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Charles J Keefe
also known as Chuck Keefe
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About Charles
Biography
Chuck is a member/partner since joining the firm in January of 2008. He specializes in criminal defense and trial work in all levels of state and federal court in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. As the former vice president and current president of the New Hampshire Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Chuck takes an active leadership role in every issue that affects criminal cases in New Hampshire.
Chuck went to college at Holy Cross where he played baseball and majored in history. After obtaining his degree with honors, he went on to Boston University School of Law. There, he again graduated with honors while receiving the Dean's Award for outstanding academic performance, acting as defense attorney for indigent clients in Boston, and working as an editor on one of the school's law journals.
After graduating law school, Chuck joined a civil trial law firm in Manchester where he worked on wrongful death cases that involved intricate legal issues as well as large monetary claims. Wanting to gain more courtroom experience, and knowing he would focus his career in criminal law, after two years he joined the Hillsborough County Attorney's Office in Nashua. While there he prosecuted felonies ranging from drug cases to physical and sexual assault, theft, and manslaughter. Seeking to apply his abilities at a higher level, Chuck then joined the Homicide Unit at the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office where he prosecuted through trial murder cases throughout the State of New Hampshire.
In January 2008, Chuck joined the firm as a member/partner, and since that time has focused his practice solely on the defense of people charged with state and federal crimes throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Since then, he has won bench and jury trials defending people charged with the most serious of crimes in state and federal court, and he was won cases before the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Later in 2008 after joining the firm, Chuck won the Robert E. Kirby Award given each year to a lawyer 35 years old or younger who represents the best qualities of a New Hampshire lawyer.
Chuck successfully represents people charged with various driving offenses, including DUI/DWI, theft and drug cases, physical and sexual assaults, computer crimes, white-collar matters, and murder. As a former prosecutor, he is well acquainted with the methods, procedures, and tactics used by police and prosecutors when they investigate and prosecute his clients. This allows him an advantage to prepare a steadfast defense for all of his clients at all levels of the court system. He has been recognized as an expert in criminal defense law in New Hampshire, and he has used the expertise to teach criminal defense law to other attorneys and author similar teaching materials, and he is regularly relied upon by local and national media to offer expert commentary on criminal cases.
Have you been arrested? I am here to aggressively defend you with recognized skill and results.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
DUI and DWI
20%
Drug Crime
10%
Federal Crime
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
9
Licenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 13 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Hampshire for 26 years
State: New Hampshire
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Wilson, Bush & Keefe
378 Main Street, Nashua, NH, 03060
wbdklaw.com/attorneys-staff/charles-j-keefe/Online Presence
Other places you can find Charles online.
Charles J Keefe's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
277 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (277)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (207)
DUI & DWI (38)
Lawsuits & Disputes (26)
Drug Crime (23)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (10)
Federal Crime (9)
Litigation (8)
Violent Crime (8)
Civil Rights (6)
Administrative Law (3)
Child Custody (3)
Gun Law (3)
Car Accidents (2)
Divorce & Separation (2)
Domestic Violence (2)
Family (2)
Business (1)
Child Abuse (1)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Expungement (1)
Immigration (1)
Insurance Fraud (1)
Probate (1)
Sex Crime (1)
State, Local And Municipal Law (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (235)
Advocacy (186)
Recommendation (137)
Professionalism (100)
Communication Style (74)
Practice Area Knowledge (71)
Responsiveness (66)
General Knowledge (57)
Character & Conduct (56)
Compassion (48)
Trustworthiness (31)
Cost of Services (30)
Staff & Support (18)
Punctuality (5)
Payment Plans (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 276 - 277 of 277 reviews
Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Very stressful
My loved one had this lawyer pull out on him 10 days prior to trial because he did not have enough time. Months earlier at first pre trial hearing he was not ready and it went like that every step of the way. Family and client called, no calls were returned and secretary never had an answer to where...
Charles Keefe
Replied last April 13, 2023It is unfortunate and disappointing that a client or family member would be unhappy with my representation. I take my cases and clients personally, and I pride myself on my reputation with clients, colleagues, and judges built over 23 years in criminal law for always being incredibly prepared and standing up for my clients. I have had the opportunity and pleasure of fighting and winning murder trials, assaults, and all other criminal charges. On the rare occasions I have had to withdraw from a case, it is always due to a conflict of interest; never because I was not prepared. Clients facing serious charges and their families are incredibly difficult positions. That is why I often provide my cell phone number to clients and family members and refund all of a client's money should I have to withdraw. I hope for the best of all my clients, current and former, and I'm glad whenever I hear that they are on a positive road.
Posted by anonymous | December 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Not a good lawyer
Very unprofessional. Hired him and he took my money and didn’t fight hard for me. Horrible communication and representation I recommend someone else
Charles Keefe
Replied last December 12, 2018Every client is important to me. Each of their concerns and goals are always foremost in my mind when representing someone. I work hard every day – nights and weekends – to make sure I fight as hard for my clients as possible. Client communication is incredibly important to me as I understand that proceeding through a criminal case without fully understanding everything that is happening can be both frightening and frustrating. That is why I pride myself on my reputation for always fighting for my clients and keeping in regular contact with them throughout the case. My results and reputation speak to just this. A review like this is difficult to see, and I take such criticism very personally. If you are reading my reviews, I ask that you read others as those truly reflect how dedicated I am to my clients. All of those other 5-star reviews are the true representation of my practice and how I interact with clients. Thank you for reading my response.
