There are a few categories of drivers where DWI may affect them differently
Women
Alcohol affects women differently than men. Generally, women will have a higher blood alcohol level after drinking the same amount as a male, even if they weigh the same. Also, body temperature affects not only alcohol levels, but how the breath machine interprets alcohol. Women who are in their pre-menstrual cycle will usually have a higher body temperature, which could give a falsely high reading on a breath test machine.
Under 20
All drivers under 20 who commit a traffic violation face a loss of license.
Under 21
For any driver under 21 at the time they are charged with DWI, their loss of license will be higher. The minimum license loss is 1 year, and can be as high as 2 years for a first offense.
Further, the legal blood alcohol level for the per se law is .02 for people under 21. If you provide a breath sample higher than that, you will lose your license for 6 months, unless you are successful at an administrative license suspension hearing.
Commercial Driver License (CDL)
Any driver who operates a commercial vehicle when charged with DUI will face additional penalties. You are subject to losing your commercial driving license for at least 1 year.
Further, the legal limit / per se law, for drivers of a commercial vehicle is .04.
See NH RSA 265-A:23 for more details.
Criminal Defense & License Information
Client Testimonials
Kept me out of jail
"I was charged with Aggravated DWI for driving without a license, getting in a car accident, and giving a breath sample of .20. Attorney Hynes explained to me that if I was convicted there would be mandatory jail time, with up to a year in jail. Thankfully, Attorney Hynes was able to point out potential problems with the breath test, and the prosecutor dismissed the aggravated DWI charge, and I was able to stay out of jail."
Danielle T. - Nashua, NH
Avoided Being a Habitual Offender
"I was charged with Conduct after an accident for leaving the scene of an accident. I already had a couple of major moving violations, and one more would make me a habitual offender and make me lose my license for at least a year. I was also facing jail time if convicted. Attorney Hynes took the case to trial and I was found not guilty!"
Craig M. - Manchester, NHNo License Loss
"I was charged with DUI and refused a breath test. I was facing a mandatory six month loss of license just for refusing the test. Other people told me it was an automatic loss and there was nothing that could be done about it. I called Attorney Hynes and he recommended contesting the issue at a hearing at the DMV. He did that, and at the hearing I won and didn't lose my license for refusing the breath test.
John H. - Concord, NH
Experience
"I was charged with a Felony case of Habitual Offender. I was facing a mandatory minimum of one year in prison if convicted. Attorney Hynes was able to convince the prosecutor the charge should only be a misdemeanor, and now I will not have to go to prison.
Steven H. - Manchester, NH
Knows the Law
"I was charged with Driving under the influence of drugs (DUI / DWI). I was facing a license loss of between 9 months and 2 years. Attorney Hynes' knowledge of the law was able to get the charge completely dismissed and I was found Not Guilty. I did not lose my license!
Kimberly C. – Manchester, NH
Great Negotiation
"I am 19 and was charged with possessing alcohol in a motor vehicle. If convicted I faced a mandatory loss of license. I was also on probation with the DMV and any traffic offense would have violated that and I would have had more of a license loss. Attorney Hynes was able to get the charged reduced to simple possession so I didn't lose my license at all.
Marisa D. - Bedford, NH