DWI Gets Worse with Minors in the Car

A father who was driving drunk on the Long Island Expressway with his two children in the car was arrested for DWI with aggravated charges this month. His children are aged 12 and 14. The older one called 911 to report that she thought her father was drunk. In an incident occurring a few days earlier, another man from Long Island was also arrested for a felony DWI under Leandra's Law after crashing his vehicle into a pole with a 15 year-old boy in the car at the time. In addition to the DWI, the man was also charged with child endangerment.

Leandra's Law was passed in New York State in 2009, making it an automatic felony to drive while intoxicated with a minor aged 15 or under in the vehicle. Those convicted of such an offense may be sentenced to prison for up to four years as well as face fines of $1,000 up to $5,000. In many cases, an ignition interlock device is required for up to six months once driving privileges are restored. An automatic license suspension for a minimum of one year is another penalty along with being reported to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. Those with a blood alcohol (BAC) level of .08 percent face DWI charges while those with a lower BAC who demonstrate impairment may be charged with a DWAI, driving while ability impaired, in New York.

New York City DWI Attorney

Drunk and drug-impaired driving violations are serious legal matters which can have long-lasting effects on your life. Ensuring that you have competent legal representation is key if you wish to obtain the best case result possible based on your circumstances. The criminal defense firm of Hochheiser & Hochheiser LLP consists of a legal team of highly experienced trial lawyers who know criminal law inside and out. The lead attorney at the firm is a former prosecutor who has been named as one of New York's Best Lawyers for two consecutive years. This background and experience sets the firm apart, giving clients a sharp advantage in DWI and other forms of criminal defense.

If you are looking for a tough litigator who is widely respected for effective case results, contact the firm to arrange to speak with one of the legal team about your DWI or other criminal charge. The firm offers a free case consultation and is available 24/7 to speak with you.