New Hampshire First Offender

You are DWI in New Hampshire if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher.

With a BAC level at or above .16% ("aggravated DWI"), you will face increased fines and maximum license suspension.

DWI First Offender Penalties

Jail

No jail for most First Offenders.

Fine

$350 to $1000. DWI offenders may be liable to reimburse public agencies up to $10,000 of costs incurred in responding to incidents involving negligent use of vehicle.

Community Service

500 hours of community service can offset reimbursement fees to public agencies for responses to DWI related incidents involving negligent use of vehicle.

License Suspension

90 days to 2 years. Reinstatement Fee: $50.

Registration Cancellation/Plate Seizure

For aggravated DWI. Vehicle Registration must be revoked during the same period as the offender's drivers license suspension/revocation.

Test Refusal

If you refuse a breath, blood or urine test, your license will be suspended for 180 days. Test refusal penalties cannot run concurrently with any other penalties.

Assessment

In New Hampshire the assessment is conducted post-trial, but pre-sentencing and the individual returns to court for final sentencing based on the assessment. In New Hampshire assessments are conducted by a non-profit agency contracted and monitored by the state. The cost ranges from $280 to $380, including a 20-hour education course, and is usually borne by the offender.

Education

Normally a 20-hour impaired driver intervention program paid for by the assessment/screening fee.

Treatment

According to assessment determination.

Conditional Licensing

A hardship license may be available under certain circumstances.

Under 21

You are DWI if you have any alcohol at all in your system while driving. You will lose your license for 6 months.

Insurance

Your insurance rates will probably climb considerably, and your insurance carrier may drop you. The rates for family members and sometimes your employer can increase as well.

More Serious Charges

You may be charged with felony DUI (possibly leading to much greater penalties) if you are involved in a crash involving serious injury or death