A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) carries stiff penalties in New Hampshire, even if it’s your first conviction. First, the conviction itself creates a criminal record in your name, showing that you’ve committed a misdemeanor. You may ask the court to reduce the charge on your record to a traffic violation, but you must wait at least one year.
People convicted of their first DWI in New Hampshire also face losing their driver’s license for at least 90 days. Some people lose their licenses for up to two full years. If you’re under 21, you’ll lose your license for at least one full year. If you’re over 21 and enroll in a driver intervention program within 45 days after conviction, you can petition to have your driver’s license reinstated after 90 days.
A first offense DWI New Hampshire conviction also requires a driver to pay fines of up to $1,200, plus a 24% penalty assessment. The required impaired driver intervention program (IDIP) adds an additional cost of about $600 and requires 20 hours to complete. Finally, you must maintain an SR-22 insurance certificate for three years after conviction, demonstrating that you have purchased liability insurance in case of a car accident.
These penalties make a DWI conviction tough to face. If you have been charged with DWI in New Hampshire, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced New Hampshire DWI lawyer. The DUI/DWI attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. will fight to protect your legal rights and get the best possible outcome in your case. Call Tenn And Tenn, P.A. at (888) 332-5855 today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.