In Massachusetts, a person who drinks and drives can be charged with Driving Under the Influence, or DUI. However, in New Hampshire, a person who commits the same infraction will be charged with Driving While Intoxicated, or DWI. Both are essentially the same offense, just labeled differently by each state’s jurisdiction. To further complicate matters, New Hampshire does have a DUI statute, but it relates to driving under the influence of drugs.
Regardless of the label, if you’re charged with either a DUI or a DWI, you’re facing some serious penalties. Upon conviction, you’ll pay several hundred dollars in fines; your license will probably be suspended for up to two years, you may spend a little time in jail, and be required to complete a drunk driving education program. If there are any aggravating factors, all of these penalties can rise significantly. Repeat offenders face an even rougher time in the courts.
Many good people make a careless mistake by getting behind the wheel after a drink or two, and if they are pulled over by the police, their lives can go from normal to life-changing in a very short amount of time. And the impacts can be far greater if you are also under 21 years old. With consequences like these, it’s imperative to do everything you can to mount an effective defense to preserve your freedom and your rights.
With the right attorney, many times you can get charges either dismissed or reduced. There are several defense strategies that can be employed depending on the nature of your case. For example, field sobriety tests and procedural issues must be administered properly to preserve your rights. Equipment used to prove your level of intoxication must be determined to be accurate. Witness credibility can also be called into question.
The important thing to remember is that just because you are accused of a DWI offense, you are not automatically guilty. You are allowed due process under the law and with the help of an experienced attorney, you can wage an effective battle to preserve your innocence.
Bowser Law serves clients in communities throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
