If you’ve been arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) in Keene or anywhere in Cheshire County, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and anxious about what comes next. A DUI conviction in New Hampshire can carry serious consequences, including steep fines, loss of driving privileges, and jail time. However, remember that being charged is not the same as being convicted. You have rights and options that a DUI attorney in Keene, NH, can help you protect and explore.
At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., our experienced DUI attorneys understand the high stakes. We are familiar with the local courts, the judges, and the prosecutors. Our team brings decades of experience to each case we handle, fighting tirelessly to minimize the impact a DUI arrest can have on your life. Whether it’s your first DUI or you’re facing more serious charges, we’re here to defend your rights and help you move forward confidently.
Shaheen & Gordon is rooted in New Hampshire
Shaheen & Gordon is more than just a New Hampshire law firm. We’re a team of dedicated advocates who bring energy, creativity, and strategic insight to every legal service we offer. Since our founding in 1981, we’ve built a statewide reputation for delivering high-quality legal services with a personalized, client-focused approach.
Our Keene office serves to meet the needs of clients throughout Cheshire County with the same caliber of legal talent found at all our locations. Our local attorneys understand the ins and outs of practicing in Keene Court’s 8th Circuit District Division, and we regularly appear before its judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies. Whether you’re a student at Keene State College, a local business owner, or someone just passing through, we’re equipped to help you navigate a DUI charge with skill and discretion.
What sets Shaheen & Gordon apart is our collaborative, multidisciplinary team. With more than 65 attorneys across Northern New Hampshire, we combine thorough legal knowledge with a modern, strategic approach. We work together across practice areas to build the strongest case possible for our clients.
Why clients choose us
When you hire Shaheen & Gordon, you gain the support of a respected firm that’s been shaping New Hampshire’s legal landscape for over four decades. Here’s why clients select us to represent them:
- Results-driven advocacy: We’ve secured acquittals, dismissals, and reduced charges in complex DUI cases.
- Courtroom confidence: Our attorneys include former prosecutors and trial veterans who know what it takes to win.
- Local insight and statewide impact: We’re deeply rooted in the Keene community and respected across New Hampshire’s court system.
- Client-centered approach: We don’t just take on civil and criminal cases. We work to make a difference in people’s lives.
Know your legal rights following a DUI arrest in Keene
Being arrested for DUI can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time in the legal system. Understanding your rights is the first step in building your defense. New Hampshire DUI laws are strict, but the law also protects you from wrongful conviction and excessive punishment. After your arrest, you have:
| The right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination – You’re not required to answer police questions that authorities could use against you in court. |
| The right to request an attorney before answering police questions – Law enforcement’s questioning must stop until your attorney is present. |
| The right to receive a fair and speedy trial – An unbiased judge or jury should hear your case without unnecessary delay. |
| The right to challenge the evidence against you – You can dispute the prosecution’s evidence, including the legality of the traffic stop, breathalyzer accuracy, or officer conduct. |
| The right to contest the administrative license suspension through a DMV hearing – You may request a hearing to challenge the automatic suspension of your driver’s license following a DUI arrest. |
Unfortunately, these rights don’t protect you unless you assert them. That’s where Shaheen & Gordon comes in. We make sure the system treats you fairly from the moment you retain us.
Our DUI practice is built on results
Our DUI defense team is recognized across New Hampshire for delivering results that matter. Whether that’s a case dismissal, reduced penalties, or avoiding jail time, we fight for outcomes that protect your license, record, and freedom.
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“Jim Rosenberg and staff at Shaheen and Gordon are consummate professionals. Having used Jim on a previous case I called Shaheen and Gordon to ask for his services again regarding a DUI. I was kept informed throughout the entire process. Jim treated me with the utmost respect and was extremely thorough. I would recommend Jim Rosenberg and staff ; they were a pleasure to work with.”
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“Thank you for your remarkable talent, not many people can clearly and concisely orate as well as you. I knew that I was not guilty, but helping the judge see it took some explaining that I would have been too nervous to do by myself. I wish you had been on my side in 1996, my life would have turned out significantly different.”
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“Joseph Cherniske was extremely helpful throughout my husband’s DWI case. He was very knowledgeable of the law and was able get a reduced sentence for us. His friendly disposition and ability to make things easier to understand was exemplary. We highly recommend him.”
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We’ll help you understand the DUI legal process in Keene, from arrest to resolution
Facing a DUI charge means navigating both the criminal court system and New Hampshire’s administrative license process. Here’s what to expect:
- Arrest and booking: Most DUI charges in Keene begin with a roadside stop followed by field sobriety tests or a preliminary breath test. If police suspect intoxication, you’ll be arrested, booked at the local station, and likely released on bail or personal recognizance. Before being released, you will have the opportunity to submit to a breath test, blood test, urine test, or additional physical tests at the station. Either a refusal to submit to testing or a BAC exceeding the per se limit for impairment (0.08 for over 21, 0.02 for under 21) will trigger an administrative license suspension.
