No torture, and while everyone has their opinion on the death penalty, no, we certainly shouldn’t be using that for non-murder crimes.

But, the system could have been configured in such a way that habitual offenders must walk the straight and narrow for the rest of their lives, in exchange for being free.

Basically tell the guy: “You’ve served your time and you’re free for now, but this is it. If you so much as steal a stick of gum, you’re coming back here and staying here.”

Maybe some requirements that habitual offenders must maintain employment, attend ongoing classes about good behavior, maybe a requirement for community service?

Or, the first dozen times this guy got away with doing bad stuff, he could have decided to not act like an animal. He’s had many chances to act like a human, and has evidently refused to do so, many times. If he’s being treated like an animal, maybe it’s because he acts like one.

This is so frustrating. There is absolutely zero reason for anyone to have "a criminal history that dates back more than 30 years."

Based on what the article says, this guy spent his entire adult life, and at least some of his childhood life, being a terrible person and doing terrible things. Being a drug dealer and thief is bad enough, but he raped someone, too.

The system should have been set up so that after he'd proven to be incapable or unwilling to act like a civilized human being, he would have been removed from civilization for life. Instead, the broken catch-and-release system helped him kill at least one person, maybe two. (It seems there's some speculation that he killed the 83 year old man in Lyndeborough; I suppose time will tell on that one.)

I thought the interior of the mall wasn’t publicly accessible anymore?

Thanks, that's interesting information. I like your "birthday tax" term. And while NH punishes people for buying a newer/nicer car, you're right; the overall payment, at least for an older car, is much better than most other states.

I wonder if the sales tax in Vermont would outweigh the cost of just repairing the car.

Was it exactly 4 months? Here's a 3-part answer:

1: Assuming the car is owned by an individual (not owned by a business), the registration expiration month is the same month as the car's owner's birthday.

2: The inspection also expires on the same month. So, suppose your birthday is 10 months from now, and you get the car inspected. It's going to expire in 10 months.

3: Now, to answer your question. Maximum for a sticker is 16 months. That's why I asked. If you went in for inspection 4 months and 1 day too early, your sticker will expire in 4 months. But if you go in 3 months at 29 days too early, then you should get a 6 months sticker. NOTE: Your exact birthday doesn't matter; only your birthday month matters.

You're mostly correct. It's a racket for the state in MA, but in NH, the mechanic only pays a few dollars per sticker to the state.

Even at $50, the mechanic isn't making a lot of profit, compared to their normal labor rate. As you said, some dishonest mechanics use the inspection to sell unnecessary repairs. On the other hand, honest mechanics do make money off inspections when they recommend repairs that are truly needed, and only when they are needed.

On the one hand, I'm amazed and saddened at how many people take such poor care of their vehicles, and it's disturbing to see people driving with bald tires, burned-out lights, etc.

On the other hand, the actual data show that most crashes are caused by driver error, and very, very few crashes are caused by vehicle defects. You're definitely correct in your stance that vehicle inspections help very little, and should probably be abolished.

I've never heard of a refund for registration fees, but if you decide to junk/sell the car instead of fixing it, I'm pretty sure you can save some money by transferring the plates to your new car, assuming you buy another car.

You didn't mention what makes you feel the car won't pass inspection, but hopefully you at least have some kind of idea of whether or not it's a car that's worth fixing if it fails inspection.

If you're unsure of your car's roadworthiness, and you're not mechanically inclined, you should probably pay a mechanic to check over the entire car before you invest in registration. You can go to the Registry (not your town hall), and get a 20-day temporary plate for about $10 so you can legally drive to and from the mechanic.

While driving an uninspected car isn't legal, if you do get stopped and cited for it, you're looking at a fine and some points on your driving record. Not ideal, but much better than driving around an unregistered car, which would get it towed away.

The factual answer is, read your lease. I remember reading a friend’s lease, and the penalty for leaving early was two months’ rent.

