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INTERFERENCE WITH FREEDOM

RSA tit. LXII, ch. 633
in effect

RSA 633:1 Kidnapping.

633:1. Kidnapping. I. A person is guilty of kidnapping if he knowingly confines another under his control with a purpose to: (a) Hold him for ransom or as a hostage; or (b) Avoid apprehension by a law enforcement official; or (c) Terrorize him or some other person; or (d) Commit an offense against him. I-a. A person is guilty of kidnapping if the person knowingly takes, entices away, detains, or conceals any child under the age of 18 and unrelated to the person by consanguinity, or causes such child to be taken, enticed away, detained, or concealed, with the intent to detain or conceal such child from a parent, guardian, or other person having lawful physical custody of such child. This paragraph shall not apply to law enforcement personnel or department of health and human services personnel engaged in the conduct of their lawful duties. II. Kidnapping is a class A felony unless the actor voluntarily releases the victim without serious bodily injury and in a safe place prior to trial, in which case it is a class B felony. III. (a) Upon proof that the victim and defendant were intimate partners or family or household members, as those terms are defined in RSA 631:2-b, III, a conviction under this section shall be recorded as "kidnapping-domestic violence." (b) In addition to any other penalty authorized by law, the court shall levy a fine of $50 for each conviction recorded as "kidnapping-domestic violence" under this paragraph. The court shall not reduce or suspend any sentence or the payment of any fine imposed under this paragraph and no fine imposed under this paragraph shall be subject to an additional penalty assessment. If the court determines that the defendant is unable to pay the fine on the date imposed, the court may defer payment or order periodic payments thereof. The clerk shall forward all fines collected under this paragraph to the department of health and human services for the purposes of RSA 173-B:15. The provisions of RSA 618:8 and RSA 618:9 shall not apply to a fine imposed under this paragraph. Source. 1971, 518:1. 2001, 230:1. 2014, 152:9, eff. Jan. 1, 2015. 2017, 90:11, eff. Jan. 1, 2018.

RSA 633:2 Criminal Restraint.

633:2. Criminal Restraint. I. A person is guilty of a class B felony if he knowingly confines another unlawfully in circumstances exposing him to risk of serious bodily injury. II. The meaning of "confines another unlawfully", as used in this section and RSA 633:3, includes but is not limited to confinement accomplished by force, threat or deception or, in the case of a person who is under the age of 16 or incompetent, if it is accomplished without the consent of his parent or guardian. Source. 1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.

RSA 633:3 False Imprisonment.

633:3. False Imprisonment. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if he knowingly confines another unlawfully, as defined in RSA 633:2, so as to interfere substantially with his physical movement. Source. 1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.

RSA 633:3-a Stalking.

