reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 641 - Falsification in Official Matters › Section 641:3 - Unsworn Falsification.

641:3 Unsworn Falsification. –
I. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if:
(a) He or she makes a written or electronic false statement which he or she does not believe to be true, on or pursuant to a form bearing a notification authorized by law to the effect that false statements made therein are punishable; or
(b) With a purpose to deceive a public servant in the performance of his or her official function, he or she:
(1) Makes any written or electronic false statement which he or she does not believe to be true; or
(2) Knowingly creates a false impression in a written application for any pecuniary or other benefit by omitting information necessary to prevent statements therein from being misleading; or
(3) Submits or invites reliance on any writing which he or she knows to be lacking in authenticity; or
(4) Submits or invites reliance on any sample, specimen, map, boundary mark, or other object which he or she knows to be false.
II. No person shall be guilty under this section if he or she retracts the falsification before it becomes manifest that the falsification was or would be exposed.
III. A form adopted by a state agency pursuant to RSA 541-A, or in use by a state agency prior to January 1, 2016, containing a notification that false statements made therein are punishable under this section shall be considered authorized by law.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 2003, 158:2, eff. June 17, 2003. 2016, 196:14, eff. Aug. 5, 2016.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 641 - Falsification in Official Matters › Section 641:4 - False Reports to Law Enforcement.

641:4 False Reports to Law Enforcement. –
A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if he:
I. Knowingly gives or causes to be given false information to any law enforcement officer with the purpose of inducing such officer to believe that another has committed an offense; or
II. Knowingly gives or causes to be given information to any law enforcement officer concerning the commission of an offense, or the danger from an explosive or other dangerous substance, knowing that the offense or danger did not occur or exist or knowing that he has no information relating to the offense or danger.
Source.
1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 641 - Falsification in Official Matters › Section 641:5 - Tampering With Witnesses and Informants.

641:5 Tampering With Witnesses and Informants. –
A person is guilty of a class B felony if:
I. Believing that an official proceeding, as defined in RSA 641:1, II, or investigation is pending or about to be instituted, he attempts to induce or otherwise cause a person to:
(a) Testify or inform falsely; or
(b) Withhold any testimony, information, document or thing; or
(c) Elude legal process summoning him to provide evidence; or
(d) Absent himself from any proceeding or investigation to which he has been summoned; or
II. He commits any unlawful act in retaliation for anything done by another in his capacity as witness or informant; or
III. He solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any benefit in consideration of his doing any of the things specified in paragraph I.
Source.
1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 641 - Falsification in Official Matters › Section 641:6 - Falsifying Physical Evidence.

641:6 Falsifying Physical Evidence. –
A person commits a class B felony if, believing that an official proceeding, as defined in RSA 641:1, II, or investigation is pending or about to be instituted, he:
I. Alters, destroys, conceals or removes any thing with a purpose to impair its verity or availability in such proceeding or investigation; or
II. Makes, presents or uses any thing which he knows to be false with a purpose to deceive a public servant who is or may be engaged in such proceeding or investigation.
Source.
1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 641 - Falsification in Official Matters › Section 641:7 - Tampering With Public Records or Information.

641:7 Tampering With Public Records or Information. –
A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if he:
I. Knowingly makes a false entry in or false alteration of any thing belonging to, received, or kept by the government for information or record, or required by law to be kept for information of the government; or
II. Presents or uses any thing knowing it to be false, and with a purpose that it be taken as a genuine part of information or records referred to in paragraph I; or
III. Purposely and unlawfully destroys, conceals, removes or otherwise impairs the verity or availability of any such thing.
Source.
1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 641 - Falsification in Official Matters › Section 641:8 - False Filing With the Director of Charitable Trusts.

641:8 False Filing With the Director of Charitable Trusts. –
A person shall be guilty of a class B felony if he knowingly makes a false entry in or false alteration of any registration statement, annual report or other information required to be filed with the director of charitable trusts.
Source.
1992, 239:3, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 642 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 642:1 - Obstructing Government Administration.

