by the National Trial Lawyers as a "Top 40 under 40" lawyer for his superior qualifications, trial results and leadership.. Education:. Justin graduated Cum Laude from Suffolk University in 1997 with a major in American History. Justin graduated with honors from Suffolk University and was a member of the Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society for academic achievement. Justin graduated from Suffolk Law School in May of 2000 with honors. Justin has guest lectured at Curry College, Riviere College and teaches trial techniques for the International Association of Arson Investigators.. Background:. Justin Shepherd has been fighting for defendants, victims, and the wrongfully accused ever since his first day as a lawyer back in October of 2000. Justin began his legal career as a criminal defense attorney with the New Hampshire Public Defender's Office. During his four years as a public defender, Justin zealously fought for and compassionately stood by all of his clients in criminal courts throughout southern New Hampshire. Justin's steadfast dedication to serving the most underprivileged of our society taught him that there is always something more a lawyer can do to help his client. By working with investigators and other talented lawyers, Justin learned that there are always two sides to every story.. With a heart for public service, Justin decided that in order to grow as a lawyer, he became a prosecutor with the Rockingham County Attorney's Office. During this time Justin worked diligently to find fair and just resolutions to every felony, misdemeanor and DWI case for which he was responsible. Justin's legal talent and trial skills brought him to the attention of the Hillsborough County Attorney's Office, where he was offered a position prosecuting serious felonies such as rape, arson, child molestations, robberies and other violent crimes.. In July of 2007, Justin decided that the time had come for him to find new ways to help people. Attorney Shepherd entered into private practice with a focus on criminal defense.  Attorney Shepherd handles all types of criminal matters across New Hampshire.

I am one of the best attorneys in the state, top three. I do not care about an AVVO rating.. Before I begin, DO NOT ASK QUESTIONS THAT MAY INCRIMINATE YOU! IT CAN MAKE YOUR CASE WORSE! IT IS A FLAWED CONCEPT THAT YOU CAN ASK QUESTIONS ON THE INTERNET AND THAT IT WON'T BE USED AGAINST YOU. THEY CAN AND WILL TRACE YOUR IP ADDRESS.  THESE RATINGS ARE PAID FOR. EXAMINE CLIENT REVIEWS NOT RATINGS.. Scroll down and view cases. Victories are the only thing that matter. If you do not win, they will not respect you and you will not get a negotiation that benefits your client. I include misdemeanor victories because your case matters to me even though the charges are small. A small charge to me is a big charge to you. I will drive a corrupt judge off the bench if necessary even if it is only a misdemeanor. By drive him off the bench, I mean he threw his hands in the air and declared a mistrial and double jeopardy attached, case dismissed. He later lost his election and is no longer a judge. You either win or you don't.. I also do not pay for my awards my industry recognition comes from the judges and colleagues with whom I practice. You can bet they recognize me.. Many criminal defense attorneys claim they are litigators. It sounds great. But litigators are those attorneys that go to trial and have gone to trial. They make their living fighting in the trenches of the legal profession. Litigators know that those clients who are not represented by those few who are familiar with the trenches, are not represented by the most capable, experienced and compelling criminal defense attorneys within the profession. There are very few real litigators. Most cases settle or resolve without litigation.. You do not have to take my word for it. I am a litigator. Evidence of my victories hangs on my wall for everyone to see for themselves. It is the only way a person hiring an attorney can know for sure that he or she is in fact hiring a litigator. I give free consultations so people may see how I present in court, how I articulate my thoughts and they can see for themselves who they are choosing to hire. Would you buy a car if they charged you money to view it? Of course not, you would think that dishonest.. I am the only one that answers my phone. I am available 24 hours a day seven days a week and if you want legal advice i will give it for free. If you like me, then you can hire me. But you won't speak to a secretary.. None of my fees are represented by this site. This site does not give me the option of explaining my fees. Call me I will give you as much information as I can, for free. I am confident you will hire me if you speak with me. Preliminary legal knowledge before you hire a lawer is paramount.

As the saying goes, ‘The only thing that is certain in life is death and taxes.’ thus, no outcome in a criminal case can be guaranteed. If I am retained I can promise excellent representation. With my 25 years of experience in criminal law, I understand that the representation of your case is vital to the lives of both you and your loved ones. I am committed to take a personal approach on each and every case I represent. Whether it is a stressful DUI or a serious murder case, you will have my undivided attention. The personal part of representation is what I strive to excel at. I will take into account the personal aspects of your case and make every effort to alleviate any stress or anxiety. The most gratifying part of my job is helping a client, who has made a bad decision, navigate through the difficult times and come out on the other side better for it.”

I am a trial and appellate attorney, licensed in California and Nevada, with a background in business litigation and insurance defense.  My focus over the last several years has been in the areas of general litigation, criminal defense, and personal injury on the plaintiff’s side.  My experience includes working as an associate attorney in San Francisco and Las Vegas for national and regional law firms.  I have also worked in the judiciary as law clerk at the Nevada Supreme Court and as a judicial extern at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.