633:3-a. Stalking. I. A person commits the offense of stalking if such person: (a) Purposely, knowingly, or recklessly engages in a course of conduct targeted at a specific person which would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her personal safety or the safety of a member of that person's immediate family, and the person is actually placed in such fear; (b) Purposely or knowingly engages in a course of conduct targeted at a specific individual, which the actor knows will place that individual in fear for his or her personal safety or the safety of a member of that individual's immediate family; or (c) After being served with, or otherwise provided notice of, a protective order pursuant to RSA 173-B, RSA 458:16, or paragraph III-a of this section, or an order pursuant to RSA 597:2 that prohibits contact with a specific individual, purposely, knowingly, or recklessly engages in a single act of conduct that both violates the provisions of the order and is listed in paragraph II(a). II. As used in this section: (a) "Course of conduct" means 2 or more acts over a period of time, however short, which evidences a continuity of purpose. A course of conduct shall not include constitutionally protected activity, nor shall it include conduct that was necessary to accomplish a legitimate purpose independent of making contact with the targeted person. A course of conduct may include, but not be limited to, any of the following acts or a combination thereof: (1) Threatening the safety of the targeted person or an immediate family member. (2) Following, approaching, or confronting that person, or a member of that person's immediate family. (3) Appearing in close proximity to, or entering the person's residence, place of employment, school, or other place where the person can be found, or the residence, place of employment or school of a member of that person's immediate family. (4) Causing damage to the person's residence or property or that of a member of the person's immediate family. (5) Placing an object on the person's property, either directly or through a third person, or that of an immediate family member. (6) Causing injury to that person's pet, or to a pet belonging to a member of that person's immediate family. (7) Any act of communication, as defined in RSA 644:4, II. (b) "Immediate family" means father, mother, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling, spouse, or grandparent of the targeted person, any person residing in the household of the targeted person, or any person involved in an intimate relationship with the targeted person. III. [Repealed.] III-a. A person who has been the victim of stalking as defined in this section may seek relief by filing a civil petition in the district court in the district where the plaintiff or defendant resides. Upon a showing of stalking by a preponderance of the evidence, the court shall grant such relief as is necessary to bring about a cessation of stalking. The types of relief that may be granted, the procedures and burdens of proof to be applied in such proceedings, the methods of notice, service, and enforcement of such orders, and the penalties for violation thereof shall be the same as those set forth in RSA 173-B. III-b. The minority of a plaintiff or defendant shall not preclude the court from issuing protective orders under this section. III-c. Any order under this section shall be for a fixed period of time not to exceed one year, but may be extended by order of the court upon a motion by the plaintiff, showing good cause, with notice to the defendant, for one year after the expiration of the first order and thereafter each extension may be for up to 5 years, upon the request of the plaintiff and at the discretion of the court. The court shall review the order, and each renewal thereof and shall grant such relief as may be necessary to provide for the safety and well-being of the plaintiff. A defendant shall have the right to a hearing on the extension of any order under this paragraph to be held within 30 days of the extension. The court shall state in writing, at the respondent's request, its reason or reasons for granting the extension. The court shall retain jurisdiction to enforce and collect the financial support obligation which accrued prior to the expiration of the protective order. III-d. (a) A protective order issued pursuant to this section, RSA 173-B:4, or RSA 173-B:5 shall not be construed to prohibit an attorney, or any person acting on the attorney's behalf, who is representing the defendant in an action brought under this chapter, or in any criminal proceeding concerning the abuse alleged under this chapter, from contacting the plaintiff for a legitimate purpose within the scope of the civil or criminal proceeding; provided, that the attorney or person acting on behalf of the attorney: identifies himself or herself as a representative of the defendant; acknowledges the existence of the protective order and informs the plaintiff that he or she has no obligation to speak; terminates contact with the plaintiff if the plaintiff expresses an unwillingness to talk; and ensures that any personal contact with the plaintiff occurs outside of the defendant's presence, unless the court has modified the protective order to permit such contact. (b) A no-contact provision in a protective order issued pursuant to this section shall not be construed to: (1) Prevent contact between counsel for represented parties; or (2) Prevent a party from appearing at a scheduled court or administrative hearing; or (3) Prevent a defendant or defendant's counsel from sending the plaintiff copies of any legal pleadings filed in court relating to the domestic violence petition or related civil or criminal matters. (c) A violation of this paragraph may result in a finding of contempt of court. IV. In any complaint, information, or indictment brought for the enforcement of any provision of this statute, it shall not be necessary to negate any exception, excuse, proviso, or exemption contained herein and the burden of proof of any exception, excuse, proviso, or exemption shall be upon the defendant. V. Any law enforcement officer may arrest, without a warrant, any person that the officer has probable cause to believe has violated the provisions of this section when the offense occurred within 12 hours, regardless of whether the crime occurred in the presence of the officer. A law enforcement officer shall arrest a person when he has probable cause to believe a violation of the provisions of this section has occurred within the last 12 hours when the offense involves a violation of a protective order issued pursuant to RSA 173-B, RSA 458:16, or paragraph III-a of this section. VI. (a) Any person convicted of a violation of this section and who has one or more prior stalking convictions in this state or another state when the second or subsequent offense occurs within 7 years following the date of the first or prior offense shall be guilty of a class B felony. (b) In all other cases, any person who is convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. VII. If any provision or application of this section or the application thereof to a person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this section which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications, and to this end the provisions of this section are severable. VIII. (a) Upon proof that the victim and defendant were intimate partners or family or household members, as those terms are defined in RSA 631:2-b, III, a conviction under this section shall be recorded as "stalking-domestic violence." (b) In addition to any other penalty authorized by law, the court shall levy a fine of $50 for each conviction recorded as "stalking-domestic violence" under this paragraph. The court shall not reduce or suspend any sentence or the payment of any fine imposed under this paragraph and no fine imposed under this paragraph shall be subject to an additional penalty assessment. If the court determines that the defendant is unable to pay the fine on the date imposed, the court may defer payment or order periodic payments thereof. The clerk shall forward all fines collected under this paragraph to the department of health and human services for the purposes of RSA 173-B:15. The provisions of RSA 618:8 and RSA 618:9 shall not apply to a fine imposed under this paragraph. Source. 1993, 173:2. 1994, 101:1. 1997, 242:1-4. 2000, 151:1, 2. 2002, 62:1; 79:5. 2005, 284:2. 2006, 214:2. 2014, 152:10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015; 204:43, eff. Jan. 1, 2015. 2017, 90:12, eff. Jan. 1, 2018.

RSA 633:4 Interference With Custody.

