New Hampshire DUI Penalties
Retain a New Hampshire DWI Lawyer
The penalties that you face for a DWI in New Hampshire depend on the number of previous offenses you have on your record as well as the circumstances surrounding your case. Prior offenses, high breath or blood results and certain factual circumstances can result in the imposition of jail sentences.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, it is important to retain the services of a New Hampshire DWI lawyer who can help you defend your case.
DWI or DUI charges carry severe penalties, including long term license losses, high fines, court-imposed substance abuse evaluations and treatment, the assessment of points, exposure to habitual offender consequences and onerous reinstatement obligations. There are additional employment as well as personal consequences that often result from a criminal conviction and a license loss. We can help. Our firm has over 30 attorneys, defends DWI cases throughout New Hampshire, Southern Maine and Northern Massachusetts and aggressively defends its cases.
First Offense
A first-time offense in New Hampshire is a Class B misdemeanor, which is
a crime and includes a fine of no less than $500 plus penalty assessment
for a total fine of $620. In addition, there is a mandatory license suspension
of at least nine months and up to two years. First time offenders must
submit to alcohol and drug abuse screening within 14 days of a conviction
and, depending on the results of that screening, submit to a further full
substance use disorder evaluation within 30 days of conviction. They must
also complete the impaired driver education (IDEP) program, which is a
20-hour substance abuse education class as well as any recommended follow
up counseling from that class. Six months of the license loss may be reduced
based on compliance with and completion of required programming. These
court-imposed penalties are in addition to the administrative license
loss which is imposed for either refusing a breath, blood or urine test
or submitting to one with an alcohol concentration exceeding a 0.08 for
drivers over the age of 21 or 0.02 for drivers under the age of 21. With
a first offense, there is no jail time required unless there were other
aggravating factors.
With years of loyal experience, we can help!
Second Offense
If you are arrested for a DUI and this is your second time, you face an
administrative license suspension of two years. You also may face a Class
A Misdemeanor charge for DWI Subsequent offense. There are required jail
sentences for subsequent offense convictions. For a second conviction
within two years of a prior DWI conviction, there is a 60-day jail sentence,
but 30 days of this may be suspended based on a full substance abuse evaluation
and then compliance with any treatment recommendations. For a second offense
occurring within 10 years of a prior DUI conviction, there is a minimum
mandatory 17-day jail sentence, but 12 days of this sentence may be suspended
based upon a full substance abuse evaluation and then compliance with
any treatment recommendations. In addition to these harsh required jail
sentences, there is a 3-year court imposed license loss, fine of $750
plus penalty assessment for a total fine of $930, and required installation
of an ignition interlock device upon reinstatement of driving privileges.
Third Offense
Third and subsequent offenses continue to increase in severity. A third
offense carries an indefinite license loss as well as a mandatory jail
sentence of 180 days. However, 150 days of this sentence may be suspended
based upon a timely substance use disorder evaluation and completion of
any required treatment based on that evaluation. After 5 years, a person
may petition the court and then the Department of Safety for reinstatement
of driving privileges. In addition to these court-imposed penalties, there
is also an administrative license loss of two years. It is important to
take charge of your situation and retain the services of a New Hampshire
DWI lawyer from our firm.
Real Results for Real People
When You Need to Win, We Won’t Stop Fighting for You-
ALS and DWI Victory Case Dismissed
Keene District Court
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ALS Hearings Won Multiple Victories
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D.W.I./D.U.I./O.U.I. Not Guilty
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D.W.I./D.U.I./O.U.I. Not Guilty
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D.W.I./D.U.I./O.U.I. Charges Dropped
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DWI Charges Dropped
Goffstown District Court
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DWI Charges Dropped
Lancaster District Court
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DWI Second Offense Victory Case Dismissed
Manchester District Court
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DWI Victory Not Guilty
Concord District Court
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DWI Victory Case Dismissed
Hooksett District Court


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