642:1 Obstructing Government Administration. –
I. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if that person uses intimidation, actual or threatened force or violence, simulated legal process, or engages in any other unlawful conduct with a purpose to hinder or interfere with a public servant, as defined in RSA 640:2, II, performing or purporting to perform an official function or to retaliate for the performance or purported performance of such a function.
II. Flight by a person charged with an offense, refusal by anyone to submit to arrest, or any such interference in connection with a labor dispute with the government shall be prosecuted under the statutes governing such matters and not under this section.
III. In this section, "simulated legal process" means a document or order which purports to have been issued by a court or filed or recorded for the purpose of exercising jurisdiction or representing a claim against a person or property, or for the purpose of directing a person to appear before a court or tribunal, or to perform or refrain from performing a specified act, but which the actor knows was not lawfully issued or rendered in accordance with the applicable statutes, rules, regulations, or ordinances of the federal, state, or local government, or a political subdivision thereof. "Simulated legal process" includes any document that purports to be a summons, lien, indictment, complaint, warrant, injunction, writ, notice, pleading, subpoena, or order.
IV. For any offense committed under paragraph I that involved the use of simulated legal process, the court may impose the following remedies, in addition to any criminal penalties authorized under RSA 651:
(a) Such appropriate injunctive relief as the court may deem necessary to prevent continued violations of this section.
(b) Restitution to the public official for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the simulated legal process, including legal fees.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 2003, 168:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2004.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 642 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 642:2 - Resisting Arrest or Detention.

642:2 Resisting Arrest or Detention. –
A person is guilty of a misdemeanor when the person knowingly or purposely physically interferes with a person recognized to be a law enforcement official, including a probation or parole officer, seeking to effect an arrest or detention of the person or another regardless of whether there is a legal basis for the arrest. A person is guilty of a class B felony if the act of resisting arrest or detention causes serious bodily injury, as defined in RSA 625:11, VI, to another person. Verbal protestations alone shall not constitute resisting arrest or detention.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 1983, 347:2. 1992, 85:1. 1995, 237:3. 2007, 191:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 642 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 642:3 - Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution.

642:3 Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution. –
I. A person is guilty of an offense if, with a purpose to hinder, prevent or delay the discovery, apprehension, prosecution, conviction or punishment of another for the commission of a crime, he:
(a) Harbors or conceals the other; or
(b) Provides such person a weapon, transportation, disguise or other means for avoiding discovery or apprehension; or
(c) Warns such person of impending discovery or apprehension; or
(d) Conceals, destroys or alters any physical evidence that might aid in the discovery, apprehension or conviction of such person; or
(e) Obstructs by force, intimidation or deception anyone from performing an act which might aid in the discovery, apprehension, prosecution or conviction of such person; or
(f) Having knowledge that an investigative or law enforcement officer has been authorized or has applied for authorization under RSA 570-A to intercept a telecommunication or oral communication, or under RSA 570-B to install and use a pen register or trap and trace device, gives notice of the possible interception or installation and use to any person.
II. The offense is a misdemeanor unless the actor knows that the charge made or liable to be made against the other is murder or a class A felony, in which case it is a class B felony.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 1988, 25:6. 1995, 280:10, I, eff. Aug. 20, 1995.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 642 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 642:3-a - Taking a Firearm From a Law Enforcement Officer.

642:3-a Taking a Firearm From a Law Enforcement Officer. –
I. Whoever knowingly takes a firearm:
(a) From the person of a law enforcement officer, while such officer is engaged in the performance of official duties; and
(b) Against that officer's will; or attempts to do so, shall be punished as provided in paragraph II.
II. The punishment for an offense under this section is:
(a) In the case of an offense other than an attempt, or an offense that is an attempt during which the firearm is discharged (other than intentionally by the officer), a class A felony; and
(b) In the case of any other offense that is an attempt, a class B felony.
III. It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section if an individual acts to disarm an officer engaging in felonious conduct or conduct so reckless as to endanger the lives of others. However, a conviction resulting from that conduct need not be obtained to present this defense.
IV. A term of imprisonment imposed under this section shall not run concurrently with any other term of imprisonment imposed with respect to the same criminal episode.
V. In this section:
(a) "Firearm" means any weapon, including a starter gun, which will, is designed to, or may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.
(b) "Law enforcement officer" means law enforcement officer as defined in RSA 630:1, II.
Source.
1999, 166:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2000. 2018, 324:9, eff. Aug. 24, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 642 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 642:4 - Aiding Criminal Activity.

642:4 Aiding Criminal Activity. –
A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if he purposely aids another who has committed a crime in profiting or benefiting from the criminal activity, as by safeguarding the proceeds thereof or converting the proceeds into negotiable funds.
Source.
1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 642 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 642:5 - Compounding.

