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DWI Consequences: Don't Underestimate the Impact

It happens every day across New Hampshire: One minute you are driving, the next you are being asked by a police officer to stand on one leg, walk a line, and/or blow into a device.

Before you know it, you are charged with a DUI and find yourself sitting in the back of a squad car. A truly shocking turn of events!

Truth is, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is one of the most common criminal charges faced by members of our community. Dealing with a DWI in NH is a serious matter — filled with stress, uncertainty, and confusion.

Unfortunately, it often seems like the odds are stacked against you when stopped by the police and arrested for drunk driving. In these situations it usually feels like the police officers and prosecutors have all of the power. It is easy to feel helpless and resigned to living with the serious consequences.

Don't Go it Alone - You have options

No matter what the circumstances, help is available to assist you in fighting the charges or minimizing the impact of consequences in your life related to a DWI conviction.

Be aware: Local New Hampshire law enforcement takes DUI and DWI very seriously. Not only are officials eager in their attempts to catch drunk drivers, but the justice system provides harsh penalties to those convicted.

While we all understand the importance of keeping our roads safe, it is critical that the rights of drivers not be violated during a DWI stop.

Generally, there are three types of drunk-driving related charges:

A DWI Arrest Could Land You in Jail

Jail time could last anywhere from 10 - 180 days depending on the severity and circumstances of the crime. While other DWI attorneys have been able to reduce a possible felony to misdemeanor, many don't worry about a lengthy jail sentence. Our firm will fight your criminal charge and your punishment. Attorney Russman has helped hundreds of residents located in Manchester, Exeter and other locales in getting charges eradicated from their record for good.

Lesser NH DWI-DUI Penalties

What about lesser charges? If the DUI conviction does not warrant a jail sentence, you may have your license suspended, or sentenced to a remedial program.

A remedial program is time consuming and expensive. According to state law, those sentenced to a remedial program will have to pay all fees (upwards of $5,000) and serve a sentence as long as 28 days. Programs like this have cost individuals their jobs, making it difficult to provide for themselves and their families.

A license suspension could also be included with a remedial program penalty, which doubles on the difficulty in getting to work to make enough money to survive. Your license could be suspended anywhere from 9 months to more than 5 years depending on your conviction. For adults over the age of 21 the duration of suspension is as follows:

  • Class B Misdemeanor: 9 months – 2 years
  • Class A Misdemeanor: 18 months – 2 years
  • Class B Misdemeanor (second offense): 3+ years
  • Class B Misdemeanor (third offense): 5+ years

For individuals under the age of 21, the penalties could increase if you have broken additional laws, or if you have a CDL. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will assist in defending you against these “Aggravating Circumstances.”

Other NH Attorneys May Not Know About Ignition Interlock Devices

Do you know what an ignition interlock device is? Many criminal defense attorneys are not aware of what this consequence will do to their clients. Attorney Ryan Russman dedicates his time to understanding DUI Defense, he knows the impact this device can have. The ignition interlock device will require convicted individuals to blow into an installed breathalyzer before the ignition in the vehicle will start.

This Experienced Lawyer in Exeter, NH — Fights DWI Arrests

You need an experienced DUI defense lawyer in the courtroom, one who knows all details of New Hampshire law. Among the thousands of DWI defense attorneys in the United States, only a handful can claim to be as experienced as Ryan Russman.

  • Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
  • Member of the New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NHACDL)
  • Attorney Russman is a Field Sobriety Test Practitioner
  • Attorney Russman is an evidentiary Breath Technician for the Intoxilyzer 5000EN
  • Attorney Russman is a Field Sobriety Test Instructor

Ryan Russman is the one DWI attorney in thousands that can claim to have all of the above credentials. If you want to see positive results on your DWI-DUI case, contact our office right away.