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New Hampshire Drug Possession Law

New Hampshire Drug Possession Defense

What you're facing under RSA § 318-B:2, VII, how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to New Hampshire (NH) law.

Offense Class

Class B Felony (Schedule I-IV); Class A Misdemeanor (small amounts of certain drugs)

Maximum Penalty

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

Maximum Fine

$25,000 (felony); $2,000 (misdemeanor)

Penalty Range in New Hampshire

StatuteRSA § 318-B:2, VII — Possession of a Controlled Drug
Minimum Penalty
Maximum Penalty3.5–7 years (Class B Felony); 1 year (misdemeanor)
Maximum Fine$25,000 (felony); $2,000 (misdemeanor)

Charge Enhancements

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

  • Possession near a school zone (§ 318-B:2-c)
  • Prior drug felony conviction
  • Large quantities

New Hampshire-Specific Detail

New Hampshire classifies most controlled drug possession as a Class B Felony. Drug court and diversion programs available. Marijuana possession has been partially decriminalized.

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Drug Possession Defense Playbook — $127

26 questions that change how the next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download, relevant to New Hampshire defendants.

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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about New Hampshire drug possession 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.