Were You Pulled Over For Drunk Driving With Children In The Car?
New York enacted the New York State Child Passenger Protection Act on December 18, 2009. This new law is more commonly referred to as Leandra’s Law. The law has two main components:
- Child safety provisions
- Ignition interlock provisions, which went into effect on August 15, 2010
Child Safety Provisions
Pursuant to these provisions, any driver convicted of misdemeanor DWI by alcohol or drugs will be guilty of an E felony if a child under the age of 16 was present in the vehicle. Additionally, certain crimes are elevated to the next higher felony level if during the commission of the crime the driver is driving while intoxicated and causes injury or death to a child under the age of 16.
If you have been charged with DWI under “Leandra’s Law” you could face stiffer penalties and/or jail time. Your time to act is limited, and you should contact Patrick M. Noe, Jr., Attorney at Law, today. We will answer or return your call. Call now 716-803-8741.
Ignition Interlock Provisions
This provision of the law requires any driver convicted of misdemeanor or felony DWI, whether a child is present or not, to install and maintain an ignition interlock device for a minimum of six months, in any vehicle he/she owns or operates. The law also requires any individual convicted of DWI, in addition to fines or imprisonment, to receive a sentence of probation or a conditional discharge, a condition of which is the installation of the ignition interlock device.
Contact Our Firm For Defense Against DWI Charges
Turn to Patrick M. Noe, Jr., Attorney at Law, for highly effective defense against all DWI charges, including Leandra’s Law violations. Call 716-803-8741 or contact us online for a phone consultation.