Fearless Advocates. Trusted Allies.
Here's What Sets Beaton & Kiers, PLLC Apart
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A History of Wins
Our impressive record of favorable trial outcomes spans a wide range of complex cases.
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Deep Local Knowledge
With extensive understanding of New Hampshire laws, we're ready to fight for you.
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Full-Service Support
We offer comprehensive legal services for individuals and families in crisis.
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Trusted Locally
We've cultivated respected relationships and a solid reputation in the legal community.
Navigating New Hampshire DWI Laws and Penalties in Portsmouth
A Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in New Hampshire carries significant legal and personal implications, and for those in Portsmouth, understanding these complexities is crucial. At Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, our Hampton-based criminal defense team brings extensive experience in New Hampshire DWI statutes and their application within Portsmouth's rigorous judicial system. We are committed to providing dedicated advocacy across the spectrum of DWI offenses, always focusing on protecting your rights and future.
New Hampshire DWI law encompasses various scenarios, each with distinct challenges and potential penalties:
- First Offense DWI: Even a first charge carries serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and mandatory programs. Our goal is to minimize these impacts by challenging the initial stop, scrutinizing breathalyzer calibration, and evaluating field sobriety test administration.
- Aggravated & Extreme DWI: These charges are elevated by factors like exceptionally high BAC, excessive speeding (30+ mph over the limit), causing serious bodily injury, or eluding police. They often involve mandatory jail time and longer license loss. We meticulously investigate all procedural aspects and evidence, including blood test accuracy and police conduct, to challenge the prosecution's claims.
- DUID & Drug Intoxication: New Hampshire's DWI laws extend to impairment by controlled drugs, prescription medications, or other substances. We are skilled at contesting subjective assessments by Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) often relied upon in these cases.
- Multiple Offense DWI: Subsequent DWI convictions within a 10-year period lead to increasingly severe penalties, including longer mandatory jail sentences, extended license revocations (up to indefinite for habitual offenders), and potential felony charges. Our strategy involves a comprehensive review of current and prior offenses to identify weaknesses and mitigate compounded effects.
- Juvenile DWI: For those under 21, New Hampshire enforces a strict .02% BAC limit. Juvenile DWI charges can profoundly impact a young person's future, and we provide specialized defense focused on protecting their long-term prospects, advocating for rehabilitation-focused alternatives.
- Felony DWI: The most severe DWI charges, such as those resulting in serious bodily injury or death (intoxication assault/manslaughter), or a fourth or subsequent offense, are prosecuted as felonies. These cases demand an aggressive, strategic defense given the potential for significant prison time and permanent consequences.
Beyond immediate legal ramifications, a DWI conviction can lead to substantial fines, mandatory license suspension or revocation, required educational/treatment programs (like IDCMP), Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation, a permanent criminal record, increased insurance premiums (including SR-22 requirements), and adverse impacts on employment and education.
Our attorneys at Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, are dedicated to exploring every possible defense avenue to mitigate these severe consequences. We understand that each case is unique, and we tailor our defense strategies to address both the immediate legal challenges and the potential long-term impacts on your life in Portsmouth. Your freedom and future are too important to leave to chance.
Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation
Encountering a DUI charge in Portsmouth can be a life-altering event. At Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, we’re here to provide guidance and pursue a resolution that considers both your immediate needs and long-term future. Contact us at (603) 769-3491 to schedule a confidential consultation. Our experienced team is ready to offer the compassionate counsel and committed advocacy that have become our hallmark.
By choosing to depend on our knowledgeable legal team, you’re taking the first step towards regaining control of your life. We strive to alleviate the stress and uncertainty that accompany legal proceedings by crafting a personalized path forward. Our goal is to provide clarity and assurance, ensuring you're informed, supported, and empowered throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out for the guidance that can make a substantial difference in your case.
Our Comprehensive Approach to DWI Defense in Portsmouth
At Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, our Hampton-based team provides a rigorous and methodical defense for DWI charges:
- Detailed Case Analysis: Scrutinizing every detail from your initial stop to evidence collection.
