Criminal Defense

Negligent or dangerous driving habits, many of them illegal, can result in serious injuries if a crash occurs. Unfortunately, as budgets get tight, many police units in New Hampshire and other states make routine traffic patrols take a back seat to other police work. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), however, routine police patrols watching for traffic violations are a key part of preventing distracted and dangerous drivers from causing tragic accidents.

When a police department does think to enforce traffic laws in many parts of the country, it may simply send an officer out to an arbitrarily chosen stretch of road to write people up for speeding, according to the NHTSA.

This kind of “spot” enforcement of only certain laws, however, merely frustrates the public and doesn’t do anything to prevent dangerous behavior at intersections or on other stretches of road where crashes are frequent.

In order to help improve roadway safety and reduce crashes, the NHTSA recommends using local data to determine where the most accidents take place and specifically assign patrols to watch for both moving violations and equipment violations in those areas. The NHTSA also recommends creating a way for members of the public to alert police and other local officials about dangerous traffic conditions and to use this information to help make the streets safer.

Years of research show a clear connection between good traffic patrols and reductions in life-threatening vehicle crashes. However, if a crash has injured you or someone you love, the experienced car accident attorneys in New Hampshire at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. can help. For a free and confidential consultation by telephone, call us today at (603) 624-3700, or call our toll-free Injury Helpline at 1(888) 511-1010.

Chairman of the Board of Selectmen in Westminster was arrested this past weekend in Jaffrey, New Hampshire for driving while intoxicated. According to an article on Telegram.com, the 29-year-old man was arrested Friday March 5, 2010 after he lost control of his Chevrolet pickup truck and struck a tree before ultimately crashing into a snowbank.

Police received an anonymous call reporting a single-car crash and arrived at the scene around 6:40 p.m. The driver then took a Breathalyzer test, blowing a .12. The legal Blood Alcohol Content limit for driving in New Hampshire is .08. Police proceeded to the station where the chairman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

DUI and DWI offenses in the state of New Hampshire can lead to devastating consequences. Often times, police will confiscate the license of the arrested person and issue a notice for a 30-day suspension, which could be extended, pending a court decision. Fortunately, there is a way for those accused of DWI to get help. What many people do not realize is that breathalyzers and field sobriety tests are not always accurate; and many arresting officers are unfamiliar with proper procedures or fail to follow directions when using such devices.

Laws and regulations for driving under the influence of alcohol have changed significantly over the past few years. If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI, an experienced New Hampshire criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. The DUI defense lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. have a long history of aggressively defending our clients. Call us today at 1-888-511-1010 for a free and comprehensive evaluation of your case.

Source:http://www.telegram.com/article/20100309/NEWS/3090319

In Rochester, New Hampshire an allegedly intoxicated woman driving home rolled her Subaru and left the scene of the accident. Rochester police were called to Franklin St. at around 1:30 in the morning after residents reported a car struck their mailbox and drove away.

Police were able to track down the suspect after finding car parts and items from the vehicle scattered around the mailbox, including a piece of mail with the suspect’s address. Using the address, police arrived at the suspect’s apartment complex where they discovered a Subaru with extensive damage in the parking lot.

A Rochester police lieutenant reported, “She basically rolled her car over, and it came to rest on four wheels and she drove away.” Although police were not able to test her breath alcohol content, the suspect is being charged with leaving the scene of an accident while intoxicated. According to police, there is probable cause that the suspect had been drinking. Her arraignment is scheduled for March 1 in Rochester District Court.

A person arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (DWI or DUI) in NH faces serious charges with potentially severe punishments. If you or a loved one are charged with a DWI/DUI crime in NH, do not hesitate to contact an experienced New Hampshire DUI attorney. The experienced attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. will examine the details surrounding your DUI charge and provide you with the strongest defense possible. Contact Tenn And Tenn, P.A. at 1-888-511-1010 for a free telephone consultation, or visit our DWI/DUI website at www.Nh-DWIlawyers.com

Source:http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Police:++Drunken+driver+rolled+car,+then+drove+it+home&articleId=9b878509-78e6-4148-9414-3c05f0d8da0f

A Manchester, NH man convicted of his 10th DWI offense was sentenced to two to five years in state prison. Police arrested the man on September 8, 2009 in Newmarket, New Hampshire after he drove a stolen Jeep through town and crashed into a tree behind a local residence.

Police reported that he was visibly intoxicated and had an open bottle of vodka in the driver’s compartment. Upon his arrest, the driver proceeded to spit in the responding officer’s face and yelled belligerent insults and profanities at the officers as they transported him to the police station. According to the police, the man’s level of impairment at the time made it difficult or unsafe to conduct a field sobriety test.

