New Hampshire § 651-20 - Section 651:20 Incarceration Under Suspended Sentence.

Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 651-20 — Section 651:20 Incarceration Under Suspended Sentence., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 651-20. Section 651:20 Incarceration Under Suspended Sentence.

I. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, except as provided in subparagraphs (a), (b), and (c), the sentence to imprisonment of any person may be suspended by the sentencing court at the time of imposition of the sentence or at any time thereafter in response to a petition to suspend sentence which is timely brought in accordance with the limitations set forth below in subparagraphs (a), (b), and (c). (a) Any person sentenced to state prison for a minimum term of 6 years or more shall not bring a petition to suspend sentence until such person is within 12 months of serving 2/3 of the minimum sentence, and not more frequently than every 3 years thereafter. Any person sentenced to state prison for a minimum term of less than 6 years shall not bring a petition to suspend sentence until such person has served at least 2/3 of the minimum sentence, or the petition has been authorized by the sentencing court. For the purposes of this subparagraph: (1) For concurrent terms of imprisonment, the minimum term shall be satisfied by serving the longest minimum term imposed, and the maximum term shall be satisfied by serving the longest maximum term. (2) For consecutive terms of imprisonment, the minimum terms of each sentence shall be added to arrive at an aggregate minimum term, and the maximum terms of each sentence shall be added to arrive at an aggregate maximum term. (b) A petition to suspend the sentence of any state prisoner may be brought at any time if, prior to the petition being filed, the commissioner of the department of corrections has found that the prisoner is a suitable candidate for suspension of sentence. (c) A petition to suspend the sentence of any state prisoner may be brought at any time by the attorney general in recognition of substantial assistance by the inmate in the investigation or prosecution of a serious felony offense. (d) Petitions filed which do not meet the criteria in (a), (b), or (c) above shall be dismissed without a hearing. II. A person whose sentence has been suspended may be required to report to the institution to which he has been sentenced to be incarcerated during weekends or at such times or intervals of time as the court may direct, except that weekend sentence provisions do not apply to the New Hampshire state prison. Time so spent in said institution shall be deducted from the maximum term, and where there are both a minimum and maximum term, from both. Any part of a day spent in the institution shall count as a full day toward the sentence. III. As a condition of any suspension of sentence, the court may include restitution to the victim, as provided in RSA 651:62-67, performance of uncompensated public service as provided in RSA 651:68-70, and such other conditions as the court may determine.

Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 651-20

What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 651-20 cover?

Section 651-20 ("Section 651:20 Incarceration Under Suspended Sentence.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Hampshire § 651-20?

A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 651-20" (New Hampshire). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Hampshire law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.

How does New Hampshire § 651-20 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.