Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Hampshire

Domestic Violence Charge

My Girlfriend and I are living together, we got into a fight. I slapped her, and threw a glass. She called the police and they arrested me. I blew a .06. She does not want to press charges, we own a home together. I am on the bracelet in lieu of $5,000 cash bail. I do not want to go to jail, I am willing to go to any lengths, to resolve this without going to jail. We are also willing to go to marriage counseling. I need to be at home, because without my income she will lose the home. Please help! This has never happened before, between us and we have been together for 10 years. I feel going to jail solves nothing. I know that I need professional help and am willing to do anything to get it, my partner is currently going to counseling for drug and alcohol abuse with a social worker and life coach. I was clean and sober for 8 months, relapsed on Sunday 11/3. I was angry at myself, and took it out on an innocent person. And I am disgusted with myself. I know I am a good person trying to do the right thing, and I don't think jail is the right thing for me, I have the tools and the willingness to work through this. Should I be doing something in the meantime to show the Court I am serious?

Respectively Yours,


Asked on 11/09/08, 10:51 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Winters Cohen & Winters, PLLC

Re: Domestic Violence Charge

First of all, I would caution you about any admission what you say or write in a public form as anything you say can be used against you.

It's important for you to obtain a lawyer as soon as possible. If you are unable to afford your own lawyer, a lawyer will be appointed to represent you at your arraignment.

I'm taking it from your question that you have a bail condition prohibiting you from contacting your girlfriend. Your lawyer can look into filing a motion with the court to modify this condition.

To answer your last question, you should consider getting into a domestic violence/ anger management type program, which will help you and look very good if it ever comes time for sentencing. Unless it is already a bail condition, I would wait wait to talk to your lawyer about this option as they will probably know which counselors in your particular area are most appropriate.

Best of luck and feel free to contact me directly with any follow up questions.

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Answered on 11/09/08, 12:58 pm


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