Do I need a DWI/DUI Attorney?
This question is frequently asked by drivers that have recently been arrested for DWI. Hiring or at least consulting with an experienced DWI attorney is never a bad idea, especially if you are a repeat offender.
Keep in mind that a DWI attorney may have information that you have not considered because of your limited experience with the law. This information may help your case and impact the fines or jail time that you may receive.
Repeat offenders face higher penalties and jail time and the bottom line is you may not be able to afford not to hire a DWI attorney.
Have you been accused of DWI or some other offense? Wondering what will happen in court — or at the DMV? Contrary to what you may have heard, a DUI conviction is not inevitable, nor is
the suspension of your right to drive. Do not panic. You do have options. You must take action!
Examples of License Suspension, Fines, and Consequences for New Hampshire
How long you lose your license depends on the nature of your conviction.
DWI first offense is a class B misdemeanor and involves a fine up to $1,000 plus penalty assessment and a net license suspension anywhere from 90 days to two years. The length of suspension depends, again, on your driving record and the specifics of your arrest. You will also be required to take an Impaired Driver Program and successfully complete that program, pay a restoration fee to DMV, provide DMV with SR-22 insurance. There is also a mechanism to subsequently reduce the misdemeanor to a violation level offense.
If you are under 21 years old there are also enhanced penalties in addition to the above penalties, most notably a minimum one year loss of license.
If you are convicted of aggravated DWI it is a class A misdemeanor. An aggravated DWI is a separate class of DWI in that it contains additional elements that are considered more serious. For example a BAC .16 or higher, excessive speed, reckless driving or disobeying an officer. As a result you will have a higher fine, longer suspension, and mandatory jail.
If you are charged with DWI a second or subsequent time it is a class A misdemeanor. This has enhanced penalties from a first offense, including mandatory jail time, increased fine and three year loss of license. The state requires you to take an Alcohol Education Class at an approved treatment center. Second and subsequent DWI offenses are very costly.
Some DWI's can be felonies with more serious consequences, up to and including state prison terms and lifetime loss of license.
In addition to all the above penalties there are also DMV suspensions that you face can be independent of court ordered suspensions.