Charles J Keefe's Lawyer Endorsements
"I've done a number of tough cases with Attorney Keefe and he is always very hard working and effective for his clients."
"Attorney Keefe is a zealous advocate for his clients who gets results, which is evinced by his many client reviews. He is a consummate professional who is respected by his peers and judges alike. You cannot go wrong hiring Charles for you criminal defense needs."
"Chuck is one of the best trial attorneys in the area. He is extremely confident, professional, ethical, and has a brilliant legal mind."
"It is without reservation that I endorse Attorney Chuck Keefe. Chuck's reputation as a stellar trial attorney is well deserved. His instincts are impeccable, his presence in the courtroom inescapable, and his dedication to his clients unquestionable. Good lawyer get good results and Chuck is one of the best."
"Atty. Keefe is a well respected, highly competent criminal defense attorney. I often call Chuck when I need to discuss complex legal issues."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Chuck Keefe is an extraordinary attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable in the area of criminal defense and I seek his advice for complex and technical questions surrounding criminal defense matters. I have known Chuck for over ten years and he has an excellent reputation throughout the legal community. He is well thought of by prosecutors, peers and judges. He has earned this reputation through his diligence and the favorable results he achieves for his clients. I highly endorse Chuck Keefe as a Criminal Defense Attorney."
"If I was charged with a crime I would immediately pick up the phone and call Attorney Chuck Keefe. Attorney Keefe is a top notch criminal defense attorney. Chuck started out as a tough prosecutor, first working for the Hillsborough County Attorneys Office and later for the New Hampshire Attorney General. As a prosecutor Chuck litigated all types of cases, from violent crimes, such as homicide, to complex white collar crimes such as fraud. Chuck is dedicated to providing an unparalleled level of service and advocacy to his clients. You will not find a more dedicated or talented attorney than Chuck Keefe - He has my highest recommendation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chuck Keefe is a talented and effective lawyer. He has successfully tried some of the most difficult cases as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. His experience is second to none and he is well qualifed to handle the defense of any criminal charges in the State or Federal Courts of New Hampshire."
"I worked with Chuck Keefe as a prosecutor at the NH Attorney General's Office and have since observed his work as a criminal defense lawyer. Chuck combines legal smarts with excellent communication skills and a great courtroom presence. He is well known and respected by the criminal law Bar and the judges before whom he appears. Most importantly, he attains the best possible results for his clients."
"I give Chuck Keefe my full endorsement. I worked with Chuck on a number of different cases including being on the opposite side of two murder cases where he was the prosecutor. I also worked with Chuck on a number of cases since he left the Attorney General's office that involved difficult legal issues. I found Chuck to be a very hard working, personable and knowledgeable attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients and always gets the best results possible. Chuck has an excellent work ethic and is a very talented criminal defense attorney that is well respected by other members of the bar, the courts' staff members, the police and most importantly the judges of New Hampshire. Chuck is among the best trial attorneys in the area and I would not hesitate to refer someone to him"
"It easy to write an enthusiastic endorsement for Chuck Keefe. I have had the honor of both working with Chuck as a prosecutor and observing him now as a defense attorney. His instincts are sharp, confidence is high and he has a great deal of traction with the police and prosecutors in the courts where he tends to appear. I routinely call Chuck to bounce ideas off of him and I always find that his responses are clear, concise and thoughtful. His work ethic is strong as he nimbly churns through written work and tends to a busy schedule of court and administrative hearings. He knows when to be forceful in his advocacy, but also has that critical sense of when to be diplomatic in his approach. Importantly, he tends to a robust case load with a sense of humor, which makes him well liked among his clients, the bar and even the bench."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Robert E. Kirby Award, New Hampshire Bar Association
Work Experience
2008 - Present
Partner, Wilson, Bush, Durkin & Keefe, P.C.
2004 - 2008
Assistant Attorney General, New Hampshire Attorney General's Office
2001 - 2004
Assistant County Attorney, Hillsborough County Attorney's Office
1999 - 2001
Associate, Nelson, Kinder, Mosseau & Saturley, P.C.,
Associations
2009 - Present
Catholic Lawyers GuildMember
2008 - Present
New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2008 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2014 - 2015
New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense LawyersVice President
2003 - 2009
Daniel Webster-Batchelder American Inn of CourtBarrister
Sample of Legal Cases
State of N.H. v. T.L.
Not Guilty
State of New Hampshire v. J.S.
Court found glient not guilty after trial.
State of New Hampshire v. J.C.
Not guilty after trial.
State of New Hampshire v. M.P.
Charges dismissed.
Education
1999
Boston University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
College of the Holy Cross
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2014
Trial Skills
Criminal Defense Trial Skill
Publications
2010
A Practical Guide to Evidence in New Hampshire
Documentary Evidence
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I got a dui, blew a 1.6 and had a concussion from the accident. I don't remember anything from that night.
30 Jul 2012
Q&A
What would the charge be for theft of $2000 cash (ballpark)?
31 Jul 2012
Q&A
I was a school bus driver for 6 yrs and got arrested. got a cwof. dismissed in 6 mths can i go back to school bus driving.
25 Jul 2012