633:4. Interference With Custody. I. A person is guilty of a class B felony if such person knowingly takes from this state or entices away from this state any child under the age of 18, or causes any such child to be taken from this state or enticed away from this state, with the intent to detain or conceal such child from: (a) A parent, guardian or other person having lawful parental rights and responsibilities as described in RSA 461-A; or (b) An agency that has protective supervision or legal custody of the child under RSA 169-C or guardianship of the child under RSA 463. II. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if such person knowingly takes, entices away, detains or conceals any child under the age of 18, or causes any such child to be taken, enticed away, detained or concealed, with the intent to detain or conceal such child from: (a) A parent, guardian or other person having lawful parental rights and responsibilities as described in RSA 461-A; or (b) An agency that has protective supervision or legal custody of the child under RSA 169-C or guardianship of the child under RSA 463. III. It shall be an affirmative defense to a charge under paragraph I or II that the person so charged was acting in good faith to protect the child from real and imminent physical danger. Evidence of good faith shall include but shall not be limited to the filing of a nonfrivolous petition documenting such danger and seeking to modify the custody decree in a court of competent jurisdiction within this state. Such petition must be filed within 72 hours of termination of visitation rights. IV. The affirmative defense set forth in paragraph III shall not be available if the person charged with the offense has left this state with the child. Source. 1983, 390:1. 1998, 292:2. 2005, 273:16. 2014, 95:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.

RSA 633:5 Peonage.

633:5. Peonage. I. An actor is guilty of a class A misdemeanor if such person knowingly holds a victim in a condition of involuntary servitude in satisfaction of a debt owed to the actor. In this section, "involuntary servitude" means a condition of servitude in which the victim is forced to work for the actor by the use or threat of physical restraint or physical injury, or by the use or threat of coercion through law or the legal process. II. The use of the labor of any person incarcerated in a state or county correctional facility or municipal jail shall be exempt from this section. Source. 2006, 237:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

RSA 633:6 Definitions.

633:6. Definitions. In this subdivision: I. "Commercial sex act" means any sex act because of which anything of value is given, promised to, or received, directly or indirectly, by any person. II. "Sex act" means any act of sexual contact as defined in RSA 632-A:1, IV, any act of sexual penetration as defined in RSA 632-A:1, V, or any other sexually explicit conduct as defined in RSA 649-A:2. III. "Sexually-explicit performance" means an act or show involving one or more sex acts, intended to arouse, satisfy the sexual desires of, or appeal to the prurient interests of patrons or viewers, whether public or private, live, photographed, recorded, or videotaped. IV. "Serious harm" includes physical and non-physical harm. It can be any improper threat of a consequence sufficient under the circumstances to compel or coerce a reasonable person in the same situation to provide or continue to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts or sexually explicit performances. V. [Repealed.] VI. "Abusing or threatening abuse of law or legal process" means using or threatening to use a law or legal process, whether administrative, civil, or criminal, in any manner or for any purpose for which the law was not designed, to exert pressure on another person to cause that person to take some action or refrain from taking some action. VII. "Victim of human trafficking" means: (a) An individual who, at any point in time, was the victim of a trafficking in persons offense under RSA 633:7, I-III, whether or not the offense was prosecuted; or (b) An individual who at any point in time was the victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons offense under 22 U.S.C. section 7102(11)(A), whether or not the offense was prosecuted. Source. 2009, 211:1. 2014, 257:1, 8, eff. Oct. 23, 2014. 2022, 82:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2023.

RSA 633:7 Trafficking in Persons.

