Facing a driving while intoxicated (DWI) stop in New Hampshire can be a frightening experience to go through. However, you must remember that a DWI arrest does not mean that you are already guilty of the crime.
By learning about which steps you need to practice after your arrest, you can protect your legal rights and your driving privileges.
Be cooperative with the police
After your DWI traffic stop, you need to stay calm and avoid resisting arrest, as this can lead to additional charges or fines. By showing the law enforcers your license, proof of insurance and registration, you let them know that you are willing to cooperate.
Depending on the circumstances, they may ask you to take a breath or blood test. You can comply or refuse on your own terms. However, you need to remember that refusing to take a breathalyzer test will lead to an automatic license suspension.
Practice your right to remain silent
Aside from your personal information, you must not answer any more questions about the incident that can lead to your self-incrimination. These can be questions like “how much alcohol did you drink” and “are you feeling drunk.”
Keep in mind that the police can use the words you say after your DWI arrest as evidence against you.
Document your arrest
To help build a comprehensive and strong defense for your case, you must document every key detail about your DWI arrest, including the date and time when you were arrested, the names of the law enforcers and your car’s dashcam footage.
These records must only be for you and your legal counsel. Do not post them on social media.
Post bail
After the officer in charge finishes booking your DWI arrest in the police station, you will need to appear before a judge for bail. While the amount will vary depending on the circumstances of your offense, posting bail can help you get released from jail while you await your scheduled DWI trial.
Request for an administrative license suspension (ALS) hearing
After posting bail, you must contest your license suspension decision by requesting an ALS hearing with the New Hampshire’s Bureau of Hearings. By filing this request with promptness and attending your ALS hearing on time, you may be able to keep your driver’s license.
Hire a DWI defense lawyer
By seeking aggressive legal representation for your drunk driving case, you can build a strong defense for it. Since criminal defense lawyers have professional experience handling similar types of cases, they can help you gather evidence with efficiency and advocate for your rights in court.
