After I’ve Been Arrested—What Happens at My First Court Date in New Hampshire?
Being arrested can be overwhelming. For many people, the experience feels confusing and stressful, especially if it is their first encounter with the criminal justice system. One of the first questions people ask after an arrest is simple: What happens next? In New Hampshire, the next major step is usually the defendant’s first court appearance, […]
Going to jail isn’t going to help my bad drug addiction, can I get probation?
For people struggling with substance use, arrest and incarceration often make an already unstable situation worse. New Hampshire courts recognize this reality more than many people realize. While jail is a possible outcome in drug-related cases, it is not the only one. In many situations, probation and treatment-based alternatives may be available—even when addiction is […]
I’m a College Student and Got Arrested for Underage Alcohol or Marijuana Possession — How Will This Affect My Career?
If you’re in college and you’ve been arrested for underage drinking or marijuana possession, your first thought probably wasn’t about court dates or fines. It was likely this: Did I just ruin my future? We hear that fear all the time at Cohen & Winters. And here’s the honest answer: Probably not — but how […]
What Type of Alcohol Classes Do I Have to Do to Get My License Back After a DWI in New Hampshire?
If you’ve been charged or convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New Hampshire, you already know the consequences can be serious. Beyond fines, potential jail time, and license suspension, the state requires completion of mandatory alcohol/drug education—and sometimes treatment—before your license can be restored. These classes aren’t just a formality—they’re required by law (RSA […]
What Is an Accident Reconstruction Expert?
After a car crash, two people can tell very different stories about what happened. One driver may say the light was green; the other insists it was red. Someone might swear they were going the speed limit while another claims they were speeding. When the facts are unclear—or the damage is serious—an accident reconstruction expert […]
Can the Prosecutors Change the Charges After I’ve Been Arrested?
If you’ve been arrested, you may assume the charges you’re facing are locked in. But here’s something many people don’t realize: Prosecutors can and do change charges after an arrest. In fact, it’s not uncommon. So what does that mean for you—and what should you do if your charges change? Let’s break it down in […]
The police would like to interview me about my significant other’s charges – should I speak with them?
The police would like to interview me It’s a call or knock on the door that can make your stomach drop. The police say they want to ask you a few questions—not because you are being charged with anything, but because your significant other is. Maybe it’s a criminal investigation. Maybe it’s already headed to […]
What Is a Dram Shop Case?
A “dram shop case” is a type of legal claim against a business — like a bar, restaurant, or even a convenience store — for serving alcohol to someone who later causes harm because they were intoxicated. The term “dram shop” comes from old English law, where a “dram” was a small unit of alcohol. […]
What Does a Suspended Sentence with Conditions Mean?
If you’ve been charged with a crime in New Hampshire, you likely will hear the term “suspended sentence ” during the court process. Some courthouse veterans, be they defendant, lawyers, or judges will often say that it’s “time hanging over your head.” It’s an important concept to understand because it can significantly affect your freedom […]
Understanding the Differences: Class A Misdemeanors, Class B Misdemeanors, and Violations in New Hampshire
Difference Between a Class A Misdemeanors and Class B Misdemeanors If you’ve been charged with an offense in New Hampshire, understanding the severity of the charge is crucial. The state categorizes lower-level offenses into three main groups: Class A misdemeanors, Class B misdemeanors, and violations. While none of these are felonies, they carry different consequences […]