633:7. Trafficking in Persons. I. (a) It is a class A felony to knowingly compel a person against his or her will to perform a service or labor, including a commercial sex act or a sexually-explicit performance, for the benefit of another, where the compulsion is accomplished by any of the following means: (1) Causing or threatening to cause serious harm to any person. (2) Confining the person unlawfully as defined in RSA 633:2, II, or threatening to so confine the person. (3) Abusing or threatening abuse of law or legal process. (4) Destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or otherwise making unavailable to that person any actual or purported passport or other immigration document, or any other actual or purported government identification document. (5) Threatening to commit a crime against the person. (6) False promise relating to the terms and conditions of employment, education, marriage, or financial support. (7) Threatening to reveal any information sought to be kept concealed by the person which relates to the person's legal status or which would expose the person to criminal liability. (8) Facilitating or controlling the person's access to an addictive controlled substance. (9) Engaging in any scheme, plan, or pattern, whether overt or subtle, intended to cause the person to believe that, if he or she did not perform such labor, services, commercial sex acts, or sexually explicit performances, that such person or any person would suffer serious harm or physical restraint. (10) Withholding or threatening to withhold food or medication that the actor has an obligation or has promised to provide to the person. (11) Coercing a person to engage in any of the foregoing acts by requiring such in satisfaction of a debt owed to the actor. (b) The means listed in subparagraphs (a)(4), (a)(10), and (a)(11) are not intended to criminalize the actions of a parent or guardian who requires his or her child to perform common household chores under threat of typical parental discipline. (c) A person performs a service or labor against his or her will if the person is coerced into performing the service or labor, or if the person willingly begins to perform the service or labor but later attempts to withdraw from performance and is compelled to continue performing. The payment of a wage or salary shall not be determinative on the question of whether or not a person was compelled to perform a service or labor against his or her will. II. A person shall be guilty of a class A felony if such person maintains or makes available an individual under 18 years of age for the purpose of engaging the individual in a commercial sex act or sexually-explicit performance for the benefit of another. A person convicted under this paragraph shall be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment of not less than 18 years and a maximum term of not more than life imprisonment. Knowledge of the individual's actual age shall not be required as an element of this offense. Consent of the individual shall not constitute a defense to a charge under this paragraph. III. It is a class A felony to recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, or otherwise make available a person, knowing or believing it likely that the person will be subjected to trafficking as defined in paragraph I or II. Notwithstanding RSA 651:2, a person convicted of an offense under this paragraph involving a victim under the age of 18 shall be subject to a minimum term of not less than 18 years and a maximum term of not more than life imprisonment, if the offender knew or believed it likely that the victim would be involved in a commercial sex act or sexually-explicit performance. III-a. (a) A person is guilty of a class B felony if the person pays, agrees to pay, or offers to pay to engage in sexual contact, as defined in RSA 632-A:1 or sexual penetration, as defined in RSA 632-A:1, V with a person under the age of 18, or to observe a sexually explicit performance involving a person under the age of 18. The payment or offer or agreement to pay may be made to the person under the age of 18 or a third party. Neither the actor's lack of knowledge of the other person's age nor consent of the other person shall constitute a defense to a charge under this paragraph. (b) A person is guilty of a class A felony if the person pays, agrees to pay, or offers to pay to engage in sexual contact, as defined in RSA 632-A:1 or sexual penetration, as defined in RSA 632-A:1, V with a person who is under the age of 16. The payment or offer or agreement to pay may be made to the person who is under the age of 16 or a third party. Neither the actor's lack of knowledge of the other person's age nor consent of the other person shall constitute a defense to a charge under this paragraph. IV. Evidence of a trafficking victim's personal sexual history, history of commercial sexual activity, or reputation or opinion evidence regarding the victim's past sexual behavior shall not be admissible at trial unless the evidence is: (a) Admitted pursuant to rule 412 of the New Hampshire rules of evidence; or (b) Offered by the prosecution to prove a pattern of trafficking by the defendant. V. In any investigation or prosecution for an offense under this section, the identity of the victim and the victim's family, and images of the victim and the victim's family, shall be confidential except to the extent disclosure is necessary for the purpose of investigation, prosecution, or provision of services and benefits to the victim and the victim's family, or if disclosure is required by a court order. VI. No victim of human trafficking shall be prosecuted for any offense, where the otherwise chargeable conduct was committed as a direct result of being trafficked, provided that the conduct chargeable did not involve an act of violence or a threat of violence as defined in RSA 625:9, VII. VII. A victim of human trafficking who was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense shall not be subject to juvenile delinquency proceedings under RSA 169-B for any otherwise chargeable offense, where the conduct was committed as a direct result of being trafficked, provided that the conduct chargeable did not involve an act of violence or a threat of violence as defined in RSA 625:9, VII. VIII. (a) This paragraph shall apply to: (1) An individual convicted for an offense which was committed as a direct result of being trafficked; (2) An individual who was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense, who was adjudicated as delinquent for an offense which was committed as a direct result of being trafficked; or (3) An individual who entered into a diversion agreement in lieu of further criminal proceedings for an offense which was committed as a direct result of being trafficked. (b) A victim of human trafficking who was subject to adjudication as specified in subparagraph (a), may, at any time, file a motion with the circuit court, district division or superior court to vacate a conviction, adjudication of delinquency, or diversion agreement, and the related court records and arrest records, for any offense. A copy of the motion to vacate shall be provided to the agency that prosecuted the offense. (c) After a hearing, the court shall grant the motion to vacate the conviction, adjudication of delinquency, or diversion agreement upon a finding by a preponderance of the evidence that the petitioner's