642:5 Compounding. –
A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if he:
I. Solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept any benefit as consideration for his refraining from initiating or aiding in a criminal prosecution; or
II. Confers, offers, or agrees to confer any benefit upon another as consideration for such person refraining from initiating or aiding in a criminal prosecution.
III. It is an affirmative defense that the value of the benefit did not exceed an amount which the actor believed to be due as restitution or indemnification for the loss caused, or to be caused by the offense.
Source.
1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 642 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 642:6 - Escape.

642:6 Escape. –
I. A person is guilty of an offense if such person escapes from official custody.
II. "Official custody" means arrest, custody in a penal institution, an institution for confinement of juvenile offenders or other confinement pursuant to an order of a court.
III. The offense is a class A felony if the actor employs force against any person or threatens any person with a deadly weapon to effect the escape, except that if the deadly weapon is a firearm, the actor shall be sentenced in accordance with RSA 651:2, II-g. The offense is a class B felony if the actor was on parole, subject to a bail order, was a prisoner at an adult or juvenile correction facility at the time, or had been released from any correctional institution pursuant to administrative home confinement or any treatment program or other place as directed by the correctional authority or sentencing court, or had a prior conviction of the crime of escape. If no physical force was used by the actor and no persons other than the actor sustained bodily injury as a result of the escape, the offense is a class A misdemeanor.
IV. If a person is convicted of the offense of escape under this section, the term of imprisonment authorized by RSA 651:2, II or RSA 651:6 shall be added to the portion of the term which remained unserved at the time of the commission of the offense.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 1975, 458:3, 4. 1990, 95:7. 2014, 170:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2015. 2016, 171:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 642 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 642:7 - Implements for Escape and Other Contraband.

642:7 Implements for Escape and Other Contraband. –
A person is guilty of a class B felony if:
I. He knowingly provides a person in official custody, as defined in RSA 642:6, II, with anything which may facilitate such person's escape or the possession of which by such person is contrary to law or regulation, or in any other manner facilitates such person's escape; or
II. Being a person in official custody, as defined in RSA 642:6, II, he knowingly procures, makes or possesses anything which may facilitate escape.
Source.
1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 642 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 642:8 - Bail Jumping.

642:8 Bail Jumping. –
I. A person is guilty of an offense if, after having been released with or without bail, he:
(a) knowingly fails to appear before a court as required by the conditions of his release; or
(b) knowingly fails to surrender for service of sentence pursuant to a court order.
II. It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this section that uncontrollable circumstances prevented the person from appearing or surrendering and that the person did not contribute to the creation of such circumstances in reckless disregard of the requirement that he appear or surrender, and that he appeared or surrendered as soon as such circumstances ceased to exist.
III. If the person was released:
(a) In connection with a charge of, or while awaiting sentence, surrender for service of sentence, or appeal after conviction for:
(1) An offense punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment of a maximum term of 15 years or more, he shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 15 years, or both;
(2) An offense punishable by imprisonment for a term of more than one year, but less than 15 years, he shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than 7 years, or both;
(3) A Class A or Class B misdemeanor, he shall be fined not more than $2,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both;
(4) A violation, he shall be fined not more than $1,500; or
(b) For appearance as a material witness, he shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
IV. A term of imprisonment imposed pursuant to this section shall be consecutive to the sentence of imprisonment for any other offense.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 1986, 37:1. 1988, 110:10. 1990, 50:1. 1992, 269:7, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 642 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 642:9 - Assaults by Prisoners.

