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New Hampshire Domestic Violence Law

New Hampshire Domestic Violence Defense

What you're facing under RSA § 631:2-b, how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to New Hampshire (NH) domestic violence law.

Offense Class

Class A Misdemeanor (simple); Class B Felony (second+ or with deadly weapon); Class A Felony (serious bodily injury)

Maximum Penalty

1 year (misdemeanor); 3.5–7 years (Class B Felony); 7.5–15 years (Class A Felony)

Maximum Fine

$2,000 (misdemeanor); $4,000 (felony)

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Federal Firearms Prohibition (Lautenberg Amendment)

A conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence in New Hampshire carries a federalfirearms-possession ban under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). This consequence is collateral to New Hampshire state penalties and applies regardless of the state sentence imposed.

Penalty Range in New Hampshire

StatuteRSA § 631:2-b — Domestic Violence — Assault
Minimum Penalty
Maximum Penalty1 year (misdemeanor); 3.5–7 years (Class B Felony); 7.5–15 years (Class A Felony)
Maximum Fine$2,000 (misdemeanor); $4,000 (felony)

Charge Enhancements

These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in New Hampshire:

  • Second or subsequent offense (Class B Felony under § 631:2-b, III)
  • Use of a deadly weapon (first-degree assault applies)
  • Serious bodily injury (Class A Felony)
  • Strangulation (§ 631:2-b, I-a)

New Hampshire-Specific Detail

New Hampshire enacted domestic violence-specific assault statute. Second or subsequent domestic violence assault is a Class B Felony. Strangulation is specifically addressed.

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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about New Hampshire domestic violence law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.