Derry, NH DWI Attorneys 

Flashing Lights on I-93? Derry DWI Arrests Happen Fast—But So Can Your Defense

You're heading home on I-93 or maybe pulling out of a buddy’s driveway near Hoodkroft Country Club. You see blue lights in the mirror. Your stomach drops. You pull over. A few questions. A breath test. And suddenly, everything changes.

Here’s the deal: you’re not alone. In 2021, New Hampshire recorded 4,067 DUI-related arrests. That’s more than 10% of all arrests in the state. This happens to people across Derry—every background, every story.

At Horn Wright, LLP,we get it. We’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with folks just like you, people feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of where to turn. You don’t have to go through this alone. With a track record of winning tough cases, our New Hampshire-based law firm fight for your future—and take the weight off your shoulders while we do it.

Every Hour Counts After a DWI: Act Fast Before the Derry District Court Calls

If you’ve just been arrested for DWI, every second counts. Seriously. Evidence fades. Witnesses forget. And deadlines creep up before you even catch your breath.

Most DWI arrests in Derry will land you at the police station on Manning Street. Then it’s on to the Derry District Court. It all moves fast—and if you wait too long, you could lose your shot at fighting the case.

We’ve seen it happen too many times: someone freezes up, doesn’t know where to turn, and loses the chance to fight back. That doesn’t have to be your story.

Blew a .08 on the Breath Test? Don’t Assume It’s Over

You took the breath test and it came back over the legal limit. Game over, right? Not even close.

Breathalyzers break. They misread. They can be poorly calibrated. Maybe the officer rushed through the process. Or maybe you had something like mouth alcohol that threw off the results.

Point is: a number on a screen doesn’t equal guilt.

We’ve knocked holes in cases by showing:

• The machine wasn’t properly calibrated
• Sobriety tests weren’t given the right way
• The traffic stop itself wasn’t even legal

We don’t just accept what’s on paper. We dig. We challenge. We protect your rights.

Think You’ll Lose Your License? Not If We Act Fast

Nothing feels more crushing than thinking you’ll lose your license. Especially around Derry—where Route 102 and I-93 are lifelines to work, school, and family.

Here’s what most folks don’t realize: your license isn’t automatically gone. You’ve actually got two battles—one with the court, one with the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.

The DMV part? We can help request a hearing to challenge the suspension. Many times, we’ve kept clients on the road, or helped them get hardship licenses so they can keep their lives together.

You’ve got options. But you’ve got to move fast.

The Real Cost of a DWI? It’s Not Just the Fine, It’s Your Future in Derry

Yeah, the fines are rough. Up to $1,200. But it doesn’t stop there.

You could be ordered to counseling. Your insurance? Sky-high. And yes, there’s even a chance of jail time—even for a first offense.

But the real pain? It’s what happens to your life. Maybe you commute to Manchester every day for work. Maybe you’ve got a kid at Pinkerton Academy and you're worried about what people will say. The social fallout is real. Jobs, professional career, friends, family—everything gets harder.

We’re here to help make sure this doesn’t define you.

First DWI in Derry? You Might Deserve a Break and the Law Might Agree

If this is your first DWI, take a deep breath. There’s still hope.

New Hampshire gives first-time offenders some chances to avoid the harshest penalties—but only if you know how to ask for them the right way.

You might qualify for:

• A reduced suspension
• Impaired Driver Care Management Program alcohol education instead of jail
• A chance to show the judge you’re taking responsibility

We’ve walked Derry clients through this and watched them keep their jobs, their cars, and their dignity.

Second or Third DWI? The Stakes Are Sky-High, and So Are the Penalties

We’re not gonna sugarcoat this. If it’s not your first DWI, the penalties are intense.

Here’s what you could be looking at:

• At least 60 days in jail
• Years without a license
• A court-ordered ignition interlock
• Ongoing alcohol monitoring

But here’s the thing—we’ve helped repeat offenders get real second chances. We challenge every point, every piece of evidence, and we don’t back down.

Those Field Sobriety Tests? They’re Not as Ironclad as You’ve Been Told

Let’s be real—those roadside tests? They’re not as scientific as they sound.

You’re nervous. It’s dark. It’s cold. You’re trying to balance or follow a pen while a cop watches your every move. And suddenly, you’re labeled “impaired.”

We’ve torn these tests apart in court:

• Eye movement misread in the HGN test
• Walk-and-turn unfair to people who are anxious or stiff
• One-leg stand? Forget it if you’ve got any balance issues (here’s why)

We don’t let bad tests dictate your future.

Checkpoint on Route 28? Know What Police Can and Can’t Do

Sobriety checkpoints pop up in Derry, especially around Route 28 or Tsienneto Road. They’re legal—but only if cops follow every single rule.

At a checkpoint, officers have to:

• Announce it publicly ahead of time
• Use a neutral pattern for stops
• Keep detentions short

We’ve fought cases where those rules were ignored. And when that happens? The stop may not hold up in court.

When a Misdemeanor Turns Felony: How a DWI Can Change Your Life Forever

Some DWI cases go beyond the usual. If someone’s hurt, if a child was in the car, or if you’ve had past convictions—suddenly it’s not just a misdemeanor.

Now we’re talking felony. You could face:

• State prison time
• Life-changing fines
• A criminal record that follows you everywhere

Still—felony doesn’t mean hopeless. We dig deep. We push back. We look for every possible path to reduce the damage.

Winning in Derry: What a Real DWI Defense Looks Like

Every DWI case is different. But when we win them, it’s because we do the work.

Here’s what that looks like:

• A stop on Route 102 where field tests were botched? Case dismissed.
• A client blew a .09 but had acid reflux. We brought in an expert. Charges dropped.
• A stop with no real reason? We challenged it—and the court threw out the evidence.

This isn’t luck. This is what happens when your legal team knows Derry, knows the law, and knows how to fight.

Frequently Asked Questions About DWI in Derry, NH

How long does a DWI stay on my record in New Hampshire?

Forever on your criminal record. Ten years on your driving record. It matters a lot if you ever get charged again.

Can I refuse a breathalyzer test in Derry, NH?

Yes—but refusing usually means you’ll lose your license automatically, even if you’re later found not guilty.

What if I live in another state but was arrested in Derry?

New Hampshire will charge you here, and your home state will likely find out. Our experienced attorneys help out-of-state clients all the time.

Horn Wright, LLP, is Here to Fight Your Derry DWI Charges

Connect with us at Horn Wright, LLP. We understand what you’re going through and we won’t treat you as just another case file—you’re someone who made a mistake and wants a way forward. Whether it’s your first time or you’re facing serious repeat charges, we’ll fight for your future with everything we’ve got. We know the courts. We know Derry. And we know how to protect your name, your freedom, and your second chance.