Are Sobriety Checkpoints Legal in New Hampshire?

Even though sobriety checkpoints can be frustrating for drivers to experience, they are completely legal in the state of New Hampshire. If you are unsure as to why or how these checkpoints are conducted, this article is for you. Read further to find out more about what to expect at sobriety checkpoints and how and why police are able to conduct these random stops legally.

Laws Officers Must Follow Guidelines at Sobriety Checkpoints in New Hampshire

Police can conduct sobriety checkpoints in the state of New Hampshire as long as they follow state guidelines for setting up the checkpoints. The guidelines were developed by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). NHSTA has a report that states the guidelines and protocols for legally conducting a sobriety checkpoint. The guidelines state that police should provide advance notice to the public of where and when the sobriety checkpoint will take place. There must also be approval from a local judge in order for the police department to conduct the sobriety checkpoint, and the officers have to follow all the guidelines set in place by the courts of New Hampshire in regards to what takes place at the checkpoints.

What Happens at a Sobriety Checkpoint in New Hampshire?

If you find yourself at a sobriety checkpoint in New Hampshire, here is what you can expect. It is the goal of the sobriety checkpoints to decrease drunk driving and prevent accidents and DUI and DWI incidents. They usually take place in heavily trafficked areas or on busy holidays. A police offer will approach your vehicle and ask to see your license and registration. He/she will ask you a few routine questions such as where you are going or where you have been, if you have been drinking, etc. Hopefully, that is the extent of the sobriety checkpoint for you. However, if the officer suspects that you have been drinking or using drugs, you will be asked to step out of the car for a sobriety test or breathalyzer. In the state of New Hampshire, the police have access to a DUI Mobile Command Center which is equipped with state of the art sobriety testing equipment for field tests and breath or blood alcohol testing. If you fail the tests you could face arrest and be taken into custody.

Benefits to Hiring an Experienced DUI Lawyer in NH

If you find yourself at a sobriety checkpoint and are at risk of being identified as driving drunk or facing DUI or DWI charges, you will need a DUI lawyer to help you through this difficult time. It is likely that you will face jail time, license suspension, and other life changing consequences. Having a DUI lawyer on your side that is knowledgeable about New Hampshire DUI laws can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. If you or someone you know is being charged with DUI or DWI, contact a New Hampshire DUI lawyer today to discuss your case. You will be thankful you did.


By Joseph Annutto

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A Message to New Hampshire Parents about Heroin/Fentanyl Addiction

Heroin and Substance Abuse in New Hampshire

The state of New Hampshire has always been hailed as one of the most peaceful and idyllic places in the nation.  But recently, this has been marred by unsettling news about a spike in heroin addiction and overdoses; there is no denying that a heroin epidemic is plaguing the state.
 Deaths attributed to heroin addiction are at alarming levels.  Last year, there are about 300 deaths due to drug overdoses, some of which are due to heroin.   And just in the month of September this year, there have been 75 overdoses and eight deaths just in Manchester alone.  Addicts’ ages ranged from 16 to 69.  Overdose victims were found everywhere -- hotels, restaurants, parking areas, public buildings, and even motor vehicles. 

And it’s not only about deaths of drug users but also other serious consequences that may resort from drug use as well as being arrested and charged with drug possession in NH.  Oftentimes, drug users who drive can cause serious or even fatal road accidents.  They disrupt the peace around the neighborhoods.  They don’t function effectively at school and on the job.

Heroin - Nature and Effects

Heroin in particular has been cited as one of the most used drugs in the area.  It appears as a white or brown power, or even as black tar in big blocks.  It is acquired on the street in mixed form, usually with sugar, starch, powdered milk, or other drugs (usually poisonous varieties). It can be taken intravenously or smoked through a pipe or straw.

Heroin users typically feel a surge of extreme pleasure (referred to as a rush).  It temporarily relieves the user from depression.  The intensity depends on how much was consumed.  Oftentimes, heroin users aren’t aware of the exact intensity or strength of the heroin they purchase on the street.  The users may be injecting heroin doses that are fatal. 

