Durham, NH DWI Attorneys

DWI in Durham: Why One Moment Can Change Everything

A DWI arrest in Durham can flip your entire life upside down. One moment you’re behind the wheel heading home from the UNH campus or a night out on Main Street—the next, you’re in the back of a cruiser, overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, and confusion. It feels like your world just stopped spinning.

But here’s the thing: you’re not alone. Plenty of people in Durham have faced this exact situation. Most of them felt scared, unsure of what to do, and completely lost. It’s a moment that shakes you to your core. But it doesn’t have to define your future.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know the ins and outs of defending DWI charges in Durham. Our New Hampshire law firm worked extensively in Dover District Court and Strafford County Superior Court. Our approach blends aggressive legal strategies with real compassion. We work fast to ease your burden, protect your rights, and stand between you and the worst possible outcome.

Facing a DWI Arrest in Durham? Here’s Exactly What Happens Next

Once the police pull you over on Route 108 or near the Mill Plaza parking lot, everything moves fast. If the officer suspects you’re impaired, they’ll run you through a series of field sobriety tests, a standard protocol not only in suspected DWIs but often required when car accidents occur as well. Maybe they’ll ask for a breathalyzer. If you fail or refuse, you’re likely getting arrested. That’s when panic usually sets in.

Here’s what to expect next:

• You’ll be taken to the Durham Police Department or possibly the UNH Police Department, especially if the stop happened near campus.
• Your vehicle might be towed, and you could spend the night in holding.
• You’ll be processed, fingerprinted, and eventually given a court date.

In New Hampshire, refusing a breath or blood test means you’ll automatically face a potential license suspension. These tests are covered under the state’s implied consent law, and refusing them is a big deal.

The days after your arrest are absolutely critical. Understanding your rights during police questioning is essential to avoid incriminating yourself unnecessarily. Talking to an attorney right away can help preserve evidence, protect your license, and keep you from making costly mistakes.

Durham’s Strict DWI Laws: What You Need to Know Now

New Hampshire doesn’t go easy on DWI offenders, and Durham’s no exception. Whether it’s your first arrest or you’ve been through this before, the penalties hit hard.

For first-time offenders, here’s what you might face:

• A fine of at least $500
• Mandatory alcohol education classes
• A minimum 9-month license suspension (possibly reduced to 90 days)

If this isn’t your first offense? Things get worse fast. Jail time becomes a real possibility. So do longer suspensions and mandatory ignition interlock devices requirements.

Students at the University of New Hampshire have even more to worry about. On top of the criminal charges, the school can impose its own disciplinary actions, something we're well-versed in across a range of practice areas including incidents involving reckless driving. These might include:

• Academic probation or suspension
• Loss of scholarships or campus housing
• Required counseling or substance abuse programs

Getting charged with DWI in Durham isn’t just about what happens in court. It affects your freedom, your finances, and your future.

Fighting Your DWI Charge in Strafford County Courts

DWI charges in Durham typically go through the Dover District Court. More serious cases might end up in Strafford County Superior Court in Dover. These courts operate under strict timelines, much like those in other locations across New Hampshire. While every courthouse has its own nuances, the fundamentals of procedure and pressure to act fast remain the same—and if you don’t prepare early, the court process can blindside you.

Your defense starts with understanding the evidence. Was the field sobriety test done properly? Did the officer have a valid reason to stop you in the first place? Did the breathalyzer work the way it should? Devices like these can be unreliable, and breathalyzers frequently malfunction.

Our team reviews:

• Police body cam footage
• Arrest and incident reports
• Field test procedures
• Machine calibration records, just like those that come under scrutiny in truck accidents

We also explore alternatives. Maybe your charge can be reduced. Maybe we can challenge how the evidence was collected. In some cases, we may even push for dismissal. Every step we take aims to reduce the damage to your life.

Saving Your Driver’s License: DMV Hearings and Beyond

After your arrest, you have only 30 days to request a hearing with the New Hampshire DMV. Miss that deadline, and you could lose your license automatically.

The DMV hearing is separate from your criminal case. Think of it as a second front in the same battle. Winning this hearing means you might keep your license while the criminal case plays out.

For students at UNH or professionals commuting to nearby Portsmouth or Rochester, this matters. Losing your license could cost you your job, your education, or your independence.

Here’s how we help at this stage:

• Requesting and preparing for your DMV hearing fast
• Challenging the basis for the license suspension
• Presenting strong legal arguments to preserve your driving privileges

Don’t assume it’s a lost cause. Many people win at the DMV level—our firm has delivered positive case results in other situations and can do the same here for you.

Underage DWI Charges: Special Risks for UNH Students

If you’re under 21, the laws in Durham get even tougher. New Hampshire has a zero-tolerance law for underage drinking and driving, especially when it resulted in a drunk driving accident which can trigger legal or disciplinary consequences that go beyond the norm. Even a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% can land you in serious trouble.

The consequences reach far beyond court:

• You could lose scholarships and student housing
• Your financial aid might be put at risk
• You could be suspended or expelled from UNH

But it doesn’t have to derail your future. We look at every possible avenue to reduce the long-term damage. That might mean pushing for alcohol education programs instead of jail time, or working with UNH to find disciplinary alternatives.

If this is your first offense, showing genuine accountability and a willingness to learn can make a major difference. In some cases, courts may even consider sentencing alternatives such as treatment programs or community service in place of jail time.

Is It Possible to Beat a DWI Charge in Durham? Absolutely.

Yes, DWI charges can be beaten. It happens more often than people think.

We’ve seen real-life cases where police made serious mistakes—like pulling someone over without cause, using outdated testing equipment, or misinterpreting field sobriety test results. We’ve discussed legal issues similar to this, and any one of those errors can weaken the state’s case.

We’ve also used strategies like: Many cases begin with an arraignment, where charges are formally read and the defense begins to take shape.

• Disputing the accuracy of the breath or blood test
• Questioning the legality of the stop
• Negotiating reduced charges when evidence is weak

Every case is different. But having someone who knows Durham, knows Strafford County courts, and knows how to find those cracks in the prosecution’s case? That changes everything.

Life After a DWI and Moving Forward Positively

Even if you’re convicted, your story isn’t over. There are clear steps you can take to put this behind you and move forward.

One of the most effective ways to clean up your record is to expunge a DWI conviction. This can remove the charge from public view, helping you with job applications, housing, and professional licenses—something an outstanding law firm like ours is equipped to guide you through.

You can also rebuild your personal and professional life by:

• Joining a support group or seeking counseling
• Completing court-ordered classes or rehab programs
• Staying involved in work, school, or volunteer activities

In a college town like Durham, these second chances matter. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters most is how you respond afterward.

When Your Future’s at Risk, Horn Wright, LLP Is Your Strongest Ally

We understand the pressure you’re under after a DWI arrest in Durham. We’ve handled cases throughout Strafford County—in both Dover District Court and Superior Court—and we know what works. Our team delivers fierce, strategic defense backed by a deep sense of care and personal attention. We’re here to protect your rights, reduce your stress, and fight like hell for your future. You don’t have to go through this alone. Contact us and let Horn Wright, LLP, guide you every step of the way.