Penalties: DWI (under 21) in NH

 

DWI - 1st Offense

(under age 21)

 

Class B Misdemeanor*

*May be reduced to a violation-level offense after one year.

 

Jail Sentence

(none)

Fine

Minimum: $500.00

Maximum: $1200.00

Added to all fines is a 24% penalty assessment.

Most courts expect payment of the fine and penalty assessment in full on the day of trial or when the sentence is imposed.

 

Court-ordered loss of license

Minimum: 1 year

Maximum: 2 years (mandatory if there was a passenger under the age of 16 in the car)

Possibility of reinstatement 6 months early if the relevant impaired driver intervention program (IDIP) is begun within 45 days of conviction. 

 

Administrative License Suspension (ALS) by the NH DMV

Minimum: 6 months, effective 30 days from date of arrest.

In the case of a refusal, the administrative loss of license will be consecutive (i.e., in addition to) to any court-ordered loss of license.

In the case of a youth operator's license, DMV will not issue a license before the age of 21.

 

Required Treatment

Minimum: Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP) - Phase I (approx. one weekend or 20 hours), plus any recommended follow-up treatment.

Phase II or 7 day Multiple Offender Program will be required if the driver has previously completed a Phase I program or if there was a passenger under the age of 16 in the car.

Any additional treatment or counseling ordered by the court, including random urine and drug tests.

 

Ignition Interlock Requirement

None required, but may be ordered in the discretion of the court in some circumstances.

 

Insurance requirements

SR-22 form required prior to reinstatement.

 

Other

6 demerit points

Major motor vehicle offense which counts toward certification as an habitual offender.

In the case of a youth operator's license, DMV will not issue a license before the age of 21.

Conviction cannot be annulled for a minimum of 10 years.

 

 

 

 

The information on this website is for informational purposes only.  You should consult with a lawyer to discuss the specific penalties applicable in your case.