Charles “Chuck” Keefe is a partner at Wilson, Bush & Keefe, where he focuses exclusively on criminal defense and complex trial litigation in state and federal courts throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. A veteran trial attorney and former homicide prosecutor, Chuck is widely recognized as one of New Hampshire’s leading criminal defense lawyers trying some of the most high-profile criminal cases across the state. Chuck has successfully defended other attorneys, members of law enforcement, and members of the court against serious criminal allegations.
Chuck formerly served two terms as President of the New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers after previously serving two terms as Vice President, and he remains actively involved in issues affecting criminal justice and constitutional rights throughout the state serving on both the New Hampshire Supreme Court Rules Committee and the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire Rules Committee. He is regularly consulted by fellow attorneys on complex criminal matters and is frequently relied upon by local and national media for legal analysis and commentary on high-profile criminal cases. He has obtained a multitude of not-guilty verdicts before judges and juries, in state and federal court, ranging from DUI/DWI to homicide and many others.
Chuck graduated with honors from the College of the Holy Cross, where he majored in history and played collegiate baseball. He then attended Boston University School of Law, graduating with honors while earning the Dean’s Award for outstanding academic performance. During law school, he represented indigent clients in Boston and served as an editor of one of the school’s law journals. While in law school, he worked for a leading Boston-area criminal defense attorney who engendered in him the passion for defending those facing criminal accusations and standing up for people in need of help in the worst moments of their lives.
Chuck began his legal career at a Manchester civil trial firm handling wrongful death and catastrophic injury litigation involving complex legal and factual issues. He later joined the Hillsborough County Attorney's Office, where he prosecuted serious felony offenses including drug crimes, assaults, theft offenses, and manslaughter cases. He subsequently joined the Homicide Unit of the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, prosecuting murder cases throughout the State of New Hampshire. While with the Attorney General’s Office, Chuck successfully argued multiple cases before the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
Since joining the firm in 2008, Chuck has devoted his practice exclusively to defending individuals charged with crimes ranging from DUI/DWI offenses to homicide, white-collar crimes, computer crimes, drug offenses, and serious violent felonies. He has secured acquittals and favorable outcomes in bench and jury trials in both state and federal court and has successfully litigated cases before the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
Drawing upon his background as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, Chuck is known for his courtroom presence, strategic litigation skills, and deep understanding of how criminal cases are investigated and prosecuted. His experience provides clients with an informed and aggressive defense at every stage of the criminal process.
In 2008, Chuck received the prestigious Robert E. Kirby Award, awarded annually to a New Hampshire attorney age 35 or younger who exemplifies exceptional advocacy, professionalism, civility, and integrity. He has also been recognized by Super Lawyers and holds a longstanding top rating on Avvo.
In addition to his trial practice, Chuck lectures and teaches on criminal defense topics for other attorneys and has authored legal education materials on criminal law and evidence.
