Out of state residents and NH DWI charges

A Guide For Out of State Residents Who Receive a New Hampshire DWI

If you were arrested for and charged with a DWI in the state of New Hampshire, then the process of administrative license suspension must be addressed in front of New Hampshire’s own Department of Safety, in addition to the DWI criminal charge, which will be heard in front of a New Hampshire court. Moreover, be aware that there is a strong possibility that your driving privileges will be suspended, as well as other sanctions and penalties, within your home state. New Hampshire is an active participant in the Interstate Motor Vehicle Compact, and DWI convictions are reported to sister states.

This compact, or agreement, requires a motorist’s home state to act as though a New Hampshire DWI conviction occurred on the state’s own soil. Typically, the loss of driving privileges in New Hampshire would also be applied to the motorist’s home state.

For example, if a Vermont state resident were to be arrested in, and charged with, a DWI in New Hampshire, then the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles will notify Vermont of the arrest via the National Driver Register. The DWI charges will then be acted upon as though it had originated in Vermont; although, the charge will only be prosecuted in New Hampshire. Quite frankly, there is nowhere a motorist can hide from an NH DWI charge and conviction. The penalties will almost always follow you to your home state.

New Hampshire enacts strict penalties both residential and out of state motorists who are convicted of a DWI. A conviction for even a first time offense can result in a minimum jail sentence of 10 days, a monetary fine of up to $2,000.00, and a period of license suspension that can reach up to two years in length. The first step in minimizing any implications in your home state is to fight your NH DWI charge.

Our New Hampshire DWI lawyers routinely defend cases on behalf of out of state clients and can offer advice and guidance regarding the consequences of a New Hampshire DWI conviction. To speak with one of our experienced DWI attorneys today, please contact our law firm.

Your home state will be notified and likely give the same or a long license suspension if you are found guilty of DWI in New Hampshire.