New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi has resolved criminal charges by pleading no contest to a misdemeanor, resulting in a $1,200 fine and avoiding the threat of prison. The 69-year-old struck a plea deal over allegations that she attempted to influence a criminal investigation involving her husband.
Sentenced by Judge Martin Honigberg at Merrimack Superior Court in Concord, Hantz Marconi’s agreement allowed her to dodge a trial that could have led to a felony conviction. The misdemeanor—criminal solicitation of misuse of position—carries no serious crime designation, preserving her ability to return to the practice of law.
Hantz Marconi, one of five Republican appointees on the state’s high court, has been on paid administrative leave since July 2024, with her law license suspended during that period. Following her plea, the Supreme Court cleared the way for her return to the bench if her license is reinstated. Her legal team said she looks forward to resuming her duties, while noting she still disputes the state attorney general’s interpretation of her actions.
The charges stemmed from a June 2024 meeting she arranged with then-Governor Chris Sununu, aimed at expediting the investigation into her husband, according to the state attorney general. “That conduct was unlawful and unethical, and it undermines confidence in our criminal justice system,” officials said, emphasizing that the conviction ensures accountability.
As part of the deal, prosecutors dropped the two felonies and five other misdemeanors originally filed in October 2024. Hantz Marconi’s husband, Geno Marconi, remains on leave from his state post and has pleaded not guilty to separate charges involving deleted voicemails and alleged misuse of confidential records.