The man pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property, conduct after an accident, simple assault on an officer and drunken driving. In addition to his prison sentence, the man’s license is being suspended for three years, and he is required to install an ignition interlock system once his driving privileges are restored.

If you, or a family member, have been charged with a DWI offense in NH, it is imperative to contact a skilled NH DWI attorney to examine the details of your case and protect your legal rights. The experienced DUI attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. can provide the strongest possible defense for your case. Please do not hesitate to contact DWI defense attorneys at 1-888-511-1010 for a free telephone consultation, or visit our DWI/DUI website at www.nh-DWIlawyers.com.

Source:http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100205/GJNEWS_01/702059951/-1/FosNEWS

Many New Hampshire residents are outraged at a bill that would require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Currently, New Hampshire is one of three states that does not require helmets for motorcyclists. At the end of January, 2010, more than 250 people, most of which were in protest of the bill, attended a meeting in the Representatives Hall.

Bill sponsors plead that the new legislation would lead to fewer head injuries and would save the state significant medical care costs. Still, many motorcyclists believe that the bill is an attempt to control their behavior and infringes upon their rights. However, the state could lose federal highway dollars if the helmet law is not adopted.

With or without a helmet, NH motorcyclists face serious dangers on the road. Motorcycle accident injuries range from minor cuts and lacerations to severe brain injury and paralysis. Riding a motorcycle will always present a greater risk than driving a car.

Although wearing a helmet greatly reduces the risk of injury, it still may not always protect against traumatic brain injuries. If you, or someone you love, has been involved in a motorcycle accident in New Hampshire, you should speak with a skilled NH motorcycle accident injury attorney.

At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., we have the experience and knowledge required to help you obtain maximum recovery for your losses. Contact one of our motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free and comprehensive telephone consultation. Call 1-888-511-1010 today, or visit our motorcycle accident specific website at www.motorcycleaccidentlawyers.org.

Source:http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Helmet+bill+draws+hundreds+to+hearing&articleId=03d035d7-db9f-41bf-ad55-fca38360b79a

In the state of New Hampshire, repeat DWI offenders are required to enroll in and successfully complete a mandatory 7 day alcohol treatment program known as the Multiple Offender Program (MOP). This program is required by law. Yet, recent senatorial voting in the Department of Health and Human Services defunded the program due to budget cuts. DWI offenders will now be referred to private treatment programs, which are supported by a $1.5 million fund approved by the Legislative Fiscal Committee.

DWI convictions in the state of New Hampshire may require individuals to serve jail time, pay significant fines, enroll in and pay for treatment programs, and adapt to a lifestyle devoid of possessing a driver’s license. Consequences resulting from DWI convictions can be long lasting, and can seriously inhibit an individual’s ability to maintain adequate employment and earn a living for him or herself. If accused of DWI in New Hampshire, the best course of action is to retain the services of an experienced DWI defense attorney that will examine the circumstances of your arrest and build a strong defense on your behalf.

At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., our New Hampshire DWI defense attorneys will fight to ensure that your rights are not infringed upon in a court of law. We will examine the details of your arrest, including arrest procedure, field sobriety test administration, and the accuracy of BAC testing results. If you stand accused of DWI in New Hampshire, please don’t hesitate to contact our skilled DWI defense attorneys today at 1-888-511-1010 for a free telephone consultation of your DWI defense case.

Source:http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Funding+necessity%3A+DWI+program+is+a+mandate&articleId=d684b982-9539-4baa-8abd-02738a189bc1

Individuals who are convicted of either aggravated DWI or of a second or subsequent DWI offense, must complete New Hampshire’s seven day residential Multiple Offender Program (MOP). The cost of the program is approximately $1,500, and is to be paid out-of-pocket by the individual required to attend the program. The MOP represents but one requirement set forth by the state of New Hampshire that must be completed by individuals found guilty of DWI.

The Department of Health and Human Services maintains information about New Hampshire MOPs and other, state-approved equivalent programs. After completing of the program, continuing after-care recommendations will be decided upon. After all necessary treatment has been completed, license and driving privileges may finally be restored.

For drivers who do not have a prior DWI conviction, enrollment in and completion of the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP) is required. This program takes the form of a twenty hour course that must be completed prior to license privileges being restored. Just like the MOP, successful completion of this course is followed up with an evaluation process to determine whether or not the individual requires any after-care treatment before license and driving privileges may be restored.

