Nashua DUI Lawyer

While driving and cruising down the streets of Nashua, New Hampshire, can be enjoyable, it can be dangerous if someone intoxicated is on the road. As a result of drinking and driving, car accidents and fatal collisions may occur and have severe consequences for any driver or injured passenger involved.

Driving under the influence is against the law and causes severe or fatal accidents on New Hampshire roads yearly. In New Hampshire alone, almost forty percent of total driving fatalities are caused by DUI-related driving fatalities. Understandably, the law enforces penalties and consequences for DUIs. If you are facing a DUI charge, speaking with an experienced Nashua DUI lawyer can help you understand your rights and develop an aggressive defense in your case. At Hayes Law Firm, our attorneys have years of experience helping clients facing alcohol-related criminal charges such as a DUI charge.

Understanding New Hampshire DUIs

On January 1st, 2013, in New Hampshire, the new Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws and penalties went into effect. The definition of “under the influence” was expanded to include not only the traditional liquor and controlled drugs but now encompasses prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and any chemical substance, natural or synthetic, that impairs a person’s ability to drive.

Depending on the circumstances of the case and the level of an offense, DUIs can lead to jail time, fines, and court-appointed treatment or probation. Anyone convicted for severe DUI cases may lose their privilege to drive and operate a vehicle. With an experienced attorney, you may find a better outcome with lesser penalties.

Penalties of New Hampshire DUIs

The nature and scope of penalties depend upon the level of offense. If convicted, jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges are the result of a DUI charge. In many cases, jail time is suspended, provided you participate in the Impaired Driver Care Management Program.

However, many aspects of the penalty phase remain, especially in severe cases or upon subsequent offenses occurring within a short period. Upon conviction, you face a mandatory jail sentence, expensive fines, license loss, reinstatement fees at the DMV, a damaged motor vehicle record, and insurance requirements. New Hampshire does not have a “Cinderella” or hardship license.

Penalties in New Hampshire DUI cases include:

First offense DWI: Punishable with fines and license suspensions. This may include $500 to $1,200 in fines and a nine to twelve-month license suspension.

- Second offense DWI: Punishable by up to one year in jail time, $750 to $2,000 in fines, and up to three years of license suspension.

Subsequent offense DWIs: Punishable by up to one year in jail time, up to $2,000 in fines, and a lifetime license revocation.

Class A Misdemeanor/aggravated DUI: From five days to one year of jail time and up to a $2,000 fine.

Class B Felony/aggravated DUI: Up to seven years in jail and up to $4,000 in fines.
Probation: At times, a judge may suspend a portion of a DUI offender’s jail sentence and require them to be on probation for up to two years.

Individuals under twenty-one years of age convicted of a DWI offense are also subject to penalties under NH DUI laws. With a skilled attorney, minors and individuals not of legal drinking age can build a defense for any mistakes and alcohol-related offenses that occur before adulthood. Our lawyers understand that mistakes and misunderstandings can occur, especially for minors and young adults.

Sentencing and Treatment in DWI cases

Facing the challenges and consequences of alcohol-related charges doesn’t always result in jail time and fines. Additionally, those convicted may seek treatment and programs appointed by the court to help them recover and resolve their illegal actions.

One of the most significant changes relates to sentencing and treatment. The new statutory scheme seeks to address underlying substance abuse issues that result in offenders driving under the influence. Individuals convicted will now be referred to an Impaired Driver Care Management Program for a substance use evaluation. In these situations, you are evaluated to see the nature of your substance use disorder and must follow all aftercare recommendations.

You must also complete an Impaired Driver Education Program before restoring your license. In these cases, many of our clients can restore their driving privileges after completing the program and requesting a DMV hearing at their local NH DMV when they are eligible.

How Can Hayes Law Firm Help Me After a DWI Arrest?

If you are arrested for an alcohol-related driving offense, you may be wondering how a DUI attorney can help. Especially since refusing field sobriety tests can result in automatic license suspensions, many people are afraid or unaware of their rights at a traffic stop. Even with failed sobriety tests such as a breathalyzer, an expert attorney can examine every aspect of your arrest and the events leading up to it.

Benefits of hiring a Hayes DUI attorney include:

Experienced attorneys understand the prosecution
DUI lawyers can work to protect your rights
Law firms have the necessary resources to benefit your case
Skilled attorneys know the law and how to build an aggressive defense
A lawyer may be able to get your case dismissed or penalties diminished
DUI lawyers represent you and help you put your best foot forward
A DUI attorney can help you clear your criminal record

With our legal team’s efforts, many clients in Nashua have seen positive outcomes and felt at ease during their court proceedings. Our attorneys are eager to help you, just as we have helped many other offenders in DWI-related cases. Regardless of the number of offenses or severe circumstances in your case, you have the right to seek professional legal support in your criminal case.

Contact Our Experienced DUI Attorneys in Nashua, NH, After Being Charged With Driving Under The Influence

Facing DUI charges can be very challenging and cause hardships for those convicted, even in the case of a first offense. When the prosecution presents field sobriety tests and other evidence in a DUI case, an expert DUI lawyer can help you fight any invalid evidence used against you. At Hayes Law Firm, Justin Paul Hayes, Esq. has protected clients’ rights and developed a strategic defense against a DUI charge.

You owe it to yourself to speak with a lawyer before your court date. Our DUI lawyers in Nashua, NH, are always happy to talk with you or meet in our office to discuss your case. You may complete a contact form or call us at 978-314-4950 to schedule a free consultation after a DUI arrest.