Pulled Over with a Suspended License

[Ericl]

My question involves a driver's license issued by the State of: New Hampshire
I was recently pulled over and was told that my license has been suspended since 2009 cause I failed to pay a boating infraction ticket which I thought I had payed but have been unable to prove with my past financial records. I have a very clean record other than this incident and was wondering what kind of penalties I might be looking at , also should I try to pay off what I owe to the DMV before the court date? Would getting a lawyer be advisable given the circumstances? And is there anything else I can do to help get my license back as soon as possible? as I'm already having a lot of difficulties trying to get to and from work and school.

[Mr. Knowitall]

If possible, it's generally a good idea to pay off any old tickets and get your license reinstated prior to a court date on this type of DWLS charge, then to attempt to negotiate a reduction or dismissal of the charge so as to avoid any further suspension and, if your state classifies DWLS as a crime, a criminal conviction. A local lawyer can advise you as to the policies and practices of the local court and prosecutor.