642:9 Assaults by Prisoners. –
I. Any person held in official custody who commits an assault under RSA 631 is guilty of an offense under this section.
II. An inmate is guilty of aggravated assault on a corrections staff member when, with intent to harass, threaten, or alarm a person whom the inmate knows or reasonably should know to be an employee of such facility, or an employee of the department of corrections, or an employee of any law enforcement agency, the inmate causes or attempts to cause such employee to come in contact with blood, seminal fluid, urine, or feces by throwing or expelling such fluid or material.
II-a. An inmate is guilty of aggravated harassment of an employee when, with intent to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm a person who the inmate knows or reasonably should know is an employee of such facility, or the department of corrections, or any law enforcement agency, the inmate causes or attempts to cause such employee to come into contact with blood, seminal fluid, urine, feces, emesis, or saliva by throwing or expelling such substance either directly or indirectly at the employee, thus contaminating the employee's work environment.
III. For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Official custody" means custody in a penal institution or other confinement by an order of a court.
(b) "Inmate" means a person committed by law to the custody of the commissioner of the department of corrections, a person in pretrial confinement, any person incarcerated in a local detention facility operated by a county department of corrections, or a person in detention at a police department.
(c) "Facility" means a correctional facility or local correctional facility hospital, operated by the state or a county department of corrections, or a police department.
IV. The offense is a class B felony if it is an aggravated assault or harassment as defined in paragraph II or II-a, or if the offense committed is simple assault as defined under RSA 631:2-a unless committed in a fight entered into by mutual consent, in which case it is a misdemeanor. The offense is a class A felony if the offense committed is first degree or second degree assault as defined under RSA 631:1 or RSA 631:2.
V. If a person is convicted of the offense of assault under this section, the term of imprisonment authorized by RSA 651:2, II or RSA 651:6 shall be consecutive to and not concurrent with any other sentence to be served.
Source.
1985, 80:1. 2000, 113:1. 2010, 174:1, 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 642 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 642:10 - Obstructing Report of Crime or Injury.

642:10 Obstructing Report of Crime or Injury. –
I. A person shall be guilty of an offense under this section who disconnects, damages, disables, removes, or uses physical force or intimidation to block access to any telephone, radio, or other electronic communication device with a purpose to obstruct, prevent, or interfere with:
(a) The report of any criminal offense to any law enforcement agency; or
(b) The report of any bodily injury or property damage to any law enforcement agency; or
(c) A request for ambulance or emergency medical assistance to any governmental agency, or any hospital, doctor, or other medical service provider.
II. It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the actor reasonably believed his conduct to be necessary to prevent a criminal false alarm.
III. Obstructing report of a crime or injury is a misdemeanor.
Source.
1994, 304:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 643 - Abuse of Office › Section 643:1 - Official Oppression.

643:1 Official Oppression. –
A public servant, as defined in RSA 640:2, II, is guilty of a misdemeanor if, with a purpose to benefit himself or another or to harm another, he knowingly commits an unauthorized act which purports to be an act of his office; or knowingly refrains from performing a duty imposed on him by law or clearly inherent in the nature of his office.
Source.
1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 643 - Abuse of Office › Section 643:2 - Misuse of Information.

643:2 Misuse of Information. –
A public servant, as defined in RSA 640:2, II, is guilty of a misdemeanor if, knowing that official action is contemplated or in reliance on information which he has acquired by virtue of his office or from another public servant, he:
I. Acquires or divests himself of a pecuniary interest in any property, transaction or enterprise which may be affected by such action or information; or
II. Speculates or wagers on the basis of such action or information; or
III. Knowingly aids another to do any of the foregoing.
Source.
1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:2-a - Exposing the Public to Toxic Biological or Chemical Substances.

644:2-a Exposing the Public to Toxic Biological or Chemical Substances. –
Any person who knowingly delivers or causes the delivery of a biological or chemical substance to a governmental facility, school, business, hospital, office building, or similar facility open to the public, with the purpose of causing bodily injury or evacuation of such facility, shall be guilty of a class A felony.
Source.
2002, 222:9, eff. Jan. 1, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:2-b - Prohibition on Funeral Protests.

644:2-b Prohibition on Funeral Protests. –
I. In this section, "funeral" means the ceremonies, processions, and memorial services held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead.
II. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in picketing or other protest activities at any location at which a funeral is held, within one hour prior to the commencement of any funeral, and until one hour following the cessation of any funeral, if such picketing or other protest activities:
(a) Take place within 150 feet of a road, pathway, or other route of ingress to or egress from cemetery property and include, as part of such activities, any individual willfully making or assisting in the making of any noise or diversion that disturbs or tends to disturb the peace or good order of the funeral, memorial service, or ceremony; or
(b) Are within 300 feet of such cemetery and impede the access to or egress from such cemetery.
III. Each day on which a violation of this section occurs shall constitute a separate offense. Violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor, unless committed by a person who has previously pled guilty to or been found guilty of a violation of this section, in which case the violation is a class A misdemeanor.
Source.
2007, 370:2, eff. Sept. 15, 2007.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:3 - False Public Alarms.