participation in the offense underlying the conviction, delinquency adjudication, or diversion agreement was the direct result of being trafficked. A finding by the court that the petitioner was a victim of human trafficking at the time of the offense shall be a prima facie evidence that the petitioner's participation in the offense was a direct result of being trafficked. (d) The petitioner shall not be required to provide any official documentation indicating that he or she was a victim of human trafficking at the time of the offense. However, if such documentation is provided, it shall be prima facie evidence that the petitioner's participation in the offense was a direct result of being trafficked. In this subparagraph, "official documentation" means: (1) A copy of an official record, certification, or eligibility letter from a federal, state, tribal, or local proceeding, including an approval notice or an enforcement certification generated from a federal immigration proceeding, that shows the petitioner was a victim of human trafficking; or (2) An affidavit or sworn testimony from a member of the clergy, a medical professional, a trained professional staff member of a victim services organization, or other professional from whom the petitioner has sought legal counselor other assistance in addressing the trauma and other challenges associated with being a victim of human trafficking. (e) In determining whether the petitioner was a victim of human trafficking at the time of the offense, the court may consider any other evidence the court finds has sufficient credibility and probative value. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to: (1) The affidavit or sworn testimony of the petitioner; (2) Branding or other tattoos on the body of the petitioner that identify the petitioner as having had a trafficker; (3) Photographic evidence of branding or other tattoos on the body of the petitioner that identify the petitioner as having or having had a trafficker; (4) Affidavits or sworn testimony of police, police interview notes, or police reports; (5) Affidavits or sworn testimony from any person with firsthand knowledge of the petitioner's involvement in the trafficking or any person who indicates that he or she was trafficked or exploited by the same individual or group of individuals who trafficked the petitioner; (6) Financial records showing revenues or expenses from the trafficking; (7) Internet listings, print advertisements, or business cards used to promote the petitioner for services; or (8) Email, text messages, or voicemail records between the petitioner, the trafficker, or solicitors of sex that reveal aspects of the trafficking, such as examples of trafficker exerting control over the petitioner, evidence of behavior patterns of the trafficker or the petitioner, or discussion of meeting times or payments. (f) Upon request of the petitioner and in lieu of the personal appearance of the petitioner in the courtroom, a hearing shall be conducted by 2-way electronic audio-video communication, between the petitioner, the judge, and any other present in the courtroom for the hearing, if the petitioner is represented by counsel and upon request of the petitioner, the petitioner's personal appearance shall be waived and counsel for petitioner shall be permitted to appear on the petitioner's behalf. IX. Upon request of the petitioner, the court shall not disclose or open to public inspection any information identifying the petitioner, including any records of the motion hearing which could provide circumstantial details that may identify the petitioner. Information regarding the petitioner that is sealed pursuant to this paragraph shall be disclosed only to the following: (a) The judge of the circuit court, district division or superior court and members of the staff of the court as designated by the judge; (b) Parties to the proceedings and their attorneys; (c) With the consent of the petitioner, any individual or public or private agency or institution providing educational, medical, or mental health service to the petitioner; (d) When necessary for the discharge of official duties, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, or law enforcement or prosecution staff, or (e) When authorized by court order, any other person, subject to any conditions imposed by the order, consistent with the petitioner's safety and privacy interests. X. (a) An order vacating a conviction, adjudication of delinquency, or diversion agreement shall: (1) Nullify the conviction, delinquency adjudication, or diversion agreement; (2) Vacate the conviction, delinquency adjudication, or diversion agreement due to a substantive defect in the underlying criminal proceedings; (3) Remove all civil disabilities and disqualifications imposed as a result of the conviction, delinquency adjudication, or diversion agreement; and (4) Place the petitioner in the position of never having been investigated, arrested, convicted, deemed delinquent, or diverted for the offense. (b) Upon a finding that the petitioner's participation in the offense underlying the conviction, delinquency adjudication, or diversion agreement was a direct result of being trafficked and an entry of an order vacating the conviction, delinquency's adjudication, or diversion agreement the court shall: (1) Order the conviction, delinquency adjudication, or diversion agreement and any related court records expunged and purged from all applicable state and federal systems. The court shall enter this order regardless of whether the petitioner had any criminal record prior or subsequent to the conviction, delinquency adjudication, or diversion agreement being vacated. (2) Order the division of state police to purge the conviction, delinquency adjudication, or diversion agreement, and any related court records or arrest records from the criminal history record information repository and all applicable state and federal databases. The clerk of the court shall send a certified copy of the order to the division of state police, which shall carry out the order and shall notify the following of the court's order: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Hampshire department of corrections, and any other criminal justice agency that may have a record of the conviction, adjudication of delinquency, or diversion agreement and related court records or arrest records. (c) Upon a finding that the petitioner's participation in the offense underlying the conviction, delinquency adjudication, or diversion agreement was a direct result of being trafficked and an entry of an order vacating the conviction, delinquency adjudication, or diversion agreement, the court may, in its discretion, grant other relief to the petitioning victim in the interests of justice. (d) Vacating a conviction, delinquency adjudication, or diversion agreement shall not affect any right of the person whose offense was vacated to appeal the conviction or sentence. Source. 2009, 211:1. 2014, 257:2, eff. Oct. 23, 2014. 2016, 215:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2017. 2017, 90:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2018. 2019, 151:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2020. 2021, 165:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022. 2022, 82:2, 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2023. 2025, 124:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.

