If I get convicted of DWI, do I have to go to an alcohol program?  

Upon conviction of any DWI offense, you also must complete a state-approved DWI training course prior to restoration of your license or operating privilege. For a first offense DWI, you must attend and complete a state-approved 20-hour program and any recommended aftercare, including attendance at AA or further alcohol treatment. Some of these programs meet in the evening, some on weekends.

For an aggravated DWI misdemeanor conviction, you must now complete a seven-day residential treatment program at the State's Multiple DWI Offender Detention Center in Laconia; that sentence must be served within 24 days of your conviction and follows a minimum of three days in the County House of Correction. If you are convicted of felony aggravated DWI based on serious bodily injury, the minimum jail sentence increases to 14 days, followed by the seven-day multiple offender program.

For a 2nd offense DWI, you are sentenced to complete a one-week residential treatment program at the State's Multiple DWI Offender Detention Center in Laconia; that sentence must be served within 24 days of your conviction and follows a minimum of three days in the County House of Correction. Those with more than one previous conviction may be sentenced to a residential treatment program of up to 28 days.

For either a second offense or an aggravated DWI, you must begin to follow any treatment recommendations from your seven-day treatment program within 60 days after completion of the program.