New Hampshire DUI

A New Hampshire DUI is defined as 2 seperate actions against you; a criminal matter handled in the New Hampshire court system and a civil matter handled with the NH DMV. There are 2 violations that can result in being convicted of a New Hampshire DUI; the first being the typical drunk driving violation where the officer determines that you are impaired through roadside field sobriety tests, your physical appearance and driving abilities. The second is what is referred to as the New Hampshire 'per se' law which means that you are guilty if you are found to be driving with a blood alcohol level of .08% or greater. No evidence of impairment is necessary, just the BAC reading of .08% or greater.

The state also adds to the definition of a New Hampshire DUI by including a second level of DUI, an aggravated DUI. In an aggravated DUI the blood alcohol level is .16% or greater. This level carries higher fines and suspension times. 

If you are charged with a New Hampshire DUI, contact a qualified DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. This is important because you automatically lose your license for thirty days unless you or your attorney files for an administrative hearing. Keep in mind, however, that your criminal trial will not be a jury trial, unlike in most other states. The higher charges of aggravated DUI, etc.. do allow for a jury trial though. 

First Time New Hampshire DUI Offenders

New Hampshire, unlike most states, does not usually give jail time to DUI first offenders. If, however, you are in an accident while you are driving intoxicated and someone is injured or killed, or if you are guilty of aggravated DUI, you could face jail time. 

Part of the punishment for a New Hampshire DUI is some mandatory education. You will be required to take a twenty hour driver intervention program. You pay this with your assessment fee, which is usually between $280 and $380. You will also be assessed by a non-profit agency. This agency may choose to prescribe treatment if it is determined that there is an alcohol problem present. 

If you are convicted of a DUI in New Hampshire, you will face the possibility of losing your license for a period between ninety days and two years. In order to get your license reinstated you must pay $50. You may be able to get a temporary license if your attorney can prove that not being able to drive puts you and your family in serious hardship. This will be a restricted license that only allows you to drive to specific locations. 

Your insurance premium will increase after a DUI conviction in New Hampshire. Be prepared for this. Also, you may find that your insurance company will no longer cover you, and you will need to find new coverage through a new high risk company that provides SR-22 coverage. 

Here is a summary of the punishments you face:

New Hampshire First Offense DUI

• No required jail time, unless aggravated factors are present
• $350 to $2000 in fines
• Drivers license suspension for 90 days to 2 years
• Mandatory attendance at driving school

New Hampshire Second Offense DUI

• Jail time up to 1 year, with a minimum of 3 days
• In-patient 7 day treatment program
• $500 - $2000 fine plus $100 - $400 penalty assessment
• Suspension of license for 3 years

New Hampshire Third Offense DUI

• Maximum 1 year jail time
• $500 - $2000 in fines plus 20%
• Suspension of drivers license for 7 years
• 30 day in-patient program for treatment

Working with a New Hampshire DUI attorney can help you get the least possible amount of penalties including lesser drivers license suspension time and fines.  

Click here for a free discussion with one of our skilled aggressive New Hampshire DUI lawyers .

Insurance Considerations for a New Hampshire DUI

In addition to the above punishments, you will also find that after you are convicted of a DUI in New Hampshire you'll also have to get what's referred to as a New Hampshire SR-22 insurance policy. This is a high risk auto insurance policy that is required after a drunk driving offense in New Hampshire. 

DUI Arrest Help.com has partnered with the largest and most trusted provider in the state of New Hampshire to offer you a free no obligation SR-22 insurance quote.  Not only will you save money but our partner also leads the insurance industry in customer service. 

Take a minute and fill out a free no obligation quote.  It won't cost you a thing (and only takes a minute) to check and see what they can do for you.

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