If you need to access your New Hampshire DUI records or are looking for someone else’s driving history, this article will provide you with all the information you need. Understanding the process of obtaining DUI records in New Hampshire is crucial for personal and legal needs.
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire maintains a Central Repository for criminal records, including DUI convictions.
- Conviction criminal history records can be requested for a fee, while confidential records are limited to law enforcement and the individuals themselves.
- DUI penalties in New Hampshire include fines, jail sentences, license suspension, intervention programs, SR22 Insurance, and mandatory alcohol and drug treatment.
- Obtaining DUI records in New Hampshire can be done in person, by mail, or through a third party.
- Payment for DUI record requests can be made in cash, check, money order, or credit cards.
DUI Penalties in New Hampshire
If you are found guilty of DUI (driving under the influence) in New Hampshire, you could face severe penalties. Understanding the consequences of a DUI conviction is crucial to navigate through the legal process and make informed decisions.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
In New Hampshire, you can be charged with a DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher. Even if there is no evidence of impairment, exceeding the legal limit can lead to an arrest.
Aggravated DUI
A DUI with a BAC of .16 or higher falls under aggravated DUI, which carries increased penalties. Drivers charged with aggravated DUI face higher fines and longer jail sentences.
Jail Sentence and Fines
For a first DUI offense, there is no mandatory minimum jail sentence unless it is an aggravated DUI, which entails a 10-day sentence. However, fines are imposed based on BAC levels. A BAC between .08 and .15 incurs a minimum fine of $500, whereas a BAC of .16 or above carries a minimum fine of $750.
License Suspension
If convicted of a standard DUI, license suspension ranges from 9 months to 2 years. Aggravated DUI carries a longer suspension period, lasting 18 months to 2 years. It is essential to be aware of the suspension duration and comply with the necessary requirements for license reinstatement.
Intervention Program and Treatment
As part of the DUI penalties in New Hampshire, offenders must complete an impaired driver intervention program. This program includes alcohol and drug treatment and counseling to address the underlying issues contributing to the DUI offense. Compliance with this requirement is crucial for avoiding further legal consequences.
SR22 Insurance
After a DUI conviction, individuals must register for SR22 Insurance. This specialized insurance coverage is required for three years to demonstrate financial responsibility. SR22 Insurance helps high-risk drivers obtain or reinstate their driving privileges.
Driving Fatalities
In recent years, New Hampshire has witnessed driving fatalities due to DUI/DWI incidents involving drivers under the age of 21. Additionally, there have been cases of underage offenders, under 18 years of age, caught for DUI/DWI offenses.
| DUI Penalties | BAC Range | Jail Sentence | Minimum Fine | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard DUI | .08 to .15 | No mandatory minimum | $500 | 9 months to 2 years |
| Aggravated DUI | .16 or above | 10-day sentence | $750 | 18 months to 2 years |
Obtaining DUI Records in New Hampshire
If you need to obtain DUI records in New Hampshire, there are a few ways to do so. One option is to visit the Criminal Records Unit’s public counter in Concord in-person. It’s a straightforward process that requires a valid photo ID. Another option is to submit a mail-in application, for which you will need a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace signature and seal.
If you are unable to go in-person or use the mail-in option, you can also authorize a release to a third party. This can be helpful if you are unable to handle the request yourself. When making a mail-in request, you can download the Criminal Record Release Authorization Form.
Once you have submitted your request for a criminal history record, the results will be provided in the form of a “revised” New Hampshire State Police Criminal History Record Dissemination Document. To cover the associated fees, payment for a New Hampshire CHRI request can be made in various ways, including cash, check, money order, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. It’s important to note that the exact amount of $25.00 must be paid.
If you are a volunteer of a public or private not-for-profit entity working with the elderly, disabled, or children, you may qualify for a reduced fee. This reduced fee option allows you to request a CHRI at $10.00 per request. For individuals seeking an FBI criminal history record check, fingerprints are required. This process begins with your government agency, completing the NH CHRI request form, paying the fee, and submitting the fingerprint card or LiveScan form.
The Criminal Records Unit will process both the New Hampshire and FBI CHRI and provide the results to your state agency. These steps ensure that the process of obtaining DUI records in New Hampshire is thorough and secure.