Top Best Criminal Defense Lawyers | 25981 Available

I'm Brian J. Stone. I was born in Tangier, Morocco, and raised in a family that valued travel and cultural experiences, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and a broad worldview. After serving eight years in the U.S. Army, including a deployment to Iraq, I pursued a college education and eventually a career in law with the intent of making a meaningful impact by helping people through strong legal advocacy.. My military background has profoundly influenced my approach to legal practice. I am committed to being veteran-friendly, LGBTQ-friendly, and providing inclusive services to all clients, regardless of sex, race, or background. I believe in treating everyone with fairness and respect, ensuring that all clients feel valued and supported throughout their legal journey.. As an experienced attorney in New Hampshire, I handle all criminal cases, with substantial experience in DUI cases, domestic violence cases in the district division, and felony cases in the superior courts. Additionally, I have handled multiple child abuse and neglect proceedings, child custody cases, and divorces in the family division, offering comprehensive services for families navigating complex legal issues.. I am passionate about providing my clients with high-quality legal representation at a reduced cost, without sacrificing the personal attention each case deserves. By keeping my practice mobile and flexible, I can meet the needs of my clients wherever they are, using a variety of platforms such as Microsoft Teams, phone, Zoom, and in-person meetings when necessary. For the convenience of my clients, they never need to see me in person unless we’re at court, allowing them to focus on their lives while I handle their legal matters. My approach allows me to stay accessible and responsive, ensuring that my clients receive the support they need when they need it.. I understand that legal challenges can arise unexpectedly, so I make myself available to my clients 24/7. While I prioritize responding within a reasonable amount of time, my clients always have the ability to contact me directly. Consultations are always available at no charge, and I am committed to being the strong, compassionate advocate you need during some of the most difficult times in your life.. I look forward to the opportunity to assist you with your legal needs.

After more than thirty years with the New Hampshire Public Defender, most recently as its Director of Litigation, I have started a practice in Exeter dedicated to criminal defense, appeals, and attorney discipline matters.  I have handled all types of criminal defense matters, including homicides, felony sexual assaults, and drug offense cases, and have appeared before the New Hampshire Supreme Court in dozens of appeals.  In addition, as the past chair of the Supreme Court's Professional Conduct Committee, I am well-situated to advise and represent lawyers who face potential disciplinary action.  I would be glad to talk to you about your case.

"In Law, Life Experience Matters.". Coda has always been drawn to public service, but she also had another strong incentive to join the Army: escaping poverty. Her personal encounters with adversity, and the fundamental flaws she witnessed within the Military Justice System, ultimately inspired her to pursue a degree in law.. Veteran: Coda served in the United States Army for eight years; four years as an enlisted Soldier in the Army National Guard, followed by four years as an Active Duty Adjutant General Corps Army Officer, stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. She also deployed to Afghanistan in 2013-2014. She was a Distinguished Military Graduate and in the top 10% of her national ROTC Commissioning peer group.. Experience: Coda has worked with Jamie Phillips of Phillips Law, Lothstein Guerriero, the New Hampshire Public Defender, and New Hampshire Legal Assistance. Additionally, Coda was a Legal Assistant for two years; primarily assisting in Family Law, Estate Planning, Probate, and Personal Injury matters, prior to attending Law School.. Scholar: Coda is a UNH-Criminal Defense Academy program graduate. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law. She completed the nationally-acclaimed Daniel Webster Scholar Honors Program, and was the recipient of the Wayne Hersher Graduation Award. Coda also received her B.S. in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University. She is a first-generation college and J.D. graduate.. Pro Bono Recognition: in 2024, Coda was recognized by the New Hampshire Supreme Court as the top contributing attorney in the state for pro bono (free) legal services. This was in recognition of over 95 pro bono hours dedicated to 12 clients, who sought protective orders (or defense against them) against their abusers or stalkers.. Attorney Campbell is licensed in New Hampshire and the U.S. District Court, District of New Hampshire.. Attorney Campbell is also a VA Accredited Attorney. Florida License application pending.

Leah Cole Durst represents clients facing a range of legal challenges, which are often unexpected and can have a severe impact on an individual’s or family’s future. Leah specializes in criminal defense while also assisting clients in civil rights matters. Leah gained significant experience in criminal defense through positions at the Federal Defender Office in Boston, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and a private Boston firm.. She is skilled at completing detailed research and developing legal documents, including complaint narratives, motions to dismiss, and petitions for habeas corpus, to further a client’s case.. Before joining Shaheen & Gordon, Leah worked as a staff attorney with Greater Boston Legal Services. She participated in their COVID Eviction Legal Help Program (CELHP) to provide legal information, assistance, and representation to low-income tenants affected by COVID-19. She is passionate about using her knowledge to help people through difficult times and volunteered additional legal services during the graduated from the Northeastern University School of Law with a criminal justice concentration. She served as chair of the school’s chapter of If/When/How—Lawyering for Reproductive Justice and also participated in the Women’s Law Caucus.

