Hiring a New Hampshire DUI lawyer can make a difference in your DUI case

If you have been charged for DUI in New Hampshire or arrested for drunk driving, you need a qualified DUI lawyer to handle your case. In the state of New Hampshire, DUI or DWI is referred to as “Driving Under the Influence” or “Driving While Intoxicated” and is considered a criminal offense. Any one found in charge of a motor vehicle, driving or physically responsible for it while under the influence of a controlled drug, chemical substance or alcohol can be charged for DWI. According to the law in New Hampshire, a person with BAC (Blood Alcohol Level) of more than 0.08% cannot be legally permitted to drive or be in charge of a vehicle. For commercial drivers, this threshold is set to 0.04% or more to be charged for DUI. For minors under the age of 21 years, BAC 0.02% or more is charged with DUI. The penalties and charges for first time and repeat DUI offenses differ, depending on the severity of the case. Listed below you can find information about DUI and DWI law in New Hampshire which can help you understand the charges if you have been convicted.

First time DUI Offenders

First time offenders are charged a fine between $350 up to $1000 and the offender may be liable to reimburse up to $10,000 to public agencies as cost incurred in case of vehicle neglect. There is no jail for first time offenders. However, the court can reimburse the fines in exchange of 500 hours of community service which the offender has to pay to public agencies. The offenders license is also suspended for a minimum of 90 days up to 2 years.

Second time DUI Offenders

Second time offense within a period of 2 years is fined between $750 up to $2000 along with minimum of 30 days in jail, up to 2 years. The offender has to stay in multiple DWI offender intervention detention centers for 7 days after jail, followed by 3 years of license suspension.

Second time offenders in a period of 2 to 10 years are charged a fine between $750 up to $2000. The offender is jailed for a minimum of 10 days, up to 12 months along with 3 years of license suspension after release. Once the license suspension is revoked, the diver will have to use an ignition interlocking device.

Third time DWI Offenders

A third offense within 10 years is fined between $750 up to $2000 and the offender is jailed for no less than 180 days, up to 12 months. The offenders drivers license is suspended for at least 5 years, followed by installation of an ignition interlock device.

Fourth DWI Offense

A fourth offense is considered a felony and the offender is jailed for a minimum of 30 days up to 7 years, followed by an indefinite license suspension period after release.

The state of New Hampshire has separate DUI laws for cases of “Aggravated DWI”, when BAC level is 0.16% or above. Similarly, if a minor passenger is travelling with the offender at the time of arrest, extra penalties and fines are charged. Serious injuries and accidents are also charged with felony DUI and can lead to greater penalties.

To fully understand the penalties associated with a New Hampshire DUI charge, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a New Hampshire DUI lawyer that you are most comfortable with and who can knowledgeably represent you throughout your trial and court proceedings.  You can find a New Hampshire drunk driving attorney by typing in the city of your arrest above or call our 24 hour DUI hotline

Additional resources

• New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicle
• New Hampshire State Bar Association