Manchester, New Hampshire DWI Attorney

Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is imperative that anyone facing a New Hampshire DWI charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an accomplished and knowledgeable DWI lawyer will help you understand all of your options and rights.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Manchester?

Pursuant to New Hampshire law, once you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the New Hampshire Department of Safety. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in New Hampshire. Because of this, it is very important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on its own.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license for 180 days.
• Reduction of Conviction in Manchester, New Hampshire - One year after date of conviction the offender may file a motion to reduce the DUI / DWI conviction to a violation. The court will consider the offender's subsequent driving record, any evidence of drug or alcohol treatment, the hardship of having a criminal record, and any other factors the court deems relevant.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of an impaired driver intervention program is required for reinstatement of driving privileges. Additionally, the court may order that the offender attend alcohol and/or drug treatment and counseling.
• Jail Time - No imprisonment for a first time DUI / DWI offender unless there are aggravating factors.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level of 0.04. A first time DUI or DWI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in New Hampshire.
• Monetary Fines - In Manchester, New Hampshire, fines for a first time DWI are $500.
• New Hampshire Driving Privileges and DWI - In Manchester, New Hampshire, a DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for a minimum of 9 months, and may be extended by the court for up to 2 years. The court may also suspend up to 6 (six) months of the sentence, under the condition that the offender enter into the driver intervention program required within 45 days after conviction.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.04. A first time DWI / DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in New Hampshire.

Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are more severe for additional DUI or DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in New Hampshire, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why a capable and experienced defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a New Hampshire DUI or DWI for a fast, free consultation.