644:3 False Public Alarms. –
I. Any person who directly or indirectly communicates to any governmental agency that commonly deals with emergencies involving danger to life or property a report known by him to be false regarding a fire, explosion, or other catastrophe or emergency, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; except if the report concerns the presence of an active shooter, the presence of an explosive device, or the presence of a biological or chemical substance, the offense shall constitute a class B felony.
II. Any person who directly or indirectly communicates to any school, business, office building, hospital, or similar facility open to the public, a report concerning the presence of an active shooter, the presence of an explosive device, or the presence of a biological or chemical substance, knowing such report is false, shall be guilty of a class B felony.
III. Any person who knowingly delivers, or causes the delivery of any substance the actor knows could reasonably be perceived as a biological or chemical substance, with the purpose of causing fear or terrorism and with reckless disregard for the risk that emergency services will be dispatched as a result of such delivery, shall be guilty of a class B felony.
IV. This section shall not apply to false alarms subject to RSA 644:3-a or RSA 644:3-b, or false reports under RSA 158:38.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 1975, 25:1. 1981, 553:3. 2002, 222:8, eff. Jan. 1, 2003. 2023, 104:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2024.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:3-a - False Fire Alarms.

644:3-a False Fire Alarms. –
Any person who knowingly gives or aids or abets in giving any false alarm of fire, by any means, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source.
1975, 25:2, eff. May 3, 1975.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:3-b - False Fire Alarms Resulting in Injury or Death.

644:3-b False Fire Alarms Resulting in Injury or Death. –
Any person who knowingly gives or aids or abets in giving any false alarm of fire, by any means, is guilty of a class B felony if bodily injury or death is sustained by any person as a result thereof.
Source.
1975, 25:2, eff. May 3, 1975.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:3-c - Unlawful Interference With Fire Alarm Apparatus.

644:3-c Unlawful Interference With Fire Alarm Apparatus. –
A person who knowingly tampers with, interferes with or impairs any public fire alarm apparatus, wire or associated equipment is guilty of a class B felony.
Source.
1975, 25:2, eff. May 3, 1975.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:4 - Harassment.

644:4 Harassment. –
I. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor, and subject to prosecution in the jurisdiction where the communication originated or was received, if such person:
(a) Makes a telephone call, whether or not a conversation ensues, with no legitimate communicative purpose or without disclosing his or her identity and with a purpose to annoy, abuse, threaten, or alarm another; or
(b) Makes repeated communications at extremely inconvenient hours or in offensively coarse language with a purpose to annoy or alarm another; or
(c) Insults, taunts, or challenges another in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response; or
(d) Knowingly communicates any matter of a character tending to incite murder, assault, or arson; or
(e) With the purpose to annoy or alarm another, communicates any matter containing any threat to kidnap any person or to commit a violation of RSA 633:4; or a threat to the life or safety of another.
(f) [Repealed.]
II. As used in paragraph I, "communicates" means to impart a message by any method of transmission, including but not limited to telephoning or personally delivering or sending or having delivered any information or material by written or printed note or letter, package, mail, courier service or electronic transmission, including electronic transmissions generated or communicated via a computer. For purposes of this section, "computer" means a programmable, electronic device capable of accepting and processing data.
III. [Repealed.]
IV. A person shall be guilty of a class B felony if the person violates RSA 644:4, I(a) under circumstances involving making telephone calls to a telephone number that he or she knows is being used, at the time of the calls, to facilitate the transportation of voters to polling places or otherwise to support voting or registering to vote.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 1994, 354:1. 1999, 141:1. 2005, 138:1. 2009, 320:1, eff. Aug. 7, 2009. 2016, 136:1, 2, I, II, eff. July 26, 2016.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:5-a - Inhaling Toxic Vapors for Effect.

644:5-a Inhaling Toxic Vapors for Effect. –
A person is guilty of a violation if he or she purposely smells or inhales the fumes of any substance having the property of releasing toxic vapors, for the purpose of causing a condition of intoxication, euphoria, excitement, exhilaration, stupefaction, or dulled senses of the nervous system, or possesses, buys or sells any such substance for the purpose of violating or aiding another to violate this section. This section does not apply to the inhalation of anesthesia for medical or dental purposes.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 2005, 112:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:6 - Loitering or Prowling.