- Challenging Evidence: Identifying and contesting procedural errors or rights violations.
- Strategic Defense Planning: Crafting a customized plan to protect your rights and pursue optimal outcomes.
- Skilled Representation: Providing experienced negotiation with prosecutors or vigorous advocacy in court.
We bring extensive experience in New Hampshire courts to every case, committed to compassionate and attentive counsel. We serve clients throughout Rockingham and Strafford Counties, and across New Hampshire, in both English and Spanish.
Ready to discuss your defense? Contact our office today at (603) 769-3491 for a confidential consultation. Our track record of client satisfaction speaks for itself, and we're ready to put that experience to work for you.
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"I Was Put At Ease"
Choosing Beaton & Kiers to help in a moment of need is a great choice that I recommend and am thankful for.- George M. -
"Professional Services"
Great law firm! We really appreciated the professionalism with our elder care questions and concerns. Thank you Attorney Kiers.
- M.L. -
"Expertise of Law Was Apparent"
From the first phone call, I was put at ease. Choosing Beaton & Kiers to help in a moment of need is a great choice that I recommend.- G.M. -
"A True Advocate"
Amy Beaton of Beaton & Kiers, PLLC, is professional and compassionate in her approach as legal counsel.- Dossi L. -
"Highly Recommend!"
Attorney Amy Beaton provided exceptional results! She made sure the whole process was as stress-free as possible.- A.J. -
"Compassionate Representation"
I would wholeheartedly recommend Ms Kiers, she is an outstanding lawyer with a stellar reputation.- E.B. -
"Highly Recommend Them Both"
They are both very experienced, dedicated, and compassionate attorneys. Larissa and Amy never stop fighting for their clients. The vast knowledge of these two attorneys makes them a powerhouse in the private sector.- Amy Wallace, Private Investigator AW Investigations, LLC -
"Above and Beyond"
It’s evident that she is knowledgeable about the law, is committed to bringing fair justice, and is efficient in her approach to resolving cases.- K.S.
DUI/DWI Defense FAQs
We'll Be Your Resource
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 603-769-3491 today!
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How do I find a good criminal lawyer?Whenever possible, it’s best to look for a criminal defense lawyer with lots of experience, preferably experience in the court system where you are charged. There’s also a personal component to hiring a criminal defense lawyer; this person is going to be guiding you through a very challenging time. You should hire someone with whom you feel comfortable, who listens to you, and whom you trust to fight for your rights.
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What happens when you're charged with a crime?
What happens after your arrest depends in part on whether you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. In either case, you will be arraigned soon after your arrest, and given a chance to plead “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest” to the charges.
There are two ways that a felony can be charged. For some felonies, a “probable cause” hearing will be held within a “reasonable time” after the arraignment: 10 days if you are in jail, and 30 days if you have been released. Criminal defendants can decide to waive a probable cause hearing.
At a probable cause, or PC hearing, the state has to show that there is probable cause to believe you committed the offense in order to move forward with their case. Criminal defense lawyers Amy Beaton and Larissa Kiers have handled numerous New Hampshire probable cause hearings. They know when it is to their clients’ advantage to waive a PC hearing or proceed; if they go forward with the hearing, they have an excellent track record countering the state’s assertion that there is probable cause to move forward.
For certain other types of felonies, such as capital offenses and other serious crimes, a grand jury makes the decision whether to move forward with a case; this is called charging by direct indictment. Amy and Larissa have decades of experience representing clients in these serious felony cases as well.
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How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
Attorney fees will vary based on the seriousness and complexity of the crime charged. At Beaton & Kiers, we offer flat fees whenever possible so our clients will have clarity about their legal expenses.
The reality is that not having criminal defense lawyers can cost you a lot more than hiring one. A conviction could cost you your freedom, not to mention eligibility for certain jobs, even your ability to travel outside the country.