- Administrative license suspension: You only have 30 days to request a hearing at the Department of Safety to contest the automatic suspension of your license. If you don’t act, you could lose your driving privileges, even before your court date. The Department of Safety schedules these hearings quickly, which gives our lawyers an early opportunity to pursue the negotiation of your case or use the hearing to question the police officer involved to create a record that might be helpful down the road.
- Arraignment: Your first court appearance happens at the local district court. The judge will read your criminal charges, address any bail conditions, and ask for a plea. A lawyer in New Hampshire can waive arraignment for a client. Depending on timing, a lawyer also may start building leverage for negotiations or prepare for trial.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: Depending on the facts and legal issues present, we may file motions to suppress evidence, request police reports, and challenge any mistakes made during your arrest. This stage is critical for identifying opportunities for case dismissal or reduction.
- Trial or resolution: We’re ready if your case goes to trial. However, we can resolve many cases through plea negotiations, especially if we can uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
Understanding these stages empowers you to participate actively in your defense.
What you can expect from Shaheen & Gordon’s DUI defense team
We don’t just represent you. We partner with you. Here’s how we support you at every step:
- Rapid response: We act quickly to request DMV hearings, preserve evidence, and begin your defense.
- Evidence review: We scrutinize every aspect of the traffic stop, arrest, and testing procedures.
- Negotiation and litigation: We work to reduce or dismiss your charges. If trial is necessary, we go in prepared and unrelenting.
- Personalized service: You’ll have a dedicated attorney and support staff who keep you informed and empowered.
- Post-case support: Whether it’s license reinstatement or record expungement, we stick with you.
We offer several DUI defense services
Our attorneys are equipped to handle a variety of DUI-related charges, including:
- First-time DUI offenses
- Repeat or subsequent DWI/DUI charges
- Aggravated DUI charges
- Underage zero-tolerance DUI
- DUI with injury or property damage
- Negligent homicide charges based on allegations of driver impairment
- High BAC or aggravated DUI
- Commercial driver (CDL) DUI
- Prescription or illegal substances drug-related DUI
- Boating while intoxicated (BWI)
- Refusal cases and implied consent violations
We know how different circumstances affect your penalties and how to fight them.
What you should know about navigating DUI law in Keene
New Hampshire has strict laws regarding DUI. It’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while under the influence of any controlled drug. For drivers under 21, the legal BAC limit is 0.02%. Commercial drivers have a lower limit of 0.04%.
By operating a motor vehicle in New Hampshire, you’re deemed to have given your implied consent to submit to breath, blood, or urine chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal to submit to testing can result in an administrative license suspension, even if you’re not ultimately convicted.
New Hampshire’s DUI laws are strict, and penalties escalate quickly, even for first-time offenders. A subsequent or aggravated DUI conviction can result in jail time, a lengthy license suspension, steep fines, mandatory treatment, an ignition interlock device, and a lasting criminal record. You need a criminal defense lawyer who understands the law, the science behind testing, and how to challenge improper procedures. Recent New Hampshire Supreme Court decisions have clarified how law enforcement can access medical records in DWI cases, a key issue affecting the admissibility of evidence.
Contact our Keene, NH, DUI attorneys today
If you or someone you love has been arrested for DUI in Keene, don’t wait. The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect your rights, license, and future. Call our law firm at (800) 451-1002 or reach out online to schedule a consultation and learn how we’re equipped to handle your case. We’ve successfully represented clients in New Hampshire for over four decades and are ready to help you, too.
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. answers frequently asked questions
What happens to my license after a DUI arrest in Keene?
You may face two suspensions. One is administrative from the DMV, and one is criminal from the court. To fight the DMV suspension, you must request a hearing.
Can I still drive to work if I’m convicted?
Possibly. We can help you request a hardship license after a period of suspension, which allows limited driving for work, school, or medical purposes, but also requires installation of an ignition interlock device.
Should I plead guilty to get it over with?
Don’t plead guilty before speaking to a lawyer. Pleading guilty without understanding the long-term consequences can harm your driving record, insurance rates, and employment prospects.
How long will the DUI charge stay on my record?
A New Hampshire DUI conviction remains on your criminal record for 10 years.
Local resources for individuals charged with DUI in Keene
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.
82 Court Street
Keene, NH 03431
(800) 451-1002
Keene DMV Office
Contact the Keene DMV office for license reinstatement, interlock installations, and documentation.
New Hampshire Department of Safety – Bureau of Hearings
The New Hampshire Department of Safety – Bureau of Hearings handles administrative license hearings and ignition interlock programs.
Support Groups
There are several support groups in Keene, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), that offer multiple weekly meetings for support and community accountability.
