By: Daniel Perlman
If you're facing federal criminal charges in New Hampshire, I understand the fear and uncertainty you're experiencing. I'm Daniel Perlman, and I've built my practice around defending people just like you against the overwhelming power of the federal government. My experience as a former prosecutor taught me how federal agents and prosecutors build their cases, and more importantly, where those cases fall apart. Whether you're in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, or anywhere else in New Hampshire, I'm here to fight for your freedom and your future.
Federal charges aren't like state crimes. They come with stricter rules, longer sentences, and prosecutors with unlimited resources. I've seen too many people make critical mistakes early in their cases because they didn't understand what they were up against. That's exactly why you need an attorney who specializes in federal criminal defense and knows how to level the playing field against government prosecutors who've been building cases for months or even years.
The moment I take on a federal case in New Hampshire, I know we're entering a completely different legal battlefield. Federal prosecutors working out of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Concord have spent months investigating before you even knew you were a target. They've used wiretaps, surveillance, and confidential informants to build their case. By the time you're arrested or indicted, they believe they have you backed into a corner.
But here's what I learned from my years as a prosecutor: federal cases aren't as airtight as they appear. The United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire requires strict adherence to constitutional protections, and I've successfully challenged numerous cases in which agents violated those rights. Whether it's an illegal search, a coerced confession, or unreliable informant testimony, I know how to find the weaknesses that can make or break your case.
New Hampshire's location along the I-93 and I-95 corridors makes it a focal point for federal drug trafficking investigations. I've defended clients accused of transporting narcotics from Massachusetts to Maine, and I understand how the Drug Enforcement Administration coordinates with state police to target vehicles on these routes. The penalties under the federal sentencing guidelines are severe, but with the right defense strategy, we can challenge the government's evidence and seek reduced charges or dismissals.
Federal criminal charges are governed by the United States Code rather than New Hampshire state statutes, and that distinction matters enormously. While state courts handle most violent crimes and theft offenses, federal jurisdiction applies when crimes cross state lines, involve federal agencies, or take place on federal property. I spend considerable time explaining to clients that federal cases involve different procedures, different sentencing structures, and frankly, different stakes.
The most common federal charges I defend in New Hampshire include drug trafficking conspiracies under 21 U.S.C. § 841 and § 846, firearms offenses involving convicted felons, and white-collar crimes like wire fraud and tax evasion. New Hampshire's proximity to major metropolitan areas means I also see cases involving interstate theft rings, child pornography charges, and immigration violations.
What makes these charges so serious:
Drug trafficking represents the largest category of federal prosecutions in New Hampshire. I've defended clients accused of distributing fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine throughout New England. Federal prosecutors use conspiracy charges under 21 U.S.C. § 846 to connect multiple defendants, and they rely heavily on wiretaps and cooperating witnesses. I know how to challenge these conspiracy theories and attack the credibility of informants who are testifying to save themselves.
Firearms violations under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) represent another major federal charge in New Hampshire. This statute prohibits felons, domestic violence offenders, and other prohibited persons from possessing firearms. The penalties are harsh (mandatory minimum sentences apply in many cases). Still, I've successfully challenged these charges by questioning whether my clients actually "possessed" the firearm under federal law and whether their prior convictions qualify as predicates.
White-collar federal crimes have become increasingly common as federal agencies target financial fraud. I defend cases involving wire fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, and tax evasion. These cases often involve the FBI's white-collar crime unit and require understanding complex financial transactions. When you're accused of white-collar offenses like embezzlement or fraud, the government will use forensic accountants and thousands of pages of financial records to build its case.
Child pornography cases represent some of the most serious federal charges I defend. Federal jurisdiction applies when images are transmitted across state lines using the internet. These cases carry mandatory minimum sentences and lifetime supervised release, but I've successfully challenged them by questioning computer forensics, challenging search warrants, and proving lack of knowledge or intent.
When you contact me about a federal investigation or charge in New Hampshire, I immediately shift into defense mode. Time is absolutely critical because federal prosecutors often approach targets before filing charges, hoping to secure cooperation or incriminating statements. I've seen too many people talk to federal agents without a lawyer present, thinking they can explain their way out of trouble. That's almost always a catastrophic mistake.
My priority is conducting a comprehensive case analysis. I review every piece of evidence the government has disclosed through discovery, looking for constitutional violations, procedural errors, and weaknesses in their case. Federal prosecutors must turn over exculpatory evidence under Brady v. Maryland, and I aggressively enforce that obligation through motions to compel.
My investigation includes:
Legal strategies I pursue:
When plea negotiations with federal prosecutors become necessary, I use my knowledge of federal sentencing guidelines to secure the most favorable terms possible. Most federal cases are resolved through plea agreements, but I never recommend accepting a deal until we've thoroughly investigated every possible defense.
