When a New Hampshire police officer makes a traffic stop, there must be a justifiable reason for doing so. For example, a vehicle blazing through a 25-mph zone at 55 mph is a legitimate cause for a traffic stop. A police officer may also detain a driver if his or her vehicle drifts over the yellow line. When that happens, an officer may suspect driver intoxication, which could lead to a DUI arrest.
If a driver is taken into police custody for suspected DUI, the arresting officer will transport him or her to a county jail. Every state has its own system. In some cases, a person might be released after being processed into custody. Others may have to spend the night in jail. It is also common for an individual to be photographed and fingerprinted after being arrested for drunk driving.
Every person must be afforded an opportunity to seek legal support
Even if it is a first offense, it is best to secure legal defense as soon as possible following a DUI arrest. No one should ever be denied access to legal support. Every case is unique, and in some cases, such as if the accused party has prior DUI convictions on record, charges may be elevated to a felony crime. If a case goes to trial and results in a conviction, sentencing might include substantial fines, driver’s license suspension, mandated installation of an interlock ignition device and other repercussions.
A New Hampshire judge might grant someone convicted of DUI a hardship license. This is a restricted driver’s license that enables a person to travel to and from work or school, etc., while his or her regular license is suspended. Drunk driving charges can have lasting implications in a person’s life, which is why it is always best to secure legal representation early on.