More practical answer, as said above, discuss it with the landlord, and offer to help find a new tenant. In today’s market, landlord might even be happy to be able to rent out to someone new at a higher rate.

Congratulations on your new employment, and I hope your situation gets better.

The fine should be higher. And a second offense should involve a license suspension.

I don’t know of any master list. But as mentioned in the other comments, AllTrails is pretty good. Also, check individual towns’ websites for recreation areas. And your physical condition will play a big part in where you should start.

Also, and again this has already been said, while spring weather can be nice, the ground is often muddy and slipper from snow melt. Right now is a great time to hike—dry ground, and no bugs.

One recommendation is to get yourself some hiking boots, but use them as your daily shoes for a week or two before going on a hike. So they’ll be broken in, but also so you’ll know if you like them.

Whatever town you live in, there are likely some nature trails that serious mountaineers would laugh at, but don’t let that keep you from hiking on them to get yourself accustomed. Start small.

There are many lists of equipment you should carry with you. A backpack with a little extra clothing, enough water/snacks to tide you over if you get lost, and a good flashlight in case you end up out after dark.

While you should always try to take care of yourself, and count on others to rescue you only as a last resort, do make sure your phone is fully charged and bring it with you.

That sounds more like an opinion. I respect your opinion, but do you have any data that answers the actual question?

While I respect everyone’s opinion in the responses, and good points have been made, they all seem to be anecdotes. I even have some ideas of my own.

But, I wonder if anyone has any hard data. I think that would be a lot more interesting.

I wonder if there’s any demographic data available. Something that would mark NH left/right voters by age, whether they were born in NH or moved in from elsewhere (and if so, their reason for their move), whether or not they voted for a different party/policies 10 years ago, etc.

So what is the system supposed to do when the suspect thinks he’s too special to have to show up in court?

Welcome to New Hampshire. Don’t Mass it up.

There might be a shop that will intentionally forget to check your parking brake, or overlook a tiny rust hole. I don’t think there are many shops that are going to let a car drive off their property (and possibly past a police car) with a fresh sticker and a tinted windshield.

I know this is easier said than done, but being nervous will make you mess up.

Do you have a friend who took the same road test anytime recently? If so, go to the location after hours, and ask your friend to administer the road test to you, as best they can remember it.

It’s actually Bellows Falls, with no apostrophe, but your point is still valid. Amazing how sloppy most journalists are.

Without regard to your or my political leanings, the Red Arrow in Manchester is a place that nearly every presidential candidate has visited. When you’re there, take a look at the pictures on the walls. Many important leaders have passed through this place. (And if that interests you, Lindy’s Diner in Keene has a similar history.)

Regardless of your age, see if there’s a local senior citizens center, and call them. They likely have experience in helping people who don’t drive find their way around.

Also, if there’s a local town Facebook group, you might find someone in there.

16 has a few pretty spots, but is mostly an undivided 2 lane highway. There are occasional deadly crashes there too.

Here’s the circuitous route I’d recommend:

93 North, exit 32 has fuel and (mostly mediocre) food if you need it

Continue on 93 into beautiful Franconia Notch

While in the Notch, consider: the Cannon Mountain Tramway to the top of Cannon if you have time. Old Man Viewing Site on the other hand would just take a few minutes. The Basin is ten minutes’ walk and beautiful. Artist’s Bluff is moderate maybe hour long hike to get good views.

Regardless of how much time you spend in the Notch, continue north on 93 for a short time, bear right onto Route 3.

3 soon connects to 302 in Twin Mountain. Take 302 East in the direction of Glen. 302 is curvy, beautiful, takes you through Crawford Notch.

When you reach Glen, Conway is a relatively short ride south from there.

GPS HELP: Before driving into no-service Franconia Notch, select Twin Mountain Campground in Carroll as your destination. Then, when you get service again, set the DQ (Dairy Queen) in Glen as your next destination.

Bail reform in full effect.