DUI and DWI

It is well known by now that legendary golfer Tiger Woods was arrested and charged with DUI (driving under the influence) this past Monday.  Mr. Woods fully cooperated with the police and has represented to the public that a mix of prescription pills, and not alcohol, were the contributing factors.  This leaves many wondering where does Tiger Woods go from here?  As a public figure, he not only has to answer for his crime, but he has to perform damage control with respect to his reputation.

In New Hampshire, as in many other states, the standard now is “impairment to any degree.”  You don’t have to be intoxicated by alcohol or under the influence of illicit drugs.  As in Tiger’s case you can be impaired by an adverse reaction to prescription medications.  In some instances you can even be “impaired” from an illness if it affects you balance, vision, dexterity or ability to reason and the ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Tips

So what do you do if you are stopped for a suspected of DUI or DWI?  Produce your license and registration.  Be polite and respectful to the officer.  If you are not impaired or under the influence of anything then submit to a breathalyzer or blood test.  These tests render a result that is definitive.

Often times in these situation what you do not do is even more important than what you do.  For instance, don’t volunteer information.  Remember you have the right to remain silent, exercise it.  Don’t agree to perform Field Sobriety Tests.  These are not definitive tests, they have no hard results, but rather are based entirely on what the officer claims his observations were.  If you know you are impaired don’t submit to any testing.  It could mean the difference between a regular DWI or a more serious charge of Aggravated DWI and potential jail time.  The less evidence you give them against yourself the better.

Why hire an attorney for a first offense and not just plead guilty?  A conviction for DWI has a lot of collateral consequences attached to it that can and will affect you for years to come and cost you a lot of money.  Screenings, evaluations, classes, insurance costs, all at your own expense, a probationary license, and possible incarceration.  All of that can possibly be avoided by just saying, “I want my attorney.”  McGrath Law Firm can certainly help you and we will fight for your rights!

Contact us!

The legal team members at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by attorney Peter McGrath, former federal prosecutor, will walk you through every step of the challenging legal matter to address your concerns and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible.  From criminal defense, civil litigation, personal injury, Collaborative Law, Family Law, foreclosure prevention, the experienced attorneys at McGrath Law Firm have a successful track record in all aspects of criminal law. Call us to schedule your consultation at (603) 224-7111.