Steve is one of the founders of the firm having first come to New Hampshire as a law clerk to Federal Judge Hugh H. Bownes and then working as a federal prosecutor when Bill Shaheen was U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire. He has an active and extensive trial practice, representing individuals and businesses in complex litigation in both state and federal courts. He has also been chosen to conduct internal investigations for various companies due to his experience as a federal prosecutor. Steve has been recognized as the “ideal” New Hampshire attorney, as voted by lawyers throughout the state for his work in complex litigation, criminal law, First Amendment litigation, and “Bet the Company Litigation”. He has been recognized for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers’ listings. The emphasis of his practice has been in the area of white-collar criminal defense, business litigation, and First Amendment defense.. Most recently, Steve successfully represented the New Hampshire woman who won the January 2018 Powerball Lottery worth $560 million in her lawsuit to remain anonymous. In writing about the litigation, the New York Times described Steve and Bill Shaheen as New Hampshire’s “high-powered” attorneys.. In September 2017, Steve successfully obtained a record-breaking $275 million jury verdict on behalf of three businessmen in a New Hampshire defamation lawsuit. It was the largest civil judgment in New Hampshire’s history and nationally the sixth-largest civil verdict for 2017. He earlier obtained a precedent-breaking victory against mobster Whitey Bulger and the FBI resulting in a Massachusetts Federal District Court finding the FBI legally responsible for the wrongful death of one of its top echelon confidential informants, literally at the hands of Bulger.. Over the course of his career, Steve has represented a range of individuals and businesses in the Federal District Courts of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts in federal criminal investigations. He also has a vigorous New Hampshire state court practice, representing corporations and individuals involved in corporate disputes related to breaches of fiduciary duties, contract disputes, and shareholder disputes. In addition, he counsels and represents financial institutions and brokers in regulatory matters. Steve has also represented a number of corporations in conducting internal investigations as part of the law firm’s corporate governance practice. He has advised and assisted corporate boards of directors in exercising their duties and responsibilities under the Sarbanes-Oxley statute, and has lectured on the subject. He also has an active practice representing lawyers before New Hampshire’s Professional Conduct Committee and was successful in challenging the process by which the New Hampshire Bar Association summarily suspends attorneys who are charged with criminal offenses.

Attorney Jonathan Cohen is an experienced trial attorney whose practice
areas include criminal defense, motor vehicle offenses and personal
injury law.. Attorney Cohen worked at the law firm of Bernstein Shur, PA in
Manchester where he focused on personal injury, civil litigation and
employment matters. Previously he worked at the firm of Twomey and Sisti
and handled criminal defense and motor vehicle related matters. He has
served as an adjunct professor at Franklin Pierce College, teaching
courses in civil and criminal law. Attorney Cohen has appeared in courts
at all levels in every county in New Hampshire. He is an experienced
and successful trial attorney.

Joseph Cherniske is a member of Shaheen & Gordon’s criminal defense group. He has over a decade of experience in the criminal justice system, and the insight he brings to the table as a former prosecutor is invaluable to clients. Joe represents clients charged with serious misdemeanor and felony crimes, including homicides, physical and sexual assaults, thefts, drug offenses, DWI/DUI, and other driving offenses.. Joe recognizes the life-changing consequences these charges can have and uses an aggressive and knowledgeable approach to prevent or mitigate them.. Prior to joining Shaheen & Gordon, Joe worked at the New Hampshire Office of the Attorney General in the Criminal Bureau, where he was assigned to the Joint Youth Development Center Task Force and the homicide unit. As one of the lead prosecutors assigned to the Joint Youth Development Center Task Force, he was responsible for the investigation and prosecution of hundreds of complex felony sexual and physical assault allegations stemming from the state’s Youth Development Center. As a member of the homicide unit, he assisted in homicide investigations and prosecutions statewide.. Joe began his legal career at the Merrimack County Attorney’s Office, where he handled over 60 jury trials and hundreds of cases, including those involving drug crimes, crimes against children, domestic violence offenses, property crimes, motor vehicle-related crimes, DWI/DUI offenses, violent crimes, firearm crimes, and crimes involving theft and fraud.. Joe has also taught law enforcement cadets about the criminal code and spent significant time educating law enforcement officers about proper investigative techniques. He has a deep understanding of police standards and training, which benefits clients who seek to ensure the proper procedures are followed and their rights are upheld.. Joe is a dedicated member of the New Hampshire community, serving on multiple boards and committees. He has been admitted to practice in the state since 2010.

Attorney Susan A. Lowry practices in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury, employment law, and municipal law with Upton & Hatfield, LLP of New Hampshire. She represents both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation.Attorney Lowry graduated from St. Olaf College with a B.A. in political science in 2002. She attended Vermont Law School and worked as a judicial extern for Justice Denise R. Johnson of the Vermont Supreme Court and Magistrate Judge Robert J. Johnston of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada before graduating in 2008. Then, she worked in the New Hampshire Public Defender’s Office before starting in private practice.Attorney Lowry is the president of the Rockingham County Bar Association and a member of the Charles C. Doe Inns of Court, the New Hampshire Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the New Hampshire Association for Justice.

I grew up in the Nashua area and graduated from UNH and Suffolk Law School.. I have practiced law in Concord since 1999.

Lauren Breda is a member of Shaheen and Gordon’s criminal defense group. A native of New Hampshire, Lauren has over a decade of experience in the court system, both behind the scenes as a law clerk and in trial as a public defender. Lauren represents clients charged with serious misdemeanor and felony crimes including homicide, physical and sexual assaults, thefts, drug offenses, driving while intoxicated, other driving offenses, and juvenile matters.. Lauren takes a client-centered approach to any case. Criminal accusations and potential convictions can be life changing. The stress associated with going through the court system is immeasurable. At the heart of Lauren’s representation are her client’s goals: whether that means mitigating potential consequences and reaching a fair resolution or fighting the charges through a trial.. Prior to joining Shaheen and Gordon, Lauren worked at the New Hampshire Public Defender as a trial attorney. During her time with the public defender, Lauren represented over a thousand clients facing charges ranging from driving offenses to homicides. She has extensive courtroom and trial experience in several counties in New Hampshire. Lauren also works closely with the University of New Hampshire School of Law, teaching a course in Advanced Trial Advocacy.

Former prosecutor and judicial law clerk, practicing primarily in the areas of criminal defense litigation.