New Hampshire Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys
- Bedford
- Burlington
- Hoff, Curtis, Pacht, Cassidy, Frame, Somers & Katims:
You answered the investigating police officer's questions at the scene of the accident. Afterwards, you should not talk to anyone about your collision except one of the lawyers or investigators in your lawyer's office. You should not even talk to your own insurance company without notifying your lawyer first. Remember, the attorney-client communications privilege and your attorney's counsel are there to protect you, while statements made to other persons are generally not shielded from disclosures and can sometimes hurt you.
- Concord
- Exeter
- Bostock & Donais:
Massachusetts DUI Defense
As experienced DUI attorneys, we keep abreast of the changes related to the drunk driving laws in Massachusetts. As a result, we provide all of our clients with effective representation whether they are charged with their first, second, or third DUI.
- Russman Law Offices:
Is it "safer" to drink beer, wine or hard liquor in excess?
None of them. Different types of drinks contain different concentrations of alcohol, or what may be called "proofs." The proof rating is two times the alcohol concentration. Therefore, a 200 proof liquor has a 100 percent alcohol concentration. Most hard liquors have a higher alcohol concentration than most wines, and most wines have a higher alcohol concentration than most beers, meaning that it may take "less" hard liquor and wine to become intoxicated. However, the alcohol concentration of a drink is not everything. You also have to consider the size of the drink that you are having. Therefore, a shot glass of hard liquor, which is usually only about 1-1/2 ounces of alcohol, may end up having the same effect as one five-ounce glass of wine or one twelve-ounce beer.
However, drinking any alcoholic beverage to excess is never a good idea. Not only may you seriously injure yourself or others if you decide to operate a car after drinking excessively, you may also suffer other physical injuries, whether or not you decide to operate a motor vehicle. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, heart, and brain. In addition, excessive use of alcohol within a short period of time can lead to death.
- Franklin
- Seufert Law Offices:
The facts about DWI / DUI
In New Hampshire, DWI and DUI both stand for driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. A person who drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle, upon a way, and who is impaired to any degree from the use of drugs or alcohol, can potentially be convicted of DWI.
It is important to understand that an operator only has 30 days to contest an initial driverÕs license suspension and request a hearing at the NH DMV.
There are four DWI charges. They are:
* DWI (first offense) Ð Class B Misdemeanor
o .08% blood alcohol level, and/or impairment to any degree from alcohol.
o Minimum fine of $500.00 (plus a 20% penalty assessment), and 9 months up to 2 years loss of license, completion of the impaired driver program, and a $100.00
o reinstatement fee (plus additional suspension period under the DMV ALS rules)
* Aggravated DWI Ð Class A Misdemeanor
o .16% blood alcohol level (or other factors such as excessive speed, and attempts to elude police while under the influence of alcohol) Minimum fine of $500.00; license loss for 18 months up to 2 years (may petition the Court to reduce to 12 months after completion of the alcohol program. Minimum 10 days in the House of Correction (7 days of that in the Multiple Offender Program).
* DWI, 2nd, or subsequent offense Ð Class A Misdemeanor
o Prior conviction of DWI within the last 10 years. Minimum fine of $500.00; loss of license for 3 years, minimum. If prior conviction within 2 years, 37 days House of Correction sentence including the 7 day Multiple Offender Program. If prior conviction more the 2 years old, but within the last 10 years, must serve 10 days in the House of Correction and complete the Multiple Offender Program.
* Felony Aggravated DWI
o Accident resulting with serious bodily injury. Minimum fine of $1000.00. Potential NH State Prison Sentence.
- Lancaster
- Leonard Harden:
When charged with a crime, it is vital that you speak to a qualified criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Lebanon:
- Struckhoff Law
Office:
Contrary to popular belief, many people are found not guilty of DWI; in
addition, many other people benefit greatly from either a negotiated reduction
of the initial charge or by receiving a lesser punishment than they might
expect if not represented by counsel. In almost every DWI there is a
considerable range from the best possible outcome to the worst possible
outcome.
- Londonderry
- Olson, Carl:
Are You Under Arrest? Remember Rule #1 -
Keep Your Mouth Shut, Even If It Means Spending the Night in Jail!!
Being charged with any crime is a frightening experience. You need to know your rights under the law and act to protect them immediately, before memories fade, evidence is lost, or witnesses disappear. Do not wait to get help. The more time your criminal defense attorney has before trial, the better and stronger your defense can be.
- Manchester
- Keefe & Browne:
Criminal offenses and violations are classified into three broad categories in the State of New Hampshire.
>> Violations
>> Misdemeanors
>> Felonies
- Tenn & Tenn:
The statutory laws and Supreme Court decisions concerning "drunk driving" have changed significantly over recent years. Today, a person arrested in New Hampshire for driving under the influence of alcohol ("DUI" or "DWI") faces complicated procedures and potentially severe punishment.
After you are initially stopped by the police, you will be asked incriminating questions without any Miranda advisement of rights and without any immediate right to consult with an attorney. You will then be subjected to a series of "field sobriety tests" under physically and emotionally difficult conditions -- tests which may be nearly impossible for most people to satisfactorily perform under the best of circumstances. You may then be given a hand-held preliminary breath test ("PBT").
After being arrested, you will be requested to submit to breath or blood testing, usually at the police station -- and, again, without any right to speak with an attorney. Contrary to popular belief, the breathalyzers used by the police are not always accurate and many officers administering them are unfamiliar with the proper procedures. If you refuse, or if the police feel you are not cooperating to their satisfaction, a blood test is often requested. If the breath test is .08% or over, or if there is a blood sample withdrawn or a refusal reported, the police may confiscate your license and issue you a notice of suspension and a 30-day temporary license.
After being charged with DWI/DUI, you now face two battles. First, you must deal with a criminal prosecution in state court. If the breath or blood test was .08% or over, you will also be charged with the so-called "per se" offense, driving with .08% or over blood-alcohol.
Second, you must deal with a potential administrative license suspension from the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles ("DMV"). If the breath test was over .08%, or over .02% if under the age of 21, or if there was a blood sample withdrawn or a refusal reported, the police will confiscate your license and issue you a notice of suspension and 30-day temporary license. A first offense DWI/DUI involves a potential six month suspension from the DMV; a refusal or a second offense within ten years of a prior conviction triggers a potential two-year suspension. These suspensions may be successfully contested by an experienced DWI/DUI attorney; but, it is critical that you or, preferably, your attorney, contact the DMV immediately to request a hearing. The importance of this cannot be overstated; absent a timely request, there will be no hearing and the suspension will automatically take effect 30 days after the arrest or results of the blood test.
- Martin Glennon:
If you have been charged with a crime in Manchester, New Hampshire or surrounding areas, you should get professional legal advice right away. It is important to have a lawyer on your side who will show you how to fight for your rights.
- Schrepfer & Paradis:
Having a good attorney to defend you at trial or to negotiate the best possible plea with a prosecutor can make all the difference. This is especially true in DWI cases where the loss of your driving privileges can mean the loss of your job.
- Nashua
- Plaistow
- Bostock, Fitzgerald & Saia-Rogers:
It is vital to request an administrative licensing suspension hearing within 20 days of your DUI arrest, because if you fail to request such a hearing, you will automatically lose your license for six months and waive the right to challenge this suspension of your license.
- Jacqueline Fitzgerald:
You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
- Portsmouth
- Salem
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