Keene, NH DWI Attorney

Your Worst Night on West Street—Now What?

If you've just been hit with a DWI charge in Keene, chances are you’re overwhelmed. Your stomach sinks. You’re sitting in the back of a cruiser or staring at your phone thinking, "What the hell just happened?" One second, you're driving near Central Square. Next, your future's up in the air.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we get it. We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with people in Keene who’ve felt the same crushing anxiety. You’re not just a case number to us. You're a person who deserves answers, a path forward, and someone to lean on when the ground feels like it's slipping. Our New Hampshire law firm knows the ins and outs of Cheshire County Superior Court and Keene District Court—and more importantly, we know how to fight for you.

Stopped, Searched, Arrested—Now What Happens in Keene?

Everything after that traffic stop probably felt like a blur. Maybe you were pulled over on the Keene Bypass or near West Street. Flashing lights. Questions. Maybe a field sobriety test you weren’t prepared for. Next thing you knew, you were in cuffs, headed to the Keene Police Department.

After your arrest, you might’ve had a breathalyzer or blood test. If you refused, New Hampshire’s implied consent law means your license could be suspended—whether or not you're convicted.

Here’s what you need to remember:

• You have the right to remain silent.
• You don’t have to perform those field sobriety tests.
• You should absolutely request an attorney before saying anything else.

What you do now isn’t just about today—it’s going to shape what happens next. Stay calm. Stay smart. And don’t try to handle this alone.

Keene’s Harsh DWI Penalties Can Derail Your Life

In Keene, there’s no wiggle room when it comes to DWI enforcement. Police crack down hard—especially during big events or weekends packed with students and out-of-towners. The penalties? They hit fast and they hit deep.

If you're convicted, you could be looking at:

• A suspended license for up to 2 years
• Fines that start at $500 and climb from there
• Court-mandated IDCMP classes
• Even jail time—yes, even on your first offense
• Extra penalties if your BAC was high or you had driven recklessly

Second or third offense? Now you're talking longer suspensions, mandatory jail, and possibly an ignition interlock device on your car.

But let’s be real. It’s not just about the law. A DWI can screw up your job, your relationships, your reputation. Insurance rates skyrocket. Your boss might find out. Your family starts asking tough questions. It’s more than a legal problem—it’s a life problem.

And you don’t have to let it define yours.

We Tear Apart Weak DWI Charges, And We’ve Done It Before

This is where the fight begins. You don’t walk into court empty-handed. You walk in with a legal team that’s obsessed with details.

Our first move? We pick apart the stop. Did the officer even have the right to pull you over? Did they botch the field tests? Were the breathalyzers properly calibrated? Spoiler: they often aren’t. And they fail more often than you’d think.

We’ll question everything:

• Whether the stop was lawful at all
• If sobriety testing was done correctly—or done at all
• If the breath or blood test results hold up in court
• Whether your rights were violated during the process

And we don’t just throw legal jargon at judges. We know how Cheshire County courts tick. What judges look for. What prosecutors are willing to negotiate. Our goal is to shrink the charges—or get them tossed entirely.

You’ve got more options than you think. Let’s use them.

You Might Lose Your License Unless You Act Fast in Keene

Here’s the part a lot of people miss: the DMV side of your case is a whole separate fight. Even if your criminal charges are dismissed, you could still lose your license unless you act fast.

You’ve only got 30 days from your arrest to request a hearing with the New Hampshire Department of Safety. That’s it. Miss the deadline and you’re off the road.

At your DMV hearing, we’ll go after every weak link in the case against you. We can also help you:

• Request a limited license for work or school
• Present reasons to reduce the suspension period
• In some cases, fight to keep your license entirely

We know driving is a necessity in Keene. The bus isn’t always an option, and rideshares aren’t cheap. Keeping your license means keeping your life together. We’ll help you fight for it.

Keene State Students: A DWI Could Cost You More Than Grades

If you're a student at Keene State College, getting a DWI hits different. It’s not just a legal mess. It’s a potential academic nightmare.

One DWI can mess with:

• Whether you can stay in on-campus housing
• Your academic status—think probation or even suspension
• Your future plans for grad school or professional licensing

We’ve helped a lot of students just like you. We know when it makes sense to bring in parents, and when you need to step up and take control. Either way, we build a plan that doesn’t just get you through court—it helps protect your future.

Walking Into Cheshire County Court? Here’s What You Need to Know

The idea of walking into a courtroom? Terrifying. We get that. You’re not a criminal—you’re just someone who had a rough night. But courts don’t see it that way at first glance.

You’ll likely head to Keene District Court or Cheshire County Superior. Your first hearing is an arraignment. That’s where you’ll enter a plea. Then come motions, negotiations, maybe even trial.

Here’s what the timeline generally looks like:

• Arraignment a few weeks after your arrest
• Pretrial motions and behind-the-scenes strategy over the next few months
• Trial date if no resolution happens sooner

And under state law, if you’re not detained, arraignment can’t be scheduled earlier than 35 days after arrest. That gives us time to prepare.

We’ll help you stay calm, stay ready, and say the right things at the right time. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

It’s Not Over—Take Back Control After a DWI in Keene

A DWI doesn’t get the final say in who you are. But it’s okay if right now, it feels like it does. Maybe you’re embarrassed. Maybe you’re angry. Maybe you’re just trying to figure out how to keep your life from falling apart.

That’s where we come in.

We’re not just here to fight charges. We’re here to help you put the pieces back together. That might mean:

• Helping you find better insurance so the rates don’t ruin you
• Connecting you with rehab or counseling that shows the court you’re serious
• Recommending community service or diversion programs to help your case and your conscience
• Guiding you through job or school-related consequences

We’ve worked with people who thought they had no way forward. Guess what? They do. And you do too.

Frequently Asked Questions About DWIs in Keene, NH

Can I refuse a breathalyzer test in Keene?

You can, but under New Hampshire’s implied consent law, you’ll automatically lose your license—sometimes for longer than if you’d taken the test.

Will my employer find out about my DWI?

Depends on your job. If you drive for work or your employer runs background checks, it’s likely. But a good legal defense can help minimize how much impact that has.

Do I really need a lawyer if it’s my first offense?

Without a doubt. The penalties are real—even for a first-timer. A skilled lawyer can help reduce the consequences or even get charges dropped.

Trust Horn Wright, LLP, to Defend Your DWI Case in Keene

Allow us at Horn Wright, LLP, to help you take your life back after a DWI. We know the judges. We know the courts. More importantly, we know how scared and overwhelmed you probably feel right now.

We bring strategy, compassion, and results to the table. Whether it’s your first DWI or not, you don’t have to face it alone. We’re here and we’re ready to fight for you.