Explore our legal content, spanning diverse legal topics, court decisions, legislative changes, and expert analysis, as we bring you the pulse of the legal world in a succinct and informative format.
Probable Cause vs Reasonable Suspicion
Probable cause and reasonable doubt are two very important concepts in criminal cases. But they relate to two different aspects of those cases. An officer must have probable cause to make an arrest. A prosecutor must prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt. Probable cause exists if an officer has knowledge and trustworthy information sufficient to warrant a person of reasonable caution and prudence in believing that an arrestee has committed an offense. Probable cause may include information that an...Read More
Origins of Veterans Day
The Great War, or World War I, was ignited on June 28, 1914, with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (and his wife), the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, by a Serbian nationalist. Austria-Hungary blamed the Serbian government and requested German military support. Serbia sought Russia’s help. The war was on. President Woodrow Wilson pledged U.S. neutrality. However, economic/financial interests; Germany’s indiscriminate sinking of passenger and merchant ships, many of which carried Americans; and a proposed secret alliance between Germany...Read More
Assets Uncovered After the Estate has Closed
Sometimes, estate or trust administration appears to be all wrapped up, and the estate is officially closed or the trust is terminated. Then weeks, months, or years afterward, other assets are discovered. Now what? Generally speaking, guidelines to distributing assets discovered after an estate has been closed encompass the following: When someone dies intestate (without a will), state law determines the rightful heirs of the estate’s property. Newly discovered assets will be distributed by the same formula. If the decedent...Read More
Drugs and DWI
When it comes to DWI, many people automatically think “alcohol.” However drugs, over the counter, prescribed and illegal, can also impair your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Of course, alcohol combined with any form of drug almost always enhances the impact of both on an individual. Any level of impairment in New Hampshire can lead to both an arrest for and conviction of DWI. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that in 2014, approximately 22 percent of...Read More
Can I Refuse to Take the Breathalyzer in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires you to take a blood, urine or breath test if you are arrested for a DUI. New Hampshire’s “implied consent” law states that if you have been arrested for an alcohol or drug related offense involving the use of a vehicle you must take a chemical test upon being arrested.
Alcohol Isn’t the Only Cause of Driving Impairment
When it comes to DWI, many people automatically think “alcohol.” However, a myriad of drugs—illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter—can also impair one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and subject a person to DUI charges. In addition, adding alcohol to ingestion of drugs (legal or illegal), in combination can also lead to DWI. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that in 2014, approximately 22 percent of drivers involved in fatal auto accidents were impaired by drugs. In over half...Read More
3 Steps to Take if Your Insurance Denies Your Claim
When you pay your insurance premiums, you expect to be taken care of in the event of a personal injury or damage to your home or vehicle. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Some insurance companies will deny your claim, or attempt to settle for an extremely low amount of money. When insurance companies do this, it is called insurance bad faith. An insurance company’s goal is always to make (or keep) money first, and help you second. This...Read More
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in New Hampshire
If you are among the 25% of Americans who are struggling to pay their bills during the COVID19 pandemic, bankruptcy might be the right option for you. Regardless of the circumstances, financial difficulties can cause stress, anxiety, and depression, which can have a lasting effect on your family. But, filing for bankruptcy can seem like a confusing and overwhelming process for many. To help you learn more, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about bankruptcy in New...Read More
What is Permanent Partial Disability and Who Qualifies?
If you have been injured while at work, it is important to understand your options. Permanent partial disability, or what NH workers compensation law calls “permanent impairment”, was created to supplement the lost wages of someone who was permanently injured while on the job. Every state has different policies to protect its workers, so we will review permanent partial disability in New Hampshire, or permanent impairment, and what qualifies as a permanent disability. What is Permanent Impairment Disability A permanent...Read More
Punitive Damages in New Hampshire: Not Allowed, But There’s An Alternative
Punitive damages refer to a legal recompense (a monetary benefit) that a court awards a victim if it finds that the defendant grossly and intentionally committed the offense. It is meant to punish the defendant, which is why it is never imposed on its own. Instead, the court awards punitive damages on top of compensatory damages. As it is a form of punishment, punitive damages are also called exemplary damages. If you’re filing a personal injury case in New Hampshire...Read More