New Hampshire’s Multiple DWI Offender Intervention Detention Center

The Multiple DWI Offender Intervention Detention Center Program has been in existence for over 13 years and has admitted over 10,000 offenders, averaging between 700 to 800 offenders a year. Unlike some states where treatment is mandated as a condition of license reinstatement only, in New Hampshire, it is mandated by a court order in addition to being tied to license reinstatement. According to assessment determination, second or subsequent offenders are mandated to enter the Multiple DWI Offender Intervention Detention Center Program within 21 days of conviction. The key to its success is that multiple offenders, who might fail to report to treatment and drive on a suspended license, are unable to avoid the multiple offender intervention program, giving the state an opportunity to reach these offenders before they advance too far as recidivists. Also, the close cooperation between state agencies (HHS, Judiciary, Department of Corrections, and Department of Safety) has been critical to the program’s success.

How Much Does New Hampshire’s Multiple DWI Offender Intervention Detention Center Cost?

The program costs $1,200. Offenders may pay for the program fee through a monthly contractual agreement with the Office of Reimbursements.

How Effective is New Hampshire’s Multiple DWI Offender Intervention Detention Center?

Several recidivism studies have demonstrated an average of 11 percent recidivism for offenders attending the 7-day program. Another study involved offenders who, in addition to completing the 7-day program, had also successfully completed follow up mandated counseling/treatment and had paid the program fee in full. This population demonstrated a recidivism rate of 4.8 percent 4 1/2 years after completing the 7-day program.

Parks, E. 2002. Ohio's experience with DUI offenders in the adult prison system 1997–2001. Ohio Corrections Research Compendium, Volume 1, October 2002.