DO I NEED A LAWYER?

It is not necessary for you to hire a lawyer for the criminal case.  The State of New Hampshire, not the victim, brings the criminal charges against the accused.  If you pursue civil action against the accused after the criminal case is over, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer for that purpose. 

WHAT DO I DO IF THE DEFENDANT OR SOMEONE ELSE THREATENS OR INTIMIDATES ME ABOUT THE CASE? 

Be aware that threatening a witness or a victim is a crime in New Hampshire.  If you receive a threat or fear that you are being intimidated, call the police or the prosecutor or victim/witness coordinator  assigned to your case immediately.  The Court will take action to protect you. 

WHAT IF SOMEONE FROM THE DEFENSE CALLS ME ABOUT THE CASE? 

An investigator working for the defense or the defendant's attorney may contact you.  As a victim, like any witness, you may talk to either an investigator or an attorney for the defense, if you choose to do so.  Please notify the prosecutor or victim/witness coordinator, if you have been contacted by the defense.    

WHAT DO I DO IF THE DEFENDANT VIOLATES THE NO-CONTACT ORDER?

If the Defendant contacts you and there is a no-contact order in place, you should notify the victim/witness coordinator assigned to your case immediately.  This may result in a motion to revoke the Defendant’s bail. 

WILL I HAVE TO TESTIFY? 

If you are the victim of the crime, you will most likely receive a subpoena (a document served by law enforcement requiring your appearance in Court) from the County Attorney's Office to appear and testify in Court for a trial or deposition.  You will be provided with the opportunity to meet with the prosecutor and the victim/witness coordinator prior to your appearance in Court to review your case. 

WHERE IS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE LOCATED?

The County Attorney’s Office is located within the Rockingham County Superior Courthouse in Brentwood, New Hampshire.  The office is on the right-hand side of the ground level in the building.  You will see a bank-teller window where the receptionist is located.  Check in with the receptionist for all scheduled appointments, meetings, or court hearings. 

CAN I GET SOMETHING TO EAT AT THE COURTHOUSE?

Unfortunately, there is no cafeteria located in the Courthouse building.  There are soda machines and a snack machine located on the ground level of the building.  There are several local businesses that offer breakfast and lunch within five miles of the Courthouse.