What Happens if You Get Multiple DUIs in New Hampshire?

Facing a DUI charge is a daunting experience, but what happens if you get multiple DUIs in New Hampshire? The penalties become increasingly severe with each subsequent offense, potentially leading to long-term consequences that can affect many aspects of your life. 

In New Hampshire, the legal limitations for getting charged with a DUI are defined primarily by your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). For most drivers, a BAC of 0.08% or higher will result in a DUI charge. However, for certain groups, the limits are stricter: commercial drivers face a threshold of 0.04%, and drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with a BAC of just 0.02%.  

Whether you are charged with one, or multiple DUIs, retaining a reliable criminal defense attorney can be extremely beneficial. The legal team at Wiberg Law Office, PLLC can craft a strong defense on your behalf and fight aggressively for your rights.  

The firm assists New Hampshire residents charged with multiple DUIs throughout Rockingham County, Strafford County, Hillsborough, Dover, and Manchester. 

First DUI Offense 

Before diving into the complexities of multiple DUI charges, let's briefly review what happens after a first DUI offense in New Hampshire. Typically, penalties for a first offense can include: 

• Fines ranging from $500 to $1,200 

• License suspension for 9 months to 2 years 

• Potential jail time up to 10 days 

• Enrollment in an impaired driver intervention program 

Second DUI Offense 

A second DUI offense within ten years of the first carries more stringent penalties. These can include: 

• Fines ranging from $750 to $2,000 

• License suspension for 3 years 

• Mandatory jail time of at least 30 days, with 20 days suspended upon completion of a substance abuse treatment program 

• Participation in a multiple offender intervention program 

Third DUI Offense 

A third DUI offense is classified as a felony in New Hampshire and comes with even harsher consequences. If convicted, you may face: 

• Fines up to $2,000 

• License revocation for an indefinite period, with a minimum of 5 years before eligibility for reinstatement 

• Mandatory jail time of at least 180 days, with 150 days suspended upon completion of a residential treatment program 

• Participation in a comprehensive treatment program 

Fourth or Subsequent DUI Offenses 

A fourth or subsequent DUI offense is considered an aggravated felony and entails severe penalties, including: 

• Fines up to $4,000 

• Permanent license revocation 

• Extended prison sentences, with a minimum of one year of mandatory jail time 

• Comprehensive long-term treatment and rehabilitation programs 

Additional Consequences 

In addition to the primary penalties, multiple DUI convictions can result in a range of other consequences, such as: 

• Higher auto insurance premiums: Insurance companies view individuals with DUI convictions as high-risk drivers, leading to significantly increased insurance rates. In some cases, providers may even refuse to cover these drivers altogether, forcing them to seek more expensive high-risk insurance plans. 

• Employment difficulties: Many employers conduct background checks, and a record of multiple DUI convictions can be a red flag. This is especially critical for jobs that require driving, such as delivery services, trucking, or roles that involve regular business travel. Additionally, professional licenses in fields like law, healthcare, or finance may be jeopardized. 

• Social stigma and strained personal relationships: DUI convictions carry a social stigma that can impact personal relationships. Friends, family members, and colleagues might view the individual differently, leading to potential isolation or strained interactions. This can affect one's social life and support network, contributing to feelings of shame and guilt. 

• Probation and ongoing monitoring: Multiple DUI offenses often result in probation, which involves regular check-ins with a probation officer and strict adherence to a set of conditions. These conditions may include mandatory alcohol education programs, community service, and ongoing sobriety monitoring through devices like ignition interlock systems or periodic drug and alcohol testing. 

Understanding these additional consequences highlights the severe and far-reaching impact of repeated DUI offenses, reinforcing the importance of responsible behavior and adherence to legal standards. 

Possible Defenses

Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, but there are several possible defenses that an experienced DUI defense attorney can explore to potentially reduce or dismiss your charges. Some of the most common defenses include: 

• Improper stop: Challenging the legality of the traffic stop itself. Law enforcement must have a valid reason, such as a traffic violation or reasonable suspicion of impaired driving, to pull you over. 

• Inaccurate field sobriety tests: Questioning the reliability of field sobriety tests, which can be affected by various factors such as medical conditions, poor instructions, or environmental conditions. 

• Faulty breathalyzer or blood test results: Disputing the accuracy of chemical tests due to improper calibration of the breathalyzer, contamination, or mishandling of blood samples. 

• Medical conditions: Demonstrating that certain medical conditions or medications can mimic the symptoms of intoxication and potentially affect test results. 

• Miranda rights violation: Arguing that your rights were violated if you were not read your Miranda rights upon arrest, which can sometimes lead to the exclusion of certain evidence. 

• Rising blood alcohol: Presenting a rising blood alcohol defense, which suggests that your BAC was below the legal limit while driving but increased to an illegal level by the time the test was administered. 

Each DUI case is unique, so it's crucial to consult with a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney to explore all potential avenues for your defense. 

Seeking Legal Help

If you are facing multiple DUI charges in New Hampshire, it is imperative to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Experienced attorneys at Wiberg Law Office, PLLC can provide valuable guidance and formulate a defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Attorney Wiberg, with over 30 years of experience, is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. 

Multiple DUI convictions in New Hampshire can have life-altering consequences, from steep fines and extended jail time to permanent license revocation. Understanding these penalties can help you make informed decisions and seek the necessary legal assistance. For comprehensive DUI defense, contact Wiberg Law Office, PLLC.