RSA 633:8 Forfeiture of Items Used in Connection With Trafficking in Persons.

633:8. Forfeiture of Items Used in Connection With Trafficking in Persons. I. All offenses under this section shall qualify as offenses for forfeiture and thereby upon petition of the attorney general, shall be subject to forfeiture to the state and said property interest shall be vested in the state: (a) All materials, products, and equipment of any kind used in violation of this section. (b) Any property interest in any conveyance used in furtherance of an act which violates this section. (c) Any moneys, coin, currency, negotiable instruments, securities, or other investments knowingly used or intended for use in violation of this section. (d) Any books, records, ledgers, and research material, including formulae, microfilm, tapes, and any other data which are used or intended for use in felonious violation of this section. (e) Any real property, including any right, title, leasehold interest, and other interest in the whole of any lot or tract of land and any appurtenances or improvements, which real property is knowingly used or intended for use, in any manner or part, in felonious violation of this section. II. The state shall have a lien on any property subject to forfeiture under this section upon seizure thereof. Upon forfeiture, the state's title to the property relates back to the date of seizure. III. (a) Property may be seized for forfeiture by any law enforcement agency designated by the department of justice, as follows: (1) Upon process issued by any justice, associate justice, or special justice of the district or superior court. The court may issue a seizure warrant on an affidavit under oath demonstrating that probable cause exists for its forfeiture or that the property has been the subject of a previous final judgment of forfeiture in the courts of any state or of the United States. The application for process and the issuance, execution, and return of process shall be subject to applicable state law. The court may order that the property be seized and secured on such terms and conditions as are reasonable in the discretion of the court. Such order may include an order to a financial institution or to any fiduciary or bailee to require the entity to impound any property in its possession or control and not to release it except upon further order of the court. The order may be made on or in connection with a search warrant; (2) Physically, without process on probable cause to believe that the property is subject to forfeiture under this section; or (3) Constructively, without process on probable cause to believe that the property is subject to forfeiture under this section, by recording a notice of pending forfeiture in the registry of deeds in the county where the real property is located or at the town clerk's office where the personal property is located stating that the state intends to seek forfeiture of the identified property pursuant to this section. (b) A seizure for forfeiture without process under subparagraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) shall be reasonable if made under circumstances in which a warrantless seizure or arrest would be valid in accordance with state law. IV. Upon seizure of any items or property interests the property shall not be subject to alienation, sequestration, or attachment but is deemed to be in the custody of the department of justice subject only to the order of the court. V. Upon the seizure of any personal property, the person making or directing such seizure shall inventory the items or property interests and issue a copy of the resulting report to any person or persons having a recorded interest, or claiming an equitable interest in the item within 7 days of the seizure. VI. Upon seizure of any real property, the person making or directing such seizure shall notify any person having a recorded interest or claiming an equitable interest in the property within 7 days of the seizure. VII. The seizing agency shall cause an appraisal to be made of the property as soon as possible and shall promptly send to the department of justice a written request for forfeiture. This request shall include a statement of all facts and circumstances supporting forfeiture of the property, including the names of all witnesses then known, and the appraised value of the property. VIII. The department of justice shall examine the facts and applicable law of the cases referred pursuant to paragraph VII, and if it is probable that the property is subject to forfeiture, shall cause the initiation of administrative or judicial proceedings against the property. If upon inquiry and examination, the department of justice determines that such proceedings probably cannot be sustained or that the ends of justice do not require the institution of such proceedings, the department shall make a written report of such findings and send a copy to the seizing agency, and, if appropriate, shall also authorize and direct the release of the property. IX. The department of justice shall, within 60 days of the seizure, file a petition in the superior court having jurisdiction under this section. If no such petition is filed within 60 days, the items or property interest seized shall be released or returned to the owners. X. Pending forfeiture and final disposition, the law enforcement agency making the seizure shall: (a) Place the property under seal; (b) Remove the property to a storage area for safekeeping; (c) Remove the property to a place designated by the court; (d) Request another agency to take custody of the property and remove it to an appropriate location within the state, or in the case of moneys, file a motion for transfer of evidence under RSA 595-A:6. Upon the court's granting of the motion, the moneys shall be immediately forwarded to an interest-bearing seized asset escrow account to be administered by the attorney general. XI. The court may order forfeiture of all items or property interests under this section, except no item or property interest shall be subject to forfeiture unless the owner or owners thereof were consenting parties to a felonious violation of this section and had knowledge thereof. XII. The department of justice may petition the superior court in the name of the state in the nature of a proceeding in rem to order forfeiture of items or property interests subject to forfeiture under the provisions of this section. Such petition shall be filed in the court having jurisdiction over any related criminal proceedings which could be brought under this section. Such proceeding shall be deemed a civil suit in equity in which the state shall have the burden of proving all material facts by a preponderance of the evidence and in which the owners or other persons claiming an exception pursuant to paragraph XI shall have the burden of proving such exception. XIII. The court shall issue summonses to all persons who have a recorded interest or claim an equitable interest in said items or property interests seized under this section and shall schedule a hearing on the petition to be held within 90 days of the service date specified by the court on the summons on said petition. XIV. At the request of any party to the forfeiture proceeding, the court shall grant a continuance until the final resolution of any criminal proceedings which were brought against a party under this section and which arose from the transaction which gave rise to the forfeiture proceeding. No party's interest in property shall be forfeited unless a party has been found guilty of the underlying felonious charge. XV. At the hearing, the court shall hear evidence and make findings of fact and rulings of law as to whether the property is subject to forfeiture under this section. Except in the case of proceeds, upon a finding that the property is subject to forfeiture the court shall determine whether the forfeiture of the property is not excessive in relation to the underlying criminal offense. In making this determination the court shall consider whether in addition to any other pertinent considerations: (a) There is a substantial connection between the property to be forfeited and the underlying offense; (b) Criminal activities conducted by or through the use of the property were extensive; and (c) The value of the property to be forfeited greatly outweighs the cost of prosecution and the harm caused by the criminal conduct. XVI. The court shall, thereupon, make a final order, from which all parties shall have a right of appeal. Final orders for forfeiture of property under this section shall be implemented by the department of justice and shall provide for disposition of the items or property interests by the state in any manner not prohibited by law, including payment of restitution to a victim of trafficking or sale at public auction. The department of justice shall pay the reasonable expenses of the forfeiture proceeding, seizure, storage, maintenance of custody, advertising, court costs, and notice of sale from any money forfeited and from the proceeds of any sale or public auction of forfeited items. All outstanding recorded liens on said items or property interests seized shall be paid in full upon conclusion of the court proceedings from the proceeds of any sale or public auction of forfeited items. XVII. Overseas assets of persons convicted of trafficking in persons shall also be subject to forfeiture to the extent they can be retrieved by the government. XVIII. After payment of costs outlined in paragraph XVI, any forfeited money and the proceeds of any sale or public auction of forfeited items shall first be used to satisfy any order of restitution or compensation imposed by the court. Any remaining funds shall go to the victims' assistance fund as defined in RSA 21-M:8-i. Source. 2009, 211:1. 2014, 204:44, eff. July 11, 2014.

