The choice of a lawyer is important, and you should find a lawyer in whom you have confidence and whom you know is dedicated to working for you. If you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in New Hampshire, or if you are searching for a lawyer for a relative, a friend, or a client, please take a moment to read the information below on Gene Struckhoff's views and policies on representing people charged with DWI. If it makes sense to you, contact my office and we will set up a consultation and evaluation.  

What can be done to help? Most people charged with DWI can benefit from hiring a lawyer who is experienced in DWI defense. Many people charged with DWI are not convicted, either as the result of a trial or by a negotiated reduction of the charge to some lesser offense. Still others benefit by obtaining a reduction of the length of the license loss or by avoiding, or reducing the length of, a jail sentence. In most DWI cases, the difference between the result that can be obtained by a competent, experienced and concerned DWI defense lawyer and the result that you might achieve without legal representation is great. When I initially meet with you, I will assess your case honestly. If I believe that I can help you, I will let you know the reasons for that belief, and tell you frankly what I think can and cannot be accomplished. I will also tell you if I do not believe that my representation of you is likely lead to a better result than you would obtain yourself. I do not care to obtain clients and earn fees when I do not believe I will be able to achieve a better result. I believe that all my prospective clients are entitled to know what I honestly think about their chances, so that they can make an informed choice as to whether or not to retain my services.

How will we decide what to do? I believe that my clients are entitled not only to participate in the decision-making concerning how best to proceed, but that they alone should ultimately make those decisions, after considering my advice based on representation of thousands of people over the year. Once again, I will be frank in assessing for you what your chances are, and what I think is the best course for you to follow. The final choice, however, is yours to make, for as I often tell my clients, it is not my license, it is not my record, nor do I serve a jail sentence if one is imposed. If I think you are making a bad decision, I will let you know how I feel, but if you choose not to follow my advice, I will then do my best to get you the best possible result along the route that you have chosen. Listening to what you have to say about what is important to you is important to me. I will keep you promptly informed of what is going on with your case. I will answer and return your phone calls. When I am first hired, I will inform you that if you have questions or concerns I want you to call me. I do not want my clients getting their information from someone who thinks he or she knows what is going on but does not. My clients pay me for my time and are entitled to know what is going on.

How much will it cost and is it worth it? I am open and frank about legal fees. Typically, I charge flat or fixed fees for DWI representation. I will let you know at the first meeting exactly what your legal fees will be in order for you to decide if you wish to retain my services. There is an initial retainer required, usually one-half of the total fee. For those who prefer, you may pay by Visa or Master Card. Legal fees in DWI matters are significant, especially if you hire someone with considerable experience; my fees are normally in the range of $3000.00 to $7500.00, depending upon the nature of your case. Effective representation in DWI matters takes time. In almost all DWI cases, the State proceeds simultaneously against you in two different arenas, the courts, and the department of safety; effective representation requires that your counsel engage in both arenas, thereby increasing the amount of time necessary. I am personally unwilling to undertake representation in a DWI matter without being committed to doing a thorough and professional job. Whenever I appear at department of safety hearings or in court, I do so thoroughly prepared for whatever eventualities may arise. Success is not merely a function of knowing the law and having the requisite legal skill to defend, present, and argue a case; although those abilities may be a prerequisite to success, winning ultimately depends on preparation. I know that many lawyers charge less for DWI representation than I do. I also know, however, that many lawyers do not make the same commitment nor spend the time that I do to assure that my client gets the highest quality representation. Your DWI charge is too important to you to entrust to anyone who does less than first-rate work.

