Criminal Defense in New Hampshire

New Hampshire ( NH)

Average: $8,000

Last Updated: Mar 2026

Low Estimate

$2,000

Simple / Uncontested Cases

Average Cost

                        $8,000                    
Typical
                        Criminal Defense Case
                    

High Estimate

$40,000

Complex / Contested Cases

Cost Component	Low	Average	High
Attorney Hourly Rate	$200/hr	$275/hr	$450/hr
Total Cost Estimate	$2,000	$8,000	$40,000
Court Filing Fee	$250

What to Know About Criminal Defense Costs in New Hampshire

NH classifies felonies Classes A-B and misdemeanors Classes A-B. Defense costs $2,000-$5,000 for misdemeanors to $8,000-$40,000 for felonies. NH has relatively moderate sentencing with emphasis on rehabilitation. Drug courts operate in several counties. NH has been significantly impacted by the opioid crisis with specific drug court programs.

Sources: State criminal code, Clio Legal Trends 2025, State Bar Association (NH)