Federal cases in New Hampshire move through several distinct stages, each with critical strategic considerations. Most cases begin with either an arrest following investigation or a grand jury indictment. Your initial appearance occurs within days, during which a magistrate judge informs you of the charges and determines whether you'll be released pending trial.
Federal bail standards are much stricter than New Hampshire state law. Prosecutors can seek detention based on dangerousness to the community or risk of flight. I've successfully argued for release in hundreds of federal cases by presenting detailed release plans, third-party custodians, and electronic monitoring alternatives that address the court's concerns.
During the pretrial phase, I engage in extensive motion practice to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or limit what prosecutors can present at trial. Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure govern these proceedings, and I know exactly how to use them to your advantage.
If your case proceeds to trial, you have the constitutional right to a jury trial where prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Federal trials in New Hampshire typically last several days to several weeks, depending on complexity. I've tried cases ranging from simple drug possession to complex conspiracy trials involving dozens of defendants, and I know how to present compelling defenses that resonate with New Hampshire juries.
My experience as a former prosecutor fundamentally changed how I defend federal cases. I spent years learning how federal prosecutors evaluate cases, prepare witnesses, and present evidence. Now I use that insider knowledge to anticipate their strategies and dismantle their cases piece by piece.
Federal prosecutors rely heavily on cooperating witnesses—often co-defendants who agreed to testify in exchange for reduced sentences. I know exactly how to expose these witnesses' motivations, prior lies, and criminal histories. When someone is testifying to avoid decades in federal prison, juries need to hear about the deals they cut and the pressure they faced from prosecutors.
I also understand how federal investigative agencies operate. Having worked alongside agents from the FBI, DEA, and ATF, I know their investigative techniques, their shortcuts, and their mistakes. When agents use wiretaps under Title III, they must follow strict constitutional requirements. I've successfully suppressed evidence of agents' violations of these requirements or exceeding their authority.
If you're convicted of a federal crime in New Hampshire, sentencing becomes the most critical phase of your case. Federal judges use the United States Sentencing Guidelines to calculate an advisory sentencing range based on offense level and criminal history category.
Some federal crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences that judges cannot go below without a government motion for substantial assistance. For example, drug trafficking charges involving certain quantities trigger 5, 10, or 20-year mandatory minimums. Firearms charges under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carry consecutive mandatory sentences. When my clients face these mandatory minimums, I explore every possible avenue for avoiding them.
Should I talk to federal agents if they contact me for an interview?
Absolutely not, at least not without me present. Federal agents are trained interrogators who use your own words against you, even when you think you're helping yourself. Your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent exists specifically for situations like this, so call me first and I'll determine whether an interview makes sense.
What happens if I'm convicted of a federal crime in New Hampshire—can I appeal?
Yes, you have the right to appeal your conviction to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, but the window for filing is extremely narrow, just 14 days after sentencing in most cases. Common grounds for appeal include improper admission of evidence, prosecutorial misconduct, ineffective assistance of counsel, or sentencing errors under the guidelines. However, appeals are difficult to win because appellate courts give substantial deference to trial judges, making it critical to get it right the first time.
How do federal sentencing guidelines actually work in New Hampshire cases?
The sentencing guidelines operate like a complex mathematical formula that calculates your prison exposure based on two main factors: offense level and criminal history category. Your offense level starts with a base number determined by the crime, then gets adjusted up or down based on specific offense characteristics, such as drug quantity, role in the offense, use of weapons, or acceptance of responsibility. These two numbers intersect on a sentencing table that provides judges with a recommended range in months. I spend significant time at sentencing, arguing for downward departures by presenting compelling mitigation evidence.
If you're facing federal criminal charges or under investigation in New Hampshire, time is running out to protect your rights and build your defense. I offer confidential consultations where we'll discuss your case in detail, evaluate your options, and develop a strategy to fight these charges. I've spent my entire career on both sides of federal criminal cases, and I know exactly what it takes to win.
Contact us at (866) 449-7672 for your free consultation. Let us make sure we explore all options for your case.
Daniel R. Perlman, the founding attorney at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, leverages his extensive background as a former prosecutor to provide superior defense strategies for clients across federal courtrooms. Earning his Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law, he first honed his legal skills with the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office.
This diverse experience enables him to advocate effectively, understanding prosecution tactics intimately, which he expertly counters in defense of his clients. With a profound commitment to justice, Daniel leads his team in tackling complex federal cases, from white-collar crimes to violent offenses, ensuring the highest level of defense through every phase of the criminal process.
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