Charged with DUI in Rockingham County? Protect Your Future with a Skilled DUI Defense Attorney
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is here to help you navigate the legal system with confidence and clarity. As experienced DUI defense attorneys serving communities including Brentwood, Candia, Derry, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Salem, we understand the stress, uncertainty, and consequences that come with a DUI charge.
Whether this is your first encounter with the law or a repeat offense, your future, license, and freedom are too important to leave to chance. Our team includes aggressive and knowledgeable trial lawyers, including a former prosecutor who brings insider knowledge of how the system works—an invaluable asset when building your defense.
What We Do: Focused DUI Defense in Rockingham County
DUI charges in New Hampshire are serious. Even a first offense can lead to steep fines, license suspension, and long-term impacts on your record and career. That’s why you need a Rockingham County DUI defense attorney who focuses solely on defending these types of cases and knows the local court systems well.
We provide personalized DUI defense strategies that focus on challenging the evidence presented against you: whether it’s Field Sobriety Tests, Breathalyzer Tests, or the specific circumstances surrounding your arrest. Our firm is committed to reviewing every detail and building a strategy based on the facts, the law, and your situation.
We Challenge Evidence That Doesn’t Hold Up
Our team has extensive experience in defending DUI cases in Rockingham County courts. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, we look closely at every detail of your arrest and build a defense strategy designed for your specific circumstances.
We focus on key areas of DUI defense, including:
Field Sobriety Tests
These tests are often used as primary evidence in DUI arrests, but they are not foolproof. Many factors—weather, medical conditions, or even poor instructions—can affect the results. We scrutinize the administration and scoring of these tests to challenge their accuracy.
Breathalyzer Tests
Breath tests are commonly used, but they’re not always reliable. Calibration errors, improper usage, or underlying medical issues can impact the results. We thoroughly investigate whether your test was conducted according to state procedures (RSA 265-A:5) and challenge faulty readings.
Blood Tests and Chemical Evidence
If a blood test was taken, we review how the sample was handled and whether the chain of custody protocols were followed. Improper testing methods can open the door to having evidence dismissed.
DUI Involving Serious Injury or Manslaughter
If your charge involves a serious accident or a fatality, you need a defense attorney who understands the stakes and how to navigate felony-level charges. We will work to minimize exposure to long-term penalties and ensure your rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.
Understanding DUI and Related Charges in New Hampshire
Under RSA 265-A, New Hampshire law outlines offenses related to driving or operating under the influence (DUI/OUI). These include:
- Standard DUI – Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more.
- Aggravated DUI – Higher BAC levels, excessive speed, passengers under 16, or causing bodily harm.
- Manslaughter While Operating Under the Influence – One of the most serious offenses, as defined in RSA 630:2, involves causing the death of another while under the influence. This is a Class A felony and can result in years of prison time.
Our job is to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and pursue all avenues to reduce charges, seek alternatives to incarceration, or argue for dismissal if proper procedures weren’t followed.
The Penalties of a DUI in New Hampshire
DUI penalties in New Hampshire vary depending on the number of offenses, the level of impairment, and whether aggravating factors were involved, such as injuries or accidents.
According to RSA 265-A, a first-offense DUI can result in:
- A 9-month to 2-year license suspension
- A fine of at least $500
- Mandatory Impaired Driver Care Management Program
- Possible ignition interlock device
Subsequent offenses or serious incidents like Manslaughter While Operating Under the Influence under RSA 630:2 carry far steeper consequences, including mandatory prison time.
Our attorneys will work to negotiate the best possible outcome—whether that means reduced penalties, alternative sentencing, or even a dismissal—based on the specific facts of your case.
Local Representation in Rockingham County
The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is proud to represent clients throughout Rockingham County. Each local court has its procedures and personnel, and our familiarity with these courts gives our clients a valuable advantage. Whether you were charged in Brentwood, Candia, Derry, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Salem, our attorneys are ready to step in and protect your rights from day one.
We take pride in being approachable, communicative, and focused on results. DUI charges can be stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Manslaughter While Operating Under the Influence
Facing a charge as serious as Manslaughter While Operating Under the Influence is life-altering. These cases require immediate and skilled legal attention. If you’ve been accused under RSA 630:2 of operating under the influence and causing the death of another, your freedom is at risk.
Our team takes these cases extremely seriously. We provide an honest case evaluation and build a thorough defense based on the evidence, expert analysis, and potential mitigating circumstances.
Contact Us Now to Set Up a Strategy Session
Every DUI case is different. That’s why we take a personalized, strategic approach to each one. If you’ve been charged with DUI in Rockingham County, don’t wait. Early legal intervention can impact your case outcome significantly. Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson now to set up a strategy session with an experienced Rockingham County DUI defense attorney and take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I refuse a Breathalyzer Test in New Hampshire?
Refusing a Breathalyzer in New Hampshire triggers an automatic license suspension under RSA 265-A:14 due to the implied consent law. This penalty is separate from any DUI conviction and can impact your ability to drive even if you’re found not guilty.
Can I challenge Field Sobriety Test results in court?
Yes. Field Sobriety Tests must be administered correctly and under proper conditions. Factors such as weather, lighting, or health conditions can affect performance. A skilled DUI attorney can challenge these results to weaken the prosecution’s case.
Is a DUI in New Hampshire considered a felony?
A first or second DUI is usually a misdemeanor. However, under RSA 265-A:18, it becomes a felony if the DUI causes serious injury or involves aggravated factors, such as driving with a minor in the vehicle or excessive speed.
What should I do after being charged with DUI?
The first step is to seek legal representation. Do not admit guilt or attempt to negotiate with law enforcement. Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson to set up a strategy session and protect your rights from the beginning.
How long will a DUI stay on my record in New Hampshire?
A DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently. For DMV purposes, it typically affects your driving record for at least 10 years. Multiple offenses are treated more harshly and may impact future sentencing.