If you have been arrested for DWI or aggravated DWI in New Hampshire, it is important to seek assistance from an attorney right away. Even if you have never been in trouble with the law before, a DWI conviction can have serious penalties including jail time, fines, license suspension, probation and more. These penalties can have long term negative effects on your life, work and even education. An example of the seriousness of a DWI sentence was reported in Foster’s Daily Democrat about a Farmington man, Patrick Prosper Jr., who was arrested for aggravated DWI after he was charged with causing an accident while under the influence in 2011.

Prosper was convicted in July 2012 for operating a vehicle while under the influence or a controlled drug or combination of drugs and causing a head-on collision that led to another driver experiencing broken bones in her legs and hips. He was sentenced to 12 months of jail time followed by 2 years of probation. Additionally, a Pennsylvania man was charged with aggravated DWI after causing serious injury in an accident in Durham, NH. If he is convicted, he will face up to 7 years in jail and $4,000 in fine. In New Hampshire, a person can be charged with aggravated DWI if they drive under the influence and any of the following:

• Cause an accident
• Carry a passenger under 16
• Speed 30 or more mph over the limit
• Attempt to elude law enforcement

Part of Prosper's probation involved random drug testing. Recently, he tested positive for Percocet during one such drug test. He was found to have taken the drug without a prescription and was charged with a violation of his probation. He was sentenced to 2 to 7 more years of jail time for the violation with a 1 year deferment. This means that he will have one year to participate in regular drug tests, substance abuse counseling and making monthly payments towards his restitution. After 11 months, he must go before the court in order to argue his jail sentence be dropped. If he does not have any further issues, he may not have to serve any more jail time. If he does or does not appear for this hearing, a warrant will be immediately issued for his arrest.

These cases shows how one arrest can result in years of trouble. In addition to their sentences, these offenders will also have their convictions reported on their criminal record and will be subject to steeper charges for any future DWI related offenses. Some people arrested for DWI do not understand the severity of their charges. It is important for anyone facing DWI charges to understand that defense options are always available and there is a lot that an attorney can do to lessen their sentencing. If you have been arrested for a DWI offense in New Hampshire, contact a lawyer at Russman Law right away in order to make sure that you have the best chance of winning your case.