Even the Scroogiest among us must agree that the holidays are the perfect excuse for a party. Of course, for many of us, kicking up our heels includes indulging in a glass of eggnog or a toast of champagne. Neither of which is harmful, until even the most well-intentioned, yet intoxicated, revelers get behind the wheel.    As a designated driver, you play a vital role in ensuring everyone’s well-being during, but especially after, holiday festivities.  To help you succeed in your mission as DD, we’ve compiled 10 tips so you can still share in the celebration, while keeping ..read more

When you choose to take on the role of designated driver, your commitment must be non-negotiable. In other words, there’s no turning back once you decide that you will assume the responsibility of getting everyone home safely after a night out.  By planning ahead and communicating a solid safety plan with your passengers, you can ensure that you will be a dependable designated driver that friends and family can count on. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should become a babysitter for every person in your party. That’s why we’re offering a few tips to support you and everyone’s safe ride h ..read more

Even when it’s the best option for both parties involved, few people actually want to go through the painful and often costly process of divorce, which is where divorce mediation is a solid alternative. In fact, mediation is the casual name of a well-established process called Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR.  Mediation or ADR can mean very different things, depending on the type of case in question. Before we dive into specific details, regarding divorce mediation and whether it’s the right solution for you, we’ll review the general point and practice of mediation as a form of reso ..read more

We’re back to give you another round of what’s been happening in NH law. For the past few months we haven’t seen any ground-shaking bills signed by our governor into law or introduced into our congress, but here are a few that may interest you: NH House Tables Law Against Sanctuary City Policies The NH House voted to table a bill that would prohibit towns from adopting “sanctuary city” policies. This means that individuals who are not legal US citizens won’t feel they may be penalized for coming forward to law enforcement when a crime occurs. Sanctuary cities make it safer for immigrants in th ..read more

There are a lot of myths out there about how to lower your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in order to sober up. Whether you’re planning to drive or having a drink at home, at some point you’ve probably considered a cup of coffee or a cold shower. But what affects Blood Alcohol Concentration, and how can you lower it? What Affects Blood Alcohol Concentration Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) refers to the percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream. Your body metabolizes alcohol through the liver, but it takes time. There are several things that can impact your BAC. The first, as you might exp ..read more

Even if you know it’s coming, being served with divorce papers can be an emotional experience. For many people, it’s also the first moment that an impending divorce feels “real,” and that means that being served with divorce papers can be extremely stressful as you try to sort out all the things you need to do. In this post, we have an overview of your most important next steps. Get a Lawyer If you don’t already have a divorce lawyer, this should be your first priority. Even if your divorce is relatively amicable, a lawyer can guide you through every step of the process and ensure that you are ..read more

Our partner Adam Bernstein took a unique approach for a recent defendant in the case of a hit-and-run accident on the highway last year. The case, which has been reported on by the local news, gives an example of an approach to justice that many defendants and defense attorneys may find useful. What is Restorative Justice Many aspects of our current justice system focus on punitive aspects of justice: that is, determining who is guilty and punishing them for their crime. In contrast, Restorative Justice is a term used to describe approaches that focus on reconciliation between victim and offe ..read more

A breathalyzer is a tool used by police to test the blood-alcohol content (BAC) of someone suspected of drunk driving. While they are a commonly-used tool, they are not perfectly accurate (being administered incorrectly, or being improperly calibrated, are just two reasons why they might not perform accurately). Because of this, we recommend that you refuse to submit to a breathalyze and/or blood testing if you have consumed any alcohol and/or drugs. However, there are things you should know about what refusing a breath test entails: Like many states, New Hampshire is an “implied consent” st ..read more

When you and your spouse make the decision to divorce, the next concern is how this will impact your children.  The logistics of divorce with respect to children can be complicated. Between financial considerations, custody, holidays, and school vacations, divorce with minimal disruption to your children’s lives can feel overwhelming.  It doesn’t have to be.  Here, we offer a few things to know about divorcing with kids in New Hampshire, along with our assurance that the Bernstein & Mello team is standing by to support you during this transition. First Steps to Divorce in N ..read more

After an accident involving property damage or bodily injury, all parties must exchange information, law enforcement must be notified, and the accident must be reported. However, leaving the scene of an accident (a “hit-and-run” accident) is more common than you might think. There are some steps you should take after an accident, whether you believe you are at fault or not, to protect yourself and others. Hit-and-Run Laws in New Hampshire New Hampshire Statute 264:25 states that any “driver of a vehicle who knows or should have known that he or she has just been involved in any accident which ..read more