Different driving and traffic violations can fall under motor vehicle offenses and can range in severity from a minor violation to vehicular homicide. The penalties for motor vehicle offenses range from classified crimes within the criminal court system or administrative processes handled by the local DMV in New Hampshire. When facing motor vehicle violations and criminal offenses, hiring a skilled defense attorney may benefit your case and the overall outcome of your court proceedings. At Hayes Law Firm, our legal professionals bring years of experience and effective defense strategies to the case of any New Hampshire client facing a motor vehicle offense.
Types of Motor Vehicle Offenses
Motor vehicle offenses can range greatly in severity. For example, speeding tickets or traffic violations for improper passing are less severe and complex than aggravated DWI or vehicular homicide. Regardless of the violations and offenses you face, resolving your tickets and court handlings can help you restore your driving record.
Hayes’ practice areas within motor vehicle offenses include:
- Conduct After an Accident
- Disobeying a Police Officer
- Driving without Financial Responsibility
- Habitual Offender
- Hands-Free
- Negligent Operation
- Operating After Suspension
- Reckless Operation
- Speeding
- Taking without Owner’s Consent
- Vehicular Assault
- Vehicular Homicide
- Demerit Point Consequences
- Demerit Points
Depending on your driving record and your history in the courtroom, you may be wondering about the varying degree of penalties you may be subject to. An experienced attorney navigates you through your specific case, considering the offenses you face and aggressive defense for negotiation.
Penalties for Motor Vehicle Offenses
Factors that can influence the penalties an individual may face for any offense include past criminal history, pending charges, and the current crimes and convictions they may be facing. Depending on the type of motor vehicle offense you are accused of, the penalties and extent of punishable action will vary between fines, jail time, and license suspensions.
Examples of standard penalties in motor vehicle offense cases include:
- Driving with a license suspension: Operating a vehicle with a suspended license is punishable by up to $1,000 in fines, an additional suspension period, jail time, and a misdemeanor or felony charge on your record.
- DUI/DWI: Varies on the level of DWI offenses. Punishable by fines, jail time, license suspension and revocation, enrollment in drug or alcohol treatment programs, probation, and other consequences.
- Running a red light or stop sign: Punishable by up to $124 in fines and three demerit points added on a record depending on the number of offenses.
- Vehicular homicide: This serious crime is a class A felony, punishable by up to $4,000 in fines, 15 years in prison, probation, and license suspension or revocation until eligible for a reinstatement petition.
- Failing to yield: Punishable by up to $124 in fines depending on the number of offenses.
- Reckless driving: Driving recklessly may result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a license suspension of up to one year, depending on the number of offenses.
For individuals facing charges relating to motor vehicle offenses, it may be challenging to navigate a case because their penalties and consequences involve both the court system and the DMV. The results may be losing driving privileges, experiencing financial hardships, and jail time or probation that disrupts your everyday life. You have the right to seek an experienced attorney who can help you make the best legal decisions and ensure you are represented well in a courtroom.
Demerits Point System in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, a demerit point system is used concerning traffic violations and an individual’s driving record. If you accumulate points on your record, you risk your driving privileges. You may be subject to a license suspension or revocation depending on your case and the frequency of trouble you have encountered with law enforcement while on the road. Additionally, if you are under twenty-one years of age, you may also be subject to license suspension and revocations for accumulating too many demerits.
Can a New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Offense Lawyer Help My Case?
Depending on the type of offense you are facing, you may be at risk of having your license suspended or other penalties due to a criminal traffic charge. With an attorney on your side, you may be able to get your ticket entirely dismissed or lessen the penalties. There are many reasons to choose Hayes Law Firm, including our aggressive strategy to protect your rights and ensure that your defense team is experienced and prepared.
Ways a ticket or motor vehicle offense may be dismissed include:
- If the arresting officer or the officer that gives a ticket fails to show up in court.
- If your attorney bargains and negotiates for a lesser charge or violation.
- If you agree to pay all or part of your fine and complete any probation periods you were sentenced to.
Our legal team is available to review your case with honesty, and we communicate with all of our clients throughout their entire court process. We do not mislead our clients nor give them inaccurate legal advice for any tickets, offenses, and charges they are up against. Crimes such as vehicular manslaughter, DUIs, and a habitual offender status are complex and involve a strong knowledge of laws and rights to pursue a favorable outcome.
Call Hayes Law Firm for an Experienced Defense Attorney to Represent You
When facing charges or tickets related to a motor vehicle offense, it is crucial that you understand your rights and how important it is to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Attempting to handle your case and face your charges independently may cause you to receive the full extent of penalties and criminal charges. With traffic tickets and demerits, your daily life and opportunities may change.
Justin Paul Hayes is skilled in helping many clients face their charges. His aggressive defense approach in every case has proven effective for many individuals. You may contact us by filling out our contact form or by calling 978-314-4950 to schedule a free consultation.