Exeter, NH DWI Attorneys

Strong Defense When Everything’s on the Line

Getting charged with a DWI in Exeter can feel like everything just flipped upside down. One moment, you're driving home from downtown or leaving a gathering near Swasey Parkway. The next, you're sitting in the back of a police cruiser, stunned and scared. You're not imagining it—your heart races, your mind spirals, and all you can think is: What happens now?

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how personal and overwhelming this is. Our New Hampshire law firm spent years representing clients right here in Exeter—appearing regularly in the Brentwood Circuit Court and Rockingham County Superior Court. We know how to approach each case with sharp legal skill and deep empathy. Our mission? To take that weight off your shoulders, walk you through every legal step, and fight tooth and nail to protect your rights. Because you deserve more than just legal help—you deserve a team that actually cares.

Arrested for DWI in Exeter? Here's What Comes Next

If you've just been arrested for DWI in Exeter, you’re probably still replaying it in your head. Maybe it started with flashing lights behind you on Portsmouth Avenue. Or maybe it happened late at night on Route 27. No matter where it started, the process afterward usually follows a standard path.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. The Stop: Officers pull you over, usually claiming erratic driving, speeding, or another minor violation. If they suspect alcohol or drugs, they’ll ask you to perform field sobriety tests.
2. Field Sobriety & Breath Tests: These include the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and HGN (horizontal gaze nystagmus). In Exeter, if you blow a .08% or higher, you’ll likely be placed under arrest. These roadside tests must follow standardized field sobriety procedures, which are often misunderstood or misapplied.
3. Booking at Exeter PD: You’ll be taken to the Exeter Police Department for processing. There, you’ll be fingerprinted, photographed, and possibly held overnight in a holding cell—especially if the arrest occurs late in the evening or on weekends.
4. License Suspension: Refusing a breathalyzer or testing above the legal limit usually triggers an automatic suspension. In New Hampshire, refusing a breath or blood test can trigger automatic license suspension under the state's implied consent penalties—consequences that apply before you even see a judge.
5. Court Date Issued: You'll be given a summons for your first appearance, usually held at the Brentwood Circuit Court.

Many people don’t realize that both the criminal case and the license suspension move forward independently. That’s why acting fast—within days—can change everything. Talking to our attorneys early gives you the best chance to protect your rights from the start.

Exeter’s Tough DWI Laws: What You Absolutely Need to Know

New Hampshire takes impaired driving seriously. And Exeter follows the state’s zero-tolerance law closely. If you’re charged with DWI, you're facing more than just a fine or a slap on the wrist. These penalties can affect every part of your life. In many cases, these charges intersect with more serious allegations like reckless driving, especially when someone’s safety was at risk.

Here’s what you’re up against:

• First Offense DWI:
  • Fine of at least $500 plus penalty assessments.
  • Loss of license for a minimum of 9 months (can be reduced to 90 days with intervention).
  • Mandatory completion of an impaired driver education program.
• Second Offense:
  • Jail time starting at 10 days.
  • Up to 3 years’ license suspension.
  • Installation of a mandatory ignition interlock device.
• Third or Subsequent Offense:
  • Felony-level charges.
  • Extended incarceration and loss of civil liberties.
  • Multi-year license revocation.

Also, if you had a high BAC (blood alcohol concentration)—usually .16% or above—or were driving with a minor in the vehicle, expect enhanced penalties. Prior DWI offenses (even from out-of-state) increase the risk of jail time, longer suspensions, and higher fines.

And don’t forget: DWI doesn’t just mean alcohol. Driving under the influence of marijuana, prescription medications, or other substances falls under the same statutes.

Understanding the Court Process in Exeter, NH

Once you’re released, the legal clock starts ticking. Your first stop is usually the Brentwood Circuit Court, located just minutes from downtown Exeter. Here's how things generally unfold, much like the legal process in other locations throughout New Hampshire and in nearby states.

• Arraignment: Your first court appearance. The judge formally reads your charges and asks how you plead.
• Bail Hearing (if needed): In cases involving prior offenses or aggravating circumstances, the court might consider bail conditions.
• Pre-Trial Conferences: This is when your attorney and the prosecutor negotiate. There’s often a chance to reduce charges or explore sentencing alternatives.
• Trial or Plea: If no agreement is reached, the case moves to trial. If it involves felony charges, it could transfer to the Rockingham County Superior Court.

