Monthly Archives: December 2009

Beginning Friday, New York DWI laws become the strictest in the country.  New York legislators recently passed a law that makes it a felony to drink and drive with a child 15 years or younger in the vehicle.  This law goes into effect on Friday.

The Child Passenger Protection Act, or Leandra’s Law, renders the act of driving a passenger age 15 or younger, with a BAC of .08 or higher a class E felony DWI regardless of a defendant’s prior history. The penalty for this offense is one to four years in New York state prison and a fine of $1,000 to $5,000.  In the event of serious physical injury or death the law increases penalties to a D or C felony respectively. Penalties for these charges can be up to 15 to 250 years in prison.

Jeff Jowdy, New York DWI attorney, is concerned about the effects these harsh punishments could have on New York drivers.  “The law enacted today makes a very serious offense even more perilous. Drivers must be increasingly aware of their condition and the continued health and well being of all children using the roads,” Jowdy said.

In addition, New York DWI lawyer, Rachel Kugel, says that this law is a result of strict government control over alcohol-related offenses.

“What you are seeing in this law is the continuing trend towards government harshness in DWI offenses. It is more important than ever that New York drivers make sure to have a skilled DWI lawyer protecting and defending their rights.”

If you’ve been arrested in New York for DUI, contact a New York DUI lawyer right away.