RSA 633:9 Administrative Forfeiture of Items Used in Connection With Trafficking in Persons.

633:9. Administrative Forfeiture of Items Used in Connection With Trafficking in Persons. I. Interests in property subject to forfeiture under the provisions of RSA 633:8, I(a), I(b), I(c) excepting proceeds, and I(d), but not real property, shall be subject to administrative forfeiture by the department of justice provided that the total amount or value of such property does not exceed $75,000. The provisions of RSA 633:8 shall apply in any case of administrative forfeiture except as otherwise provided in this section. II. The department of justice may administratively forfeit property seized under paragraph I of this section as follows: (a) The department of justice shall provide a notice of intent to forfeit property administratively by publication for 3 consecutive weeks in a local newspaper of general circulation where the property was seized. (b) In addition, to the extent practicable, the department of justice shall provide notice by certified mail return receipt addressee only requested, of intent to forfeit the property administratively to all persons having a recorded interest or claiming an equitable interest in the property seized. (c) Notice by publication and by mail shall include: (1) A description of the property; (2) Its appraised value; (3) The date and place of seizure; (4) The violation of law alleged against the subject property; (5) Instructions for filing a claim and posting bond or filing a petition for remission or mitigation; and (6) Notice that the property will be forfeited to the state if a petition for remission or mitigation has not been filed in a timely manner or a claim has not been filed and bond has not been posted in a timely manner. (d) Persons claiming an interest in the property may file petitions for remission or mitigation of forfeiture or file a claim and post bond with the department of justice within 30 days of the first notice by publication or 30 days from the receipt of written notice, whichever is later. (e) It shall be the duty of the department of justice to inquire into the facts and circumstances surrounding petitions for remission or mitigation of forfeiture. (f) The department of justice shall provide the seizing agency and the petitioner a written decision on each petition for remission or mitigation within 60 days of receipt of such petition unless the circumstances of the case require additional time in which case the department of justice shall notify the petitioner in writing and with specificity within the 60-day period that the circumstances of the case require additional time, and further notify the petitioner of the expected decision date. (g) Any person claiming an interest in seized property may institute judicial review of the seizure and proposed forfeiture by timely filing with the department of justice a claim and bond to the state in the amount of 10 percent of the appraised value or in the penal sum of $2,500, whichever is less, with sureties to be approved by the department of justice, upon condition that in the case of forfeiture the claimant shall pay all costs and expenses of the proceedings at the discretion of the court. A sworn affidavit of indigency may be filed in lieu of a cost bond. Upon receipt of the claim and bond, or, if department of justice otherwise so elects, the department shall file with the court a petition in rem to order forfeiture of items or property interests subject to forfeiture under the provisions of this section. All judicial proceedings thereafter shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of RSA 633:8. Any bonds received by the department of justice shall be held by it pending final disposition of the case. (h) If no petitions or claims with bonds are timely filed, the department of justice shall prepare a written declaration of forfeiture of the subject property to the state and dispose of the property in accordance with this section and the department of justice rules, if any, relative to this section. (i) If the petition is denied, the department of justice shall prepare a written declaration of forfeiture to the state and dispose of the property in accordance with this section and the department of justice rules, if any, relative to this section. (j) A written declaration of forfeiture signed by the attorney general or designee pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed good and sufficient title to the forfeited property. Source. 2009, 211:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.