Here's where it gets complicated: prosecutors often bank on the idea that you don’t understand your rights during police questioning. They may pressure you into a plea deal that sounds better than it is. That’s where experienced defense matters. A smart attorney can identify procedural errors, challenge the stop, and push back against aggressive prosecution tactics.

Proven Defense Strategies to Fight Your Exeter DWI Charge

Not all DWI charges lead to convictions. With the right defense, you have options—real ones. Every case is different, but there are a few core strategies we regularly tailor to Exeter cases.

Some of the most effective include:

• Challenging Breath & Blood Tests: Machines aren’t flawless. Breathalyzers frequently malfunction and must meet strict calibration standards. If they weren’t properly maintained, we may have grounds to suppress the results.
• Questioning the Stop: Were you actually driving erratically, or was it just a minor infraction? Stops on roads like Route 111 or even Water Street often involve judgment calls. If the stop wasn’t lawful, everything that followed could be invalid.
• Procedural Mistakes: Officers are supposed to follow specific protocols during field sobriety tests and arrest procedures. If they skipped a step, your rights may have been violated.

Also, remember: surveillance cameras, weather conditions, and even footwear during field tests can influence your performance. We dig into every detail because in Exeter DWI cases, the smallest detail could lead to dismissal or a reduced charge just like in high-stakes truck accidents where forensic scrutiny is critical.

Protecting Your Driver’s License: DMV Hearings in Exeter

The criminal case isn’t the only battle. After a DWI arrest, the New Hampshire DMV begins a separate administrative process that can strip your driving privileges.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You have just 30 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing. Miss that window, and your license is automatically suspended.
• The DMV hearing is different from your court case. It’s administrative, not criminal. But it affects your ability to drive—sometimes for months or years.
• Your lawyer can argue that the stop was unlawful, the officer lacked reasonable suspicion, or the test results were faulty.

We’ve represented Exeter residents in countless DMV hearings and know how to tailor arguments specifically to the evidence collected by local police. Don’t assume this hearing is just a formality—it’s one of the most important parts of your defense. Our proven case results show that even in the most disadvantaged legal positions, positive outcomes are still possible with the right strategy.

Life After a DWI Charge in Exeter, NH

Restoring Your Reputation and Moving Forward

A DWI charge in Exeter doesn’t define your whole life. But we know it can feel that way—especially in a close-knit town where everyone seems to know everyone. Whether you’re worried about your job at a local business or your role in a community group, we get it. You're worried about what people will think, how your family will react, and how you’ll move forward.

Here’s what you can do:

• Be proactive at work. You may not need to tell your employer unless you have a professional license or are subject to licensing reviews. But it helps to plan how you’ll address it if asked.
• Explore options to expunge a DWI conviction. In New Hampshire, first-time DWI offenders may qualify for record annulment after completing all court-ordered conditions.
• Rebuild trust. That might mean attending counseling, joining a support group, or volunteering locally. The key is to show your community—and yourself—that you're turning the page. An excellent law firm can also provide guidance beyond the courtroom to help restore your public image.

Exeter has always been a place where people look out for each other. A single mistake shouldn’t define your story.

Frequently Asked Questions by Exeter Residents Facing DWI Charges

Can my Exeter DWI charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes. If there were issues with the traffic stop, testing, or arrest procedure, your attorney may argue for dismissal or a plea to a lesser charge like reckless operation. And if the incident involved injury or a drunk driving accident, the stakes and strategy change significantly.

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

A DWI conviction stays on your criminal record indefinitely, but after 10 years, it no longer counts as a prior offense for sentencing. Expungement may be available for first-time offenders.

Am I required to disclose a DWI arrest to my employer?

Not always. If you're not under contract or don't hold a professional license, you might not have to disclose it. That said, company policies vary—check your employee handbook. These cases often overlap with issues seen in other practice areas such as professional licensing or employment consequences.

You Deserve the Right Defense. Let Horn Wright, LLP, Stand by You

A DWI arrest in Exeter can feel like the end of the road—but it’s not. Give a call or send a message at Horn Wright, LLP. We understand how emotionally draining and confusing this process can be. That’s why we do more than just show up in court—we support you every step of the way. We’ve fought for people from all over Rockingham County, and we know what it takes to win here. If you’re ready to fight back and take control of your future, we’re ready to stand beside you.