By Tom Jarvis Previous articles in this series have explored the challenges encountered by the New Hampshire Public Defender (NHPD), but what happens when a public defender faces a conflict of interest – whether a direct conflict, a conflict with a co-defendant, a caseload issue, or other factors? In such cases, the NHPD refers the … Read more
This article is a continuation of the first article in the series examining the indigent defense crisis in the Granite State. By Tom Jarvis The first installment of the NHBA Indigent Defense Crisis Series examined the ongoing shortage of public defenders in New Hampshire and the systemic challenges fueling the crisis – high attrition rates, … Read more
By Tom Jarvis House Bill 253, a proposed measure in the New Hampshire Legislature, has sparked considerable discussion among legal professionals and policymakers. The bill aims to redirect funding generated through the Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Program from civil legal services to the New Hampshire Public Defender’s (NHPD) office. HB 253 would require … Read more
By Tom Jarvis The New Hampshire Judicial Branch’s (NHJB) Family Treatment Court (FTC) in Sullivan County, launched in 2021, is the first of its kind in New Hampshire. It provides early intervention for families involved in abuse and neglect cases where substance use disorder impacts one or more parents. FTC aims to strengthen families by … Read more
This article is the first in a series examining the indigent defense crisis in the Granite State. By Tom Jarvis New Hampshire’s criminal courts are amid a crisis due to a critical shortage of public defenders, contract counsel, and court-appointed counsel. This has caused delays in the court system, leaving indigent defendants waiting for months … Read more
By Tom Jarvis The New Hampshire Judicial Branch recently enhanced its judicial infrastructure by creating the new role of magistrate. This position, established under House Bill 318 and codified in RSA chapter 491-B, aims to address challenges associated with the state’s evolving bail system. The magistrates will ensure that individuals arrested for serious offenses receive … Read more
By Tom Jarvis The Granite State marked a historic milestone on November 12, when the Honorable Kimberly Bacher became the first woman Chief Judge of the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire at her investiture ceremony. This appointment also marks the last of the firsts for women on the bench in the … Read more
By Tom Jarvis For 603 Legal Aid (603LA) Paralegal Steve McGilvary, receiving the prestigious 2024 Denison Ray Award from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association in November was not just a personal honor – it was a recognition of the collective effort and dedication of his entire team. “I was shocked and very appreciative … Read more
By Tom Jarvis New Hampshire experienced a historic voter turnout for the 2024 general election, with a record-breaking 834,651 ballots cast across the state. This figure, which surpassed the previous high of 814,499 in 2020, included 737,355 in-person ballots and 99,296 absentee ballots, marking over 60 percent of New Hampshire’s population. Despite record turnout, Election … Read more
By Tom Jarvis Nearly 150 lawyers, judges, paralegals, and other legal professionals gathered to celebrate women in the practice of law at the New Hampshire Women’s Bar Association’s (NHWBA) Fall Reception on October 9, at the Barn at Bull Meadow in Concord. The 27th event of its kind, the Fall Reception has been held annually … Read more