Top
Administrative License Suspension

Administrative License Suspension in New Hampshire

New Hampshire DWI Attorney

Among the penalties for a DWI in New Hampshire is an automatic suspension of the defendant’s driver license. What many people do not realize, however, is that their driver license can be suspended without a conviction. The New Hampshire DWI attorneys of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. have more than 20 years’ experience defending drivers charged with DWI. If you are facing an Administrative License Suspension, one of our attorneys can help you fight the severe sanction of losing your driving privileges.

The BAC Limit in New Hampshire is .08 Percent

New Hampshire law prohibits most drivers from operating any kind of vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or more. For drivers less than 21 years old, the limit is a .02 percent BAC, and the limit for commercial drivers is .04 percent.

The penalties for a New Hampshire DWI conviction vary depending on the circumstances. Fines range from $500 to $2,000, and jail time can range from no time served to seven years. Additionally, license suspensions range from six months to indefinite; however, unlike most other penalties for DUI, a conviction is not necessary to impose a license suspension. In fact, many people’s licenses are suspended automatically after arrest without any conviction, trial, or guilty plea.

You License can be Suspended for a Number of Reasons

When a police officer pulls over a person on suspicion of DWI, he may ask the person to submit to a sobriety test. If refused, the officer may consider this probable cause to arrest the driver. Once arrested, the police will ask the driver to submit to a breath or blood BAC test. At that point, there are three possible triggers of an automatic license suspension:

  • The driver agrees to the test, and the test reveals a BAC over the limit;
  • The driver agrees to a blood test that is taken for later analysis; or
  • The driver refuses any chemical testing.

Any of these will result in an arrestee’s license being automatically suspended after 30 days. This suspension is called an administrative license suspension (ALS). The police will confiscate your license and give you a pink piece of paper that serves as a notice of suspension and a temporary driver license for the interim 30 days.

After Your License is Suspended, You Have a Right to a Hearing

In the 30 days before the ALS takes effect, you have the right to request a hearing to determine if the license suspension is warranted. A hearing officer will play the role of a judge, and the ALS hearing will resemble a non-jury trial. The person suspected of DUI has the right to bring an attorney and present evidence to support his claim that the ALS should not be implemented. The hearing officer will make a decision after a few days, and the defendant can appeal the ruling.

Because the ALS is automatic after 30 days, it is critically important for a person accused of DWI to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Failure to request an ALS hearing will result in an automatic driver license suspension of at least six months, up to 2 years depending on your record.

Hire NH Attorneys with Significant DWI Defense Experience

Unlike other DWI/DUI penalties, suspension of the defendant’s driver license is allowed before a conviction, trial, or plea bargain. The New Hampshire DWI lawyers of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. have years of experience representing people at ALS hearings, and we will fight to protect your constitutional rights if you are facing the loss of your license.

For a free telephone consultation, call (888) 332-5855 or fill out our online contact form.

Testimonials

  • "The team at Tenn And Tenn are hands down the best legal representation I have had the pleasure to work with."
    Justin B.
  • "I could not have been more fortunate to have selected the offices of Tenn & Tenn. 10/5 stars!"
    Davin S.
  • "Had I not hired John Tenn as my attorney, I don't think I would have gotten nearly as much from my settlement as I did."
    Darren S.
Why Choose Tenn And Tenn Let Our Family Help Your Family
  • A Family Firm

    We are a family committed to providing excellent service to our clients.

  • Statewide Service
    We work hard to obtain the best results possible for clients throughout New Hampshire.
  • Trial-Tested Attorneys
    Our lawyers are experienced courtroom advocates who are ready to take your case to trial to obtain justice.
Free Injury Consultations Available Contact Us Today

Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our award-winning legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (888) 332-5855.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.