RSA 633:10 Restitution and Compensation.

633:10. Restitution and Compensation. I. A person convicted under this section shall be ordered by the court to pay restitution to the victim. Such restitution may include but not be limited to: (a) Any economic loss compensable under RSA 651:62, in accordance with the provisions of RSA 651:61-a through RSA 651:67; and (b) The value of the victim's labor as guaranteed under the minimum wage law and overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act or the state minimum wage law, whichever is greater. II. To the extent not included in economic loss that is compensable under paragraph I, the court may also order a person convicted under this section to pay compensation as follows: (a) Costs of medical and psychological treatment, including physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, at the court's discretion; (b) Costs of necessary transportation, temporary housing, and child care, at the court's discretion; (c) Return of property, cost of damage to property, or full value of property if destroyed or damaged beyond repair; (d) Expenses incurred by a victim and any household members or other family members in relocating away from the defendant or his or her associates, including, but not limited to, deposits for utilities and telephone service, deposits for rental housing, temporary lodging and food expenses, clothing, and personal items; and (e) Any and all other losses suffered by the victim as a result of an offense under this section. III. The return of the victim to her or his home country or other absence of the victim from the jurisdiction shall not relieve the defendant of his or her restitution obligation. IV. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of RSA 651:61-a through RSA 651:67 shall govern all restitution and compensation orders. Source. 2009, 211:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.

RSA 633:11 Civil Remedy.

633:11. Civil Remedy. I. A victim may bring a civil action against a person that commits an offense under this subdivision for damages, injunctive relief, or other appropriate relief. II. In an action under this section, the court shall award a prevailing plaintiff reasonable attorney's fees and costs. III. An action under this section shall be commenced not later than 10 years after the date on which the victim was released from the human trafficking situation or 10 years after the date on which the victim attains 18 years of age, whichever is later. IV. Any damages awarded to the victim under this section shall be offset by any restitution paid to the victim pursuant RSA 633:10. V. This section shall not preclude the victim from pursuing any other remedy available to the victim under federal or state law. Source. 2014, 257:3, eff. Oct. 23, 2014.

RSA 633:12 Commission to Study Human Trafficking Within Illicit Massage Businesses; Established.

633:12. Commission to Study Human Trafficking Within Illicit Massage Businesses; Established. There is hereby established a commission to study human trafficking within illicit massage businesses. I. Notwithstanding RSA 14:49, the members of the commission shall be as follows: (a) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one of whom shall be a member of the criminal justice and public safety committee and one of whom shall be a member of the executive departments and administration committee. (b) Two members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate. (c) The attorney general, or designee. (d) The commissioner of the department of safety, or designee. (e) The executive director of the New Hampshire office of professional licensure and certification, or designee. (f) A representative from the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, appointed by the association. (g) A county attorney, appointed by the New Hampshire Association of Counties. (h) The executive director of the New Hampshire Municipal Association, or designee. (i) The executive director of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, or designee. II. Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission. III. The commission shall study: (a) Prior efforts to combat human trafficking conducted by illicit massage businesses. (b) Statewide and interstate collaboration to prevent the establishment of illicit massage businesses. (c) Best practices to support victims of human trafficking found in illicit massage businesses. (d) Regulation and licensure under RSA 328-H, relative to reflexologists, structural integrators, and Asian bodywork therapists, and RSA 328-B relative to massage therapists and massage establishments. (e) Creation of a statewide database of licensure applications and issuances to businesses. (f) Enhancing penalties for violation of RSA 633:7 relative to trafficking in persons and RSA 645:2 relative to prostitution and related offenses. (g) Consumer protection and labor violations. (h) Community-based approaches to preventing illicit massage businesses such as landlord education and engagement and termination of leases, as well as health and safety inspections. (i) Preventing sexual harassment and assault against licensed massage therapists and other reflexology professionals. IV. The commission may solicit input from any person or entity the committee deems relevant to its study. V. The commission members shall be appointed within 30 days after the effective date of this section. VI. The members of the study commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the senate member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. The commission shall hold a minimum of 10 meetings over the course of its study. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum. VII. The commission shall submit an interim report of its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate clerk, the house clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2025. The commission shall submit a final report of its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2026. [RSA 633:12 repealed by 2025, 63:7, effective November 1, 2026.] Source. 2025, 63:2, eff. June 2, 2025.
Source: New Hampshire General Court (gc.nh.gov)URL: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-LXII-633.htmFetched: 10/20/2026

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