Many drivers are unaware of the criminal charges or consequences they could face due to disobeying a traffic law in New Hampshire. While some situations and first offenses may result in a monetary fine by receiving a traffic citation, more stringent laws that are broken behind the wheel of a car may result in criminal convictions.
Understandably, drivers make mistakes from time to time, but neglecting to address a traffic ticket or misdemeanor offense may result in severe consequences. Typical motor vehicle misdemeanor violations may include causing a car collision or a drunk driving episode. Despite the varying circumstances that may end in a misdemeanor charge, a well-trusted criminal defense attorney at Hayes Law Firm can work to protect your rights and build a defense against criminal charges.
Hayes Works to Help You Resolve Misdemeanor Traffic Violations
Being stopped by law enforcement while you are driving does not always result in criminal charges. Depending on the violation, you may get away with a warning or have to pay a traffic citation. In more severe cases, traffic violations result in criminal charges, such as a misdemeanor offense. Depending on the case you are involved in, jail time, fines, and liability for any injuries you may have caused are among the consequences.
Traffic offenses that may result in a misdemeanor charge in New Hampshire:
- First or second time DUI
- Aggravated DWI
- Driving with a suspended license
- Speeding
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Reckless driving or racing
- Habitual offenses
- Hit and run
- Evading a police officer
At Hayes Law Firm, our skilled attorneys are uniquely qualified to represent clients within the Nashua community. By advocating for and diligently pursuing the best interests of our clients, we have successfully helped individuals face lesser charges or dismiss their cases. Suppose you are facing a misdemeanor charge for a motor vehicle-related violation. In that case, our team may help you by reviewing the details of your arrest, the events leading to the traffic stop, and strategizing an irrefutable defense.
Understanding New Hampshire’s Misdemeanor Charge Classification
If you are faced with a misdemeanor charge for a traffic offense or moving violation, you may be feeling worried. Understanding the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony and how an attorney can help in any case may help you feel more at ease. A felony is the highest level of a crime and typically results in jail time. Traffic-related violations are categorized as violations rather than crimes. Misdemeanors are also categorized into two groups, similar to felonies but not as severe in penalties.
Misdemeanor categories and meaning:
- Class A Misdemeanor: Include more serious offenses and may result in at least one year of jail time, up to $2000 in fines, and probation.
- Class B Misdemeanor: The lightest type of criminal offense. Typically punishable with a maximum monetary fine of $1200.
Charges can be resolved and efficiently addressed with an attorney that keeps your defense in mind. Handling a misdemeanor charge independently, which some people choose, often results in missing out on an advantageous and knowledgeable legal team that can change the trajectory of a case decision.
Should I Hire a Nashua Motor Vehicle Misdemeanor Lawyer?
In an escalated case, a misdemeanor charge may be difficult to handle alone. Especially in the case of habitual offenses or DUI, many drivers lose their right to drive in addition to paying fines, court fees, and other negative impacts. An attorney works to help you by negotiating your case with the prosecution, refuting evidence not legally obtained, re-creating an accident scene, and other professional resources particular to your case.
What Defenses Do I Have for Criminal Charges Involving a Motor Vehicle?
More serious traffic offenses often result in a misdemeanor or felony charge. Whether a first-time or habitual offender, it is not uncommon to worry about the consequences of these charges and what your options are for a skilled defense. Keeping your future in mind, an attorney reviews every aspect of your case. Depending on the charges you are up against, your defense may differ.
Defenses you may have for a misdemeanor traffic violation:
- Challenging the accuracy of a breathalyzer or field sobriety test in a DUI
- Challenging the accuracy of a radar gun or an officer’s judgment in a speeding case
- Determining you weren’t driving reckless or without regard for the safety of others
- Determining you were not the driver at the time of the crime
- You unknowingly drove away from property damage or an accident
- You were not liable for causing an accident
The consequences may vary if you are found guilty of a misdemeanor in New Hampshire. At times, an attorney can negotiate lesser penalties and help you avoid jail time. Some individuals facing charges may have to enroll in a traffic school, a court-approved drug and alcohol treatment, or other programs to help their well-being and future. Our attorneys understand every case is different, and our team of professionals uniquely defends our clients.
Speak With Our Motor Vehicle Misdemeanor Lawyer at Hayes Law Firm in Nashua, NH
Resolving motor vehicle misdemeanor offenses may be challenging for individuals facing charges. Depending on the circumstances surrounding a violation and the state of your overall record, the prosecution may pose significant evidence to support a conviction with penalties. Despite this, you have a right to seek professional legal help from a trustworthy attorney that has experience in getting a client’s criminal traffic violations dismissed or lessened in a courtroom.
Our attorneys at Hayes Law Firm are experienced and committed to defending a client while protecting their rights. If you are facing a motor vehicle misdemeanor charge in Nashua, New Hampshire, complete a contact form or call us at 978-314-4950.