644:6 Loitering or Prowling. –
I. A person commits a violation if he knowingly appears at a place, or at a time, under circumstances that warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity. Circumstances which may be considered in determining whether such alarm is warranted include, but are not limited to, when the actor:
(a) Takes flight upon appearance of a law enforcement official or upon questioning by such an official.
(b) Manifestly endeavors to conceal himself or any object.
(c) Has in his possession tools or other property which would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime was about to be perpetrated.
(d) Examines entrances to a structure which the actor has no authority or legitimate purpose to enter.
II. Prior to any arrest under this section, unless flight or other circumstances make it impossible, a law enforcement official shall afford the actor the opportunity to dispel any alarm which would otherwise be warranted, by requesting him to identify himself and give an account for his presence and conduct. Failure to identify or account for oneself, absent other circumstances, however, shall not be grounds for arrest.
III. No person shall be convicted under this section if the law enforcement official did not comply with paragraph II or if it appears at trial that the explanation he gave of his conduct and purposes was true and, if believed by the law enforcement official at the time, would have dispelled the alarm. In such cases, any record of the arrest made under authority of paragraph I shall be expunged.
IV. In this section, "entrances" means any part of a structure through which entry or egress could be made.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 1985, 255:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:7 - Abuse of Corpse.

644:7 Abuse of Corpse. –
For the purposes of this section, "corpse" includes any part of a human body in any stage of decomposition. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if the person knowingly fails to report the death of an individual or the finding of a corpse to a local law enforcement agency, or unlawfully removes, conceals, or destroys a corpse.
Source.
1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973. 2023, 158:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2024.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:8-aa - Animals in Motor Vehicle.

644:8-aa Animals in Motor Vehicle. –
I. It shall be cruelty to confine an animal in a motor vehicle or other enclosed space in which the temperature is either so high or so low as to cause serious harm to the animal. "Animal" means a domestic animal, household pet, or wild animal held in captivity.
II. Any person in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor as set forth in RSA 644:8.
III. Any law enforcement officer or agent of a licensed humane organization may take action necessary to rescue a confined animal endangered by extreme temperatures, and to remove the threat of further serious harm.
IV. No officer or agent taking action under paragraph III shall be liable for damage reasonably necessary to rescue the confined animal.
Source.
1981, 575:1, eff. July 7, 1981.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:8-b - Docking Tail of Horse.

644:8-b Docking Tail of Horse. –
If any person shall cut the bone of the tail of a horse for the purpose of docking the tail, or shall cause or knowingly permit the same to be done upon the premises of which he is in control, or shall assist in or be present at such cutting, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Written permission from the state veterinarian shall be obtained by a licensed veterinarian to perform surgical operations pursuant to this section. The state veterinarian shall promulgate rules relative to granting authorization for such operation.
Source.
1979, 263:1, eff. Aug. 20, 1979.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:8-d - Maiming or Causing the Death of or Willful Interference With Police Dogs or Horses.

644:8-d Maiming or Causing the Death of or Willful Interference With Police Dogs or Horses. –
I. Whoever willfully tortures, beats, kicks, strikes, mutilates, injures, disables, or otherwise mistreats, or whoever willfully causes the death of a dog or horse owned or employed by or on behalf of a law enforcement agency and whoever knows that such dog or horse is owned or employed by or on behalf of a law enforcement agency shall be guilty of a class B felony.
II. Whoever willfully interferes or attempts to interfere with the lawful performance of a dog or horse owned or employed by or on behalf of a law enforcement agency and whoever knows that such dog or horse is owned or employed by or on behalf of a law enforcement agency shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source.
1988, 203:1. 1994, 111:1. 1998, 365:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1999.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:8-e - Willful Interference With Organizations or Projects Involving Animals or With Animal Facilities.

