Drug Intoxication

When most people think of a DWI arrest, the first thing that comes to mind is a drunk driver. But, it’s not always the case.

Anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription or even over-the-counter medications, can be arrested on a driving while intoxicated charge.

If you have been stopped on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer experienced in driving-related offenses. Attorney Michael Anzalone handles drunken or drug-related driving cases in New Hampshire.

You can read the New Hampshire state statute Chapter 265-A Alcohol or Drug Impairment regarding DUI and DWI offenses

The law specifically says a person “shall be guilty of aggravated driving while intoxicated” if they drive, operate or attempt to operate a vehicle, or even a boat, if they are under the influence of “intoxicated liquor or any controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person’s ability to drive.”

A DWI lawyer will tell you that it doesn’t matter if you are drinking or taking prescribed medication. A police officer who believes that you are driving under the influence can stop you and if you fail the field sobriety tests, you will likely be arrested and spend at least one night in jail.

In New Hampshire, you’ll be charged with a DWI or DUI if you are caught by law enforcement driving while under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.

Your case can be bumped up to aggravated DWI if you are also driving at over 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, if you cause a collision that includes a serious injury, if you have a passenger under the age of 16 or if you attempted to elude police.

You’ll need to speak to your DWI lawyer if you have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. An experienced attorney such as Michael Anzalone can offer you the kind of advice that can help you put these serious charges behind you as quickly as possible.

If you are convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs, the judge will probably send you to some form of rehabilitation. You will have a certain amount of time to be evaluated and to participate in a drug intervention program that is approved by authorities in New Hampshire.

You will also be required to attend an impaired driver education program to satisfy terms of your sentence.

Keep in mind, these programs will probably cost you money and time away from your job or your family. It’s expensive and time-consuming.

The judge will also suspend your driver’s license for a time ranging from six months to multiple years, depending on the circumstances of your case.

The best action is to never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs of any kind.

But if you do, keep Michael Anzalone in mind. He’ll have your best interests in mind as he represents you. Call The Anzalone Law Firm today for a free consultation.