DWI Penalties in New Hampshire
With Law Offices in Manchester, NH
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DWI Penalties in New Hampshire
With Law Offices in Manchester, NH
Do You Need Legal Help?
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DWI Penalties in New Hampshire
New Hampshire DWI Lawyers
2013 Revisions
On January 1, 2013 , the New Hampshire’s Legislature substantially changed the DWI laws. If you are charged with DWI or DUI in New Hampshire, you are facing a serious criminal offense that carries significant penalties. You need an experienced and trial-tested DWI lawyer to fight for you. NH DWI laws are complex, and the penalties are severe. If convicted of DWI in NH, you face a number of possible penalties, depending on the type of offense, as well as the existence of any past offenses.
Under the new 2013 New Hampshire DWI laws, the penalties for DWI or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are as follows:
First DWI Offense – Over 21 Years Old
- Guilty of a class B misdemeanor;
- Fined at least $500-$1200;
- Driver’s license, or privilege, revoked for at least 9 months, but not more than 2 years;
- Impaired Driver Care Management Program (“IDCMP”): Substance abuse screening assessment within 14 days. Depending upon screening results, possible substance abuse disorder evaluation within 30 days, and follow all recommendations. Proof of successful completion of a State approved Impaired Driver Education Program, before your driver’s license or privilege is reinstated;
- Additional alcohol and/or drug counseling or treatment programs, as determined by the court;
- 3-year requirement for SR-22 insurance certificate as proof of liability insurance; and
- Installation of an Ignition Interlock Devise if required by the Court or DMV.
First DWI Offense – Under 21 Years Old
- Minimum mandatory 1 year loss of license or driving privileges; and
- Complete full Substance Abuse Disorder Evaluation and follow all recommendations.
We help people with DWI/DUI defense in the following locations: Alstead, Amherst, Andover, Antrim, Atkinson, Auburn, Bedford, Bennington, Berlin, Boscawen, Bow, Bradford, Brentwood, Brookline, Candia, Canterbury, Cheshire, Chester, Chesterfield, Chichester, Claremont, Concord, Deerfield, Deering, Derry, Dover, Dublin, Exeter, Francestown, Franklin, Goffstown, Greenville, Hampton Beach, Hampton, Hancock, Harrisville, Hooksett, Hudson, Keene, Laconia, Lebanon, Londonderry, Manchester, Merrimack, Nashua, Pelham, Portsmouth, Rochester, Somersworth, and Windham.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWI Penalties in New Hampshire
What Are the Penalties for a First Offense DWI in New Hampshire for Drivers Over 21?
A first offense DWI for a driver over 21 is a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties include a fine of at least $500 to $1,200, a driver’s license revocation of at least 9 months up to 2 years, completion of a substance abuse screening assessment within 14 days, a possible substance abuse disorder evaluation, completion of a State-approved Impaired Driver Education Program before license reinstatement, a 3-year SR-22 insurance requirement, and possible installation of an Ignition Interlock Device if required by the court or DMV.
What Are the Penalties for a First Offense DWI in New Hampshire for Drivers Under 21?
Drivers under 21 convicted of a first offense DWI in New Hampshire face a mandatory minimum 1-year loss of their license or driving privileges, and must complete a full Substance Abuse Disorder Evaluation and follow all recommendations.
What Are the Penalties for an Aggravated DWI in New Hampshire?
An aggravated DWI is a Class A misdemeanor in New Hampshire. Penalties include a fine of at least $750 to $2,000, a mandatory sentence of at least 17 days in the County House of Corrections with up to 12 of those days suspended, a license revocation of at least 18 months up to 2 years, a full Substance Abuse Disorder Evaluation with follow-through on all recommendations, a 3-year SR-22 insurance requirement, and installation and maintenance of an Ignition Interlock Device for 1 to 2 years following license restoration. If the aggravated DWI involved transporting a passenger under age 16, a mandatory 2-year license loss applies.
Does New Hampshire Have Stricter DWI Penalties for Repeat Offenders?
Yes. New Hampshire DWI penalties escalate significantly for repeat offenses. Subsequent convictions carry mandatory jail sentences, longer license revocations of 3 or more years, mandatory residential treatment programs, and for fourth and subsequent offenses within 10 years, possible felony prosecution with state prison sentences. The 2013 revisions to New Hampshire’s DWI laws substantially increased the severity of penalties across all offense levels.
Can I Fight DWI Penalties Even if I Am Found Guilty?
Yes. Even if convicted of DWI, an experienced attorney can advocate for the most favorable sentencing outcome possible. New Hampshire courts impose harsh penalties on DWI offenders, but a skilled DWI defense lawyer can work to protect your legal rights, challenge the evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf. At Tenn And Tenn, PA, our attorneys have extensive experience defending DWI cases throughout New Hampshire and offer free consultations.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Fight a DWI Charge in New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire DWI laws are complex and the penalties are severe. An experienced DWI defense lawyer can examine whether the police had proper cause to stop your vehicle, whether field sobriety tests were properly administered, whether breath or blood tests were lawfully conducted, and whether your constitutional rights were protected throughout the process. At Tenn And Tenn, PA, we offer free consultations to anyone facing DWI charges throughout New Hampshire.
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Areas We Serve in New Hampshire
Aggravated DWI Offense
- Guilty of a class A misdemeanor;
- Fined at least $750-$2000;
- Mandatory sentence of at least 17 days in the County House of Corrections with up to 12 of those days suspended;
- Driver’s license, or privilege, revoked for at least 18 months but no longer than 2 years, except for good cause found by the court; (Note: If conviction of Aggravated premised upon transporting someone under the age of 16 – mandatory loss for 2 years);
- Full Substance Abuse Disorder Evaluation and follow all recommendations for aftercare and additional alcohol and/or drug counseling or treatment programs;
- 3-year requirement of holding an SR-22 insurance certificate as proof of liability insurance; and
- Install and maintain an Ignition Interlock Device for 1-2 years following restoration of your license.
Ensuring Fair Treatment Under the Law
New Hampshire courts take DWI charges very seriously and order the harshest penalties available for offenders who are found guilty. However, being guilty of DWI does not necessarily mean you deserve the penalties that go along with your conviction. The New Hampshire DWI Lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A., are experienced New Hampshire DWI defense lawyers who can help protect your legal rights and build a strong defense on your behalf.
Sources:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xxi/265-a/265-a-mrg.htm
http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/financial/faqinsurance.html
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