New Hampshire Traffic Lawyer
It is important to keep in mind that traffic violations do not solely consist of getting tickets making illegal U-turns, driving too close for conditions, speeding, or driving with expired tags. Instead, under the umbrella of traffic crimes, there are a number of crimes with much more serious implications that violate New Hampshire traffic laws.
These crimes range from relatively minor offenses that have the potential to carry fines, increased insurance rates, and lost points on one’s license all the way through many serious incidents that can cost the offender not only hefty fines but their freedom as well.
If you are facing charges, it is important to contact a New Hampshire traffic lawyer quickly to begin building your defense. A skilled local lawyer can advocate for you.
Driving Under the Influence
In cases of DUI, a first-time offender faces no jail time but is subject to between $500 and $1,200 in fines and a mandatory six-month license suspension. A second offense calls for a minimum 30-day jail sentence, $750 fine, 3-year license suspension.
For third DUI offenses, they carry a minimum of an 180-day jail sentence, $750 fine, and potential indefinite suspension of the violator’s license. Second and third DUIs also carry the potential for one having to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle as well.
Driving on a Suspended License
In some cases, emergencies arise leading one to drive a vehicle although they are no longer authorized to do so. New Hampshire law is clear with respect to how those driving on suspended licenses are punished.
This includes being fined as much $1,000, having the suspension of one’s license extended or even revoked, having to spend potential time in jail, and either having a misdemeanor or Class B felony charge added to one’s record. A New Hampshire traffic lawyer can help an individual contest their license suspension, if the person wants to do so.
Habitual Offender
This catchall type charge is a New Hampshire area of traffic laws that encompasses violations that do not just happen to a driver once but instead seem to be persistent violations they continue making time after time.
In fact, a driver who racks up a combination of 12 of the offences below within a single five-year period might result in one not only having to take a defensive driving course, having to pay court fines, a license suspension of up to three years, but also an inability to receive an occupational license to even be able to make it to work.
Of the many different traffic violations a New Hampshire traffic lawyer can help with, there are:
- Speeding
- Failing to heed a law enforcement officer’s commands
- Unlawful passing of a stopped school bus
- Operating a commercial vehicle without a proper CDL
- Failure to yield to the right of way
- DUI
- Operating a vehicle with a suspended license
- Manslaughter (either voluntary or involuntary)
- Operating a vehicle without appropriate permission to do so
Talk to a New Hampshire Traffic Attorney Today
Traffic violations can turn into enhanced charges with high penalties. The same goes for traffic crimes that are accompanied by aggravated circumstances such as violating open container or underage possession laws, drug trafficking, or becoming involved in a hit and run accident in which a person is severely maimed or loses their life.
Many of these crimes are felonies. New Hampshire is one of many states that upholds the three strikes rule as it relates to lifetime imprisonment for those convicted of three felonies in their lifetime.
Considering the severe penalties facing those charged with traffic crimes in New Hampshire, it is important that you speak with a New Hampshire traffic lawyer right away so that you are aware of the different defense options you may have in handling your case.