It is recommended that all individuals accused of DWI in New Hampshire retain the services of an experienced DWI defense attorney who will carefully examine every detail of your case. At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., our skilled New Hampshire DWI defense lawyers will fight to ensure that your rights are upheld in a court of law. If you have been accused of DWI in New Hampshire, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free case consultation. Call us at 1-888-511-1010 for more information.

If you are found guilty of driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, chances are you will have to attend and complete the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP). After being convicted of a DWI, individuals are often required to enroll in such programs at their own expense, and provide proof of the program’s completion upon doing so. Successful enrollment in and completion of the program is necessary to have your license and driving privileges restored.

The Impaired Driver Intervention Program in New Hampshire is a twenty-hour course that is meant to rehabilitate and warn individuals convicted of DWI of the dangers associated with driving while impaired. As stated, the program must be completed before a license suspension is lifted. For the sake of convenience, an intensive weekend course is available in New Hampshire. For those individuals convicted of DWI in the state of New Hampshire, but who live in another state, an IDIP may be completed out-of-state, but it is important that the out-of-state IDIP is recognized by the state of New Hampshire as acceptable.

Successful completion of the IDIP will culminate with an evaluation to determine whether or not follow-up treatment is required. If follow-up treatment is deemed necessary, then the individual’s license will not be restored until the follow-up treatment is successfully completed as well. Follow-up treatment is automatically recommended if the individual was found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than 0.16, or a BAC greater than 0.08 if the individual is younger than 21 years of age. Furthermore, if an individual is found guilty of multiple alcohol or drug-related vehicle arrests, then that individual too will be required to seek follow-up treatment to the IDIP.

If you have been charged with DWI, don’t hesitate to contact a skilled DWI attorney at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. Our New Hampshire DUI lawyers will provide you with the strongest possible defense given the circumstances of your DWI arrest. Call us today at 1-888-511-1010 for a free telephone consultation.

Source:http://www.tennandtenn.com/practice/criminal/dwiduifaq.html#12

According to firstcoastnews.com, a New Hampshire man was recently stopped and arrested for allegedly driving under the influence. Due to an arm deformity, officers reportedly did not handcuff the man, and, consequently, the man managed to get into the driver’s side of the police cruiser and drive off. The 25-year-old Laconia resident soon abandoned the stolen police vehicle, and authorities were unable to locate him. Much to the Plymouth District Court’s surprise, the man turned himself in to authorities the following afternoon. He now faces escape charges in addition to possible reckless and criminal mischief charges; all of which are on top of his DWI charges.

This story is emblematic of behavior that should be avoided at all costs during a DWI arrest. Eluding police, stealing vehicles, and endangering the well-being of others in the process only make matters worse. An accused should not admit to any wrongdoing without consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney first.

For individuals being accused of driving while under the influence, it is important to remember that refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test will lead to a license suspension. However, an experienced New Hampshire DWI attorney can challenge that suspension.

Mounting an effective defense against DWI charges requires a skilled and experienced DUI lawyer. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will see to it that you are provided the best possible defense given the circumstances of your case. If you stand accused, please don’t hesitate to contact the DWI defense attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. Call us today at 1-888-511-1010 for a free telephone consultation of your DUI case.

Source:http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/strange/news-article.aspx?storyid=146816&catid=82

The State of New Hampshire recently purchased a $500,000 DWI Mobile Command Center which it uses at DWI road blocks throughout the State. The half-million dollar DWI Mobile Command Center was purchased to assist law enforcement in the rapid processing of individuals suspected of driving while impaired. In 2009, thousands of New Hampshire citizens will be stopped at police road blocks and questioned. Approximately 99% of the citizens who are seized and subjected to questioning by the police in these road blocks have committed no crime and have done nothing wrong to warrant being stopped.

New Hampshire police departments are receiving Federal grant money to conduct “sobriety check points” or DWI road blocks. New Hampshire law enforcement agencies argue that these DWI road blocks serve the dual purpose of detection and deterrence and, that despite the low number of arrests that are produced at these road blocks, they are an effective law enforcement tool in cracking down on impaired driving.

Unfortunately for New Hampshire citizens and visitors to our great State, the fact remains that DWI road blocks net very few impaired drivers. In 2008, DWI road blocks seized approximately 8,600 drivers and produced only 53 arrests for DWI. Comparing the low number of DWI arrests against the volumes of people stopped and detained at DWI road blocks, reveals the questionable effectiveness of the DWI road blocks.

If you or a loved one is being charged with a DWI crime, do not hesitate to contact the New Hampshire DWI defense attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. Our lawyers will examine the circumstances surrounding your DWI and will provide you the strongest defense possible. Please call us today for a free consultation at 1-888-511-1010.