Prolonged heroin use has debilitating effects.  On the short term, heroin causes shallow breathing, clouded mental function, and uncontrollable itching. But the more long-term and serious effects are pneumonia, heart disease, blood clots, bacterial infections, liver disease, arthritis, seizures, HIV, and Hepatitis B and C (from sharing needles).  If not properly treated, these can eventually lead to death. 

Treating heroin abuse and addiction is not easy.  Heroin detox must be done by a highly specialized doctor who is experienced in opiate detox and withdrawal.  Detox and treatment can never be done at home because the results could be fatal.

Coping with Heroin Addiction

Probably the only most effective strategy against heroin addiction is prevention.  Talk to your loved ones about the dangers of heroin and other addictive substances.  Be supportive of their needs so that they won’t resort to taking dangerous drugs just to cope with problems.  Give them quality time and a listening ear so that they have a way to vent frustrations. Keep a close watch on their activities and behavior.  Advise them about choosing their friends carefully. 

You must also be able to detect symptoms of addiction early.  Heroin acts fast on a person’s system.  There’s a feeling of euphoria in a matter of seconds after injection.  The user’s mouth will dry out and the skin will flush.  Pupils will be constricted.  His level of alertness destabilizes as he falls in and out of wakefulness.  Breathing is slowed, and this could also lead to death.  The user may also lose some memory and decision-making abilities. The person also experiences itching, nausea, and vomiting.  Bowel movements may be constricted.  Immunity levels are affected and the person is very prone to illness. 

If any of your loved ones are suffering from heroin addiction, you should consult professional help immediately.  Talk to your family practitioner and ask for recommendations about reliable treatment centers. 

And if your child has been criminally involved in a drug-related incident which can lead to a misdemeanor, such as drug possession or driving under the influence of drugs, then it would be beneficial to consult with a New Hampshire criminal lawyer.




By Joseph Annutto



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4 Tips to Help Protect Your Finances During a Divorce in NH

One of the biggest obstacles to overcome during a divorce is finances. Money can be a big issue of contention when it comes to finalizing a divorce in New Hampshire, so it is important to know what to do if you are faced with filing for divorce. Your finances should be protected so you are ready to start a new life once the divorce has been finalized. Below are a few tips to follow to ensure that your financial situation is secure.
 
Gather and Copy Financial Documents

To begin, you need to gather all financial information that applies to you and your spouse for the past few years. It is recommended to cover as much as five years to ensure that documentation is in place for financial issues that could arise. Bank statements, property records, investments and payroll stubs are just a few of the documents that need to be gathered and copied. Keep the paperwork in a secure place such as a safe deposit box and not in the home.

Create Individual Accounts

In most marriages, the couple has joint bank accounts or credit cards. When getting a divorce, the accounts need to be separated. You will need to have a bank account with just your name so you can begin to place paychecks and prepare for life after the divorce. Close any joint credit card accounts as well so you will not be responsible for any charges that you did not approve.

Credit Score

Your credit score is very important and something that should be watched during a divorce. Your credit score can be affected by closing credit card accounts or creating new accounts on your own. Take time to review your credit score during your divorce as well as after. You want to ensure that your credit rating stays in good standing so that you do not have issues with your credit in your future. When there is contention in the marriage, it is important to keep track of your score in case your soon-to-be ex makes charges in your name. This is something that does occur and an issue that your attorney can assist you with.

Consult with an Experienced Attorney

To ensure that you make the right decisions financially during your divorce proceedings, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney. An experienced New Hampshire divorce attorney will understand the law and can provide advice on what you need to do in terms of financial decisions. Attorneys know what not to do and how to make changes to your financial situation that will be appropriate for your divorce proceedings as well as in the future.

Consult with an attorney to have your individual case heard so the right decisions can be made for your future. Provide paperwork and describe your situation to the attorney to get advice on the steps you need to take to begin your divorce as well as make decisions in regards to handling finances. By working with an attorney, no mistakes will be made and you can begin your new life on the right track.

By Joseph Annutto

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