Manchester DWI Lawyers
Charged with a DWI? We’ll Mount a Strong Defense for You!
If you have found yourself facing charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI), it is imperative that you secure a skilled defense lawyer. New Hampshire law takes drunk and impaired driving very seriously. The timeline for these cases is short, and the penalties severe. Being convicted of a DWI could result in license suspension, jail time, fines, and more.
At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., we know how to successfully fight back against DWI charges. With former prosecutors on our team and over 40 years of experience, our criminal defense attorneys share a wealth of practical knowledge and insight. Not only will we prepare and defend your case, but we can also help you tackle any issues that may arise later. We are often able to get our clients’ charges reduced, if not dropped altogether.
Call our Manchester office at (603) 635-4099 to get your free consultation with a seasoned DWI lawyer.
The Consequences of a DWI: DWI vs. DUI
In Manchester, driving while intoxicated is the same as driving under the influence (DUI). Operating under the influence (OUI), impaired driving, and drunk driving are a few other synonyms for DWI. Thus, they will all have the same consequences and be noted, officially, as a DWI.
The exact consequences of a DWI will be impacted by your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or level of intoxication at the time of arrest, your criminal record, and whether you are willing to make sacrifices to weaken your penalty.
How BAC Affects a DWI Case
For individuals aged 21 and older, the legal limit is a BAC of 0.08%; those under the legal drinking age are limited to a BAC of 0.02%. The legal limit for commercial drivers lies between these margins, at a BAC of 0.04%. (It is important to note that it is also illegal to drive while intoxicated by drugs—prescription medications, controlled substances, etc.)
If a driver is pulled over and found to have a BAC of 0.16% or higher, they will be charged with an aggravated DWI, which carries a harsher penalty than a regular DWI. An aggravated DWI charge also applies to cases in which an intoxicated driver attempted to escape law enforcement, caused bodily injury to another person, had a passenger under the age of 16 in the vehicle with them, or was found to be speeding.
Penalties for Repeat Offenders
For someone of legal drinking age, a first offense DWI is punishable by license suspension for up to 9 months and a fine between $500 and $1,200.
A second offense may result in the suspension of their license for up to three years, a fine between $740 and $2,000, and 17 days to one year in jail. Further, if the second offense was within two years of the first offense, the minimum jail sentence will be 60 days instead of 17.
A third offense can result in the permanent revocation of their license, six months to a year in jail, and a fine ranging from $750 to $2,000.
Is It Worth Fighting a DWI?
Yes, it is almost always worth it to fight a DWI. Even if your charges cannot be dropped or reduced, you may be able to minimize the penalty. Completing the Impaired Driver Care Management Program (IDCMP) or agreeing to have a breathalyzer installed in your car are two common examples.
That said, what works for one case may not work for yours. Our DWI defense attorneys can discuss your options and find the right bargaining chip for you. Together, we will develop an innovative defense strategy to bolster your chances of success.
Protect Your Future—Take Action Today
Since 1981, our team of 40 attorneys and staff has supported Northern New England residents in the wake of DWI charges and convictions. We are passionate about getting the best results possible for our clients. When you need someone to aggressively defend you, trust our award-winning law firm to get the job done.
Contact Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. online to learn more about how our Manchester DWI attorneys can help you.