644:8-e Willful Interference With Organizations or Projects Involving Animals or With Animal Facilities. –
I. Whoever willfully causes bodily injury or willfully interferes with any property, including animals or records, used by any organization or project involving animals, or with any animal facility shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
II. Whoever in the course of a violation of paragraph I causes serious bodily injury to another individual or economic loss in excess of $10,000 shall be guilty of a class B felony, and may be subject to an order of restitution pursuant to RSA 651:63.
III. For the purposes of this section:
(a) "An organization or project involving animals" means:
(1) A commercial or academic enterprise that uses animals for food or fiber production, agriculture, research, education, or testing.
(2) Any lawful competitive animal event, including but not limited to conformation shows or obedience trials, field trials, agility events, hunts, sled races, or training activities.
(3) Any fair or similar event intended to advance the agricultural arts and sciences.
(b) "Animal facilities" means any vehicle, building, structure, research facility, or premises where an animal is kept, handled, housed, exhibited, bred or offered for sale.
(c) "Economic loss" means "economic loss" as defined in RSA 651:62, III.
IV. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict any constitutional, statutory, regulatory or common law right.
Source.
1993, 170:1, eff. May 24, 1993.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:8-f - Transporting Dogs in Pickup Trucks.

644:8-f Transporting Dogs in Pickup Trucks. –
I. No person driving a pickup truck shall transport any dog in the back of the vehicle on a public way, unless the space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of at least 46 inches extending vertically from the floor, the dog is cross tethered to the vehicle, the dog is protected by a secured container or cage, or the dog is otherwise protected, in a manner which will prevent the dog from being thrown or from falling or jumping from the vehicle.
II. Notwithstanding paragraph I, this section shall not apply to the following:
(a) A dog being used by a farmer or farm employee while actually engaged in farming activities requiring the services of a dog; or
(b) A hunting dog being used at a hunting site or between hunting sites by a licensed hunter who is in possession of all applicable licenses and permits for the species being pursued during the legal season for such activity.
III. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1996, 191:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1997.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:8-g - Bestiality.

644:8-g Bestiality. –
I. A person commits bestiality by knowingly committing any of the following acts:
(a) Engaging in sexual contact or sexual penetration with an animal for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.
(b) Offering or accepting the offer of an animal for consideration with the intent that it be subject to sexual contact or sexual penetration by a human.
(c) Photographing or filming or distributing such photographs or films, for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification, of a person engaged in sexual contact or sexual penetration with an animal.
II. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class B felony for a second or subsequent offense.
III. In addition to any other penalty imposed for a violation of this section, the court shall order that the convicted person:
(a) Submit to a psychological assessment and participate in appropriate counseling at the convicted person's own expense.
(b) Reimburse an animal shelter for any reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of any animal that was taken to the animal shelter as a result of conduct proscribed by this section.
(c) Shall not own, harbor, exercise control over, or reside in the same household with any animal for a period of time deemed reasonable by the court.
IV. This section shall not apply to:
(a) Accepted veterinary medical practices.
(b) Insemination of animals for the purpose of procreation.
(c) Accepted animal husbandry practices that provide care for animals.
V. In this section:
(a) "Animal" means a nonhuman mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian, either dead or alive.
(b) "Sexual contact" means any act between a person or an animal involving direct physical contact between the genitals or anus of one and the mouth, anus, or other part of the body of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other, where such contact can be reasonably construed for the purpose of the person's sexual arousal or gratification.
(c) "Sexual penetration" means any intrusion, however, slight, of any part of the person's or animal's body into the body of the other, or any object manipulated by the person into the body of the animal, where such penetration can be reasonably construed for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.
Source.
2016, 321:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2017 at 12:01 a.m.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:11 - Criminal Defamation.

644:11 Criminal Defamation. –
I. A person is guilty of a class B misdemeanor if he purposely communicates to any person, orally or in writing, any information which he knows to be false and knows will tend to expose any other living person to public hatred, contempt or ridicule.
II. As used in this section "public" includes any professional or social group of which the victim of the defamation is a member.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 1992, 269:17, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:12 - Emergency Calls.

644:12 Emergency Calls. –
A person is guilty of a class B misdemeanor if he purposely refuses to yield the use of a telephone party line upon being informed that it is needed for any call to summon fire, police or medical assistance; to invoke or operate the civil defense system; or otherwise to deal with an immediate threat to life or health.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 1992, 269:18, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:13 - Unauthorized Use of Firearms.

