Change You Can Believe In: A Common Sense Change to New Hampshire's "Certification as a Habitual Offender" Law

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee of the New Hampshire House of Representatives will meet today on HB 1173, a bill titled, "An act relative to the requirement for certification as a habitual offender". This bill is sponsored By Representative Keans. I will be testifying in favor of the passage of this bill on behalf of the New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. A copy of the bill can be read by clicking this link below to the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance's page:

http://www.nhliberty.org/bills/view/2010/HB1173">

This bill seeks to make a common-sense change to the current version of New Hampshire's :certification as a habitual offender" law, which currently treats a violation level conviction for "operating after suspension" the same as a DWI, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, and other "major offenses". The underlying suspensions for an "operating after suspension" charge in New Hampshire under RSA 263:64, though, can be for something as minor as failing to pay a ticket or fee.

It is important to note that this bill would not change the treatment of any convictions for driving after a DWI suspension, as those are covered under a separate statute. Please let your state representative know that this bill makes sense to you and encourage its passage in the house of representatives.

http://www.ByeByeDWI.com

Have a safe night,

Mark Stevens