Do you understand how much this means to me? Over the many years that I have defended literally thousands of DWI cases here in New Hampshire, I have learned from my clients how very important a DWI arrest is to their lives. During that time have grown to understand how profound an impact a DWI conviction can have on your life. As a result, when you come see us, you will learn that my wife Cheryl, who manages the office, and I both understand the importance of supporting you as you go through this difficult experience. We believe in providing practical and sensible solutions to the legal, family, and personal problems that a DWI arrest cause. We also take the time to find out what is important to you, so that we can tailor a solution that best suits your needs.  We both know how people often feel when charged with DWI from having represented thousands of DWI defendants. Over the years our clients have been doctors, lawyers, judges, police officers, probation officers, truck drivers, and people in all walks of life, ranging in age from 16 to 80+, even a driver's education instructor or two. We view an extremely important part of our job as helping you through this critical time with the least possible damage to your life. We realize how important your DWI case is to you, and obtaining the best possible result for each and every client is important to us.

Why should I consult a lawyer at all - can anything really be done? It simply makes sense for anyone who is charged with a DWI, whether it be a first offense, a subsequent offense, or an aggravated DWI, to obtain a free initial consultation in order to see if, and how, you may benefit from being represented, and what it will cost. You have nothing to lose and possibly much to gain. DWI law has become more and more complex, and that complication can make the prosecution's job difficult. You may be surprised what can be done to help in your case; many people charged with DWI do not get convicted. You also may be surprised at how serious the consequences of a DWI conviction are today; penalties for DWI convictions have escalated in recent years and include mandatory minimum license losses. Some charges carry mandatory minimum jail sentences. You really should learn what sort of a license loss you face, what your fine might be, if you might be sentenced to jail, and what the future consequences of a DWI conviction might be. Often, there is a huge difference between what will happen to you if choose to hire a lawyer as opposed to doing nothing. So, please, call and inquire. There is no need to feel intimidated by the idea of contacting us. Our office atmosphere is casual and informal, and we both believe in making our prospective and existing clients comfortable.

Why Gene Struckhoff? I have attempted to outline my basic principles on representation of clients charged with DWI. If you agree with those principles, I may prove to be the right lawyer for you. Come and meet with me, listen to what I have to say about your case and how I might go about defending it for you, then decide. To maximize your chances of success, you need a DWI lawyer who knows the law intimately, has a vast range of experience with the myriad issues that DWI practice demands, and with the many judges, prosecutors, police officers, and laboratory personnel that are involved in the legal system. I have that experience. I think you will find that I am known for coming up with novel ways to defend DWI cases. I keep up with the latest law, and believe I bring imagination, dedication, and hard work to the defense of DWI/DUI cases. If you inquire, I think you will find that I have earned a reputation for being tough, determined, and effective at trial. I believe that all the firm's clients are entitled to courteous treatment, understanding, and the best legal service possible. We listen to what you have to say, and we want to learn from you what it is that you are trying to accomplish. We work with you, and we keep you informed of what is going on with your case, since we believe that you are entitled to know what the law is, what we are doing to help you, and what your legal choices are, in order that you, not us, make the final decision, based on our advice and expertise.

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MORE ABOUT STRUCKHOFF LAW OFFICE AND THE CONTENTS OF ITS WEBSITE

How do I find my way around this site?: You may want to visit our NH DWI Defense Information or Frequently asked questions pages, where you'll find answers on what you need to know about DWI/DUI defense in New Hampshire. For Gene Struckhoff's philosophy of DWI/DUI defense, read The Art of War. For his views on the importance of defending DWI /DUI charges, see WHY I DEFEND DWI'S. For interesting developments and issues in DWI law, see DWI News. For an example of the imagination that he uses to defend DWI charges, see The New Math, a satirical article on the types of barriers that the State of New Hampshire has devised to make the defense of DWI charges difficult; this article was first published on the web site of the National College for Dui Defense.

What do I do if I was arrested in some other State?  If you have been charged with DWI in some state other than New Hampshire, Gene Struckhoff is not able to represent you, nor is he able to give you any advice other than to consult with an experienced DWI defense lawyer. You may want to visit the web site of the National College for Dui Defense for a state-by-state listing of other founding members of the College who are fully qualified either to represent you or to direct you to another top DWI defense attorney in your area.

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