644:13 Unauthorized Use of Firearms. –
I. A person is guilty of a violation if, within the compact part of a town or city, such person fires or discharges any cannon, gun, pistol, or other firearm, except by written permission of the chief of police or governing body.
II. For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Blank ammunition" means a cartridge loaded with propellant and a wad, but no projectile.
(b) "Compact part" means the territory within a town or city comprised of the following:
(1) Any nonresidential, commercial building, including, but not limited to, industrial, educational, or medical buildings, plus a perimeter 300 feet wide around all such buildings without permission of the owner.
(2) Any park, playground, or other outdoor public gathering place designated by the legislative body of the city or town.
(3) Any contiguous area containing 6 or more buildings which are used as either part-time or permanent dwellings and the spaces between them where each such building is within 300 feet of at least one of the others, plus a perimeter 300 feet wide around all the buildings in such area.
III. Paragraph I shall not apply to the firing or discharge of a cannon, gun, pistol, or other firearm within the compact part of a town or city for the following events, provided that the person responsible for organizing the event notifies the police department and the fire department prior to the following events using blank ammunition:
(a) The celebration of, or practice for the celebration of, military events, military funerals, national holidays, or other military or veterans commemorations, conducted by United States armed forces personnel; or
(b) Military re-enactors registered with the secretary of state's office and who meet the requirements of the state fire code pursuant to RSA 153:5; or
(c) Funerals or commemorative events conducted by law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, or other public safety agencies, or official veterans organizations including but not limited to the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 1991, 164:1. 1996, 161:1, 2. 2014, 264:1. 2015, 94:1, 2, eff. Aug. 4, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:14 - Selling Air Rifles or Paint Ball Guns to Young Persons.

644:14 Selling Air Rifles or Paint Ball Guns to Young Persons. –
If any person shall sell, barter, rent, lend, or give an air rifle or paint ball gun to a person under the age of 18, without the written consent of the parent or guardian, as the case may be, such person shall be guilty of a violation. Air rifles and paint ball guns may be used in New Hampshire only in the home of the person under 18 under parental supervision or on an approved range under responsible adult supervision. Air rifles or paint ball guns may be possessed by a person under 18 only in his or her own home under parental supervision or on the way to or from an approved range that is under the supervision of a responsible adult such as an instructor in gun safety or marksmanship.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 1999, 44:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:15 - Furnishing Arms to Persons Under 16.

644:15 Furnishing Arms to Persons Under 16. –
I. Any person who shall sell, barter, hire, lend, or give to any person under the age of 16 years any cartridges or shotshells suitable for discharging in any rifle, pistol, revolver, or shotgun shall be guilty of a violation.
II. This section shall not apply to:
(a) Fathers, mothers, grandparents, or guardians of such children.
(b) Individuals instructing such children in the safe use of firearms during a supervised firearms training program, provided the child's parent or legal guardian has granted the child permission to participate in such program.
(c) Licensed hunters accompanying such children while lawfully taking wildlife.
(d) Individuals supervising such children using firearms during a lawful shooting event or activity.
Source.
1971, 518:1. 2006, 73:3, eff. April 28, 2006.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:16 - Exposing Poisons.

644:16 Exposing Poisons. –
If any person shall in any way or place purposely expose an active poison or deadly substance for the destruction of any animal, or for any other purpose except the destruction of rats or other vermin in his own building or upon his crops, he shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:16-a - Sale or Use of Stink Bombs.

644:16-a Sale or Use of Stink Bombs. –
I. In this section, "stink bomb" means any device designed for the primary purpose of giving off a noxious or offensive odor when used.
II. Any person who sells, barters, lends or gives to any person a stink bomb, and any person who uses a stink bomb in a public place shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1975, 294:1, eff. Aug. 6, 1975.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:16-b - Sale or Use of Smoke Bombs.

644:16-b Sale or Use of Smoke Bombs. –
I. In this section, "smoke bomb" means any kind of device containing chemicals which when ignited gives off dense clouds of smoke; provided that this definition shall not include a toy smoke device, as defined by the American Pyrotechnics Association in APA Standard 87-1 (2001), section 3.1.1.7, that is sold or offered for sale by a person licensed to sell permissible fireworks pursuant to RSA 160-C.
II. With the exception of persons or groups, including law enforcement organizations, who use smoke bombs for training purposes or to protect property or lives, any person who sells, barters, lends or gives to any person a smoke bomb and any person who uses a smoke bomb in a public place shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1977, 402:1, eff. Sept. 3, 1977. 2017, 122:1, eff. June 16, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LXII - Criminal Code › Chapter 644 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 644:17-a - Repealed by 1992, 106:4, eff. Oct. 31, 1992.

644:17-a Repealed by 1992, 106:4, eff. Oct. 31, 1992. –