First Offense DWI/DUI in New Hampshire

First DUI in New Hampshire, otherwise known as first offense DWI, carries both criminal and administrative penalties. Determining the penalties faced, however, may prove challenging without the insight of legal counsel, as New Hampshire uses a varying method of determining penalties, based primarily on whether the offender faces simple or aggravated DWI charges.

Administrative Penalties

• First offense DWI in New Hampshire imposes an administrative license suspension of at least six (6) months, with potential to have portions of the suspension suspended. Aggravated DWI incurs suspensions ranging from eighteen (18) months to two (2) years

• Reinstatement of license requires drug/alcohol assessment, completion of impaired driver intervention program, and SR-22 insurance for a period of three (3) years

• If allowed driving privileges during suspension period, driver must utilize ignition interlock device, if first offense DWI

Criminal Penalties

• First offense DWI in New Hampshire carries no mandatory minimum period of incarceration, but offenders face the potential of incarceration pending case-specific elements. Aggravated DWI carries mandatory incarceration of at least ten (10) days

• Both aggravated DWI and simple DWI incur fines, with a minimum of $750 and $500, respectively. These fines do not account for costs incurred during completion of terms of sentence, reinstatement of license, maintaining SR-22 coverage, or other surcharges or fees assessed by the courts

• Convictions count towards sentencing and charging in future DWI offenses for a period of ten (10) years

Getting Legal Help

For more information and insight into the first DWI defense process in New Hampshire, including insight into plea options that reduce DWI charges to lesser criminal offenses, consult with a New Hampshire first offense DUI/DWI lawyer to learn more.