Leandra’s Law, also known as Aggravated DWI with a Child Passenger, is a New York State law that enhances the penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) with a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle. The law is named after Leandra Rosado, a 10-year-old girl who was killed in a drunk driving accident in 2009.

Under Leandra’s Law, first-time offenders who are convicted of DWI with a child passenger face a felony charge and a prison sentence of up to four years. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including up to 25 years in prison.

In addition to the criminal penalties, Leandra’s Law also requires all drivers convicted of DWI to install and maintain an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicles. An IID is a device that prevents the vehicle from starting until the driver provides a breath sample that is below a certain blood alcohol content (BAC).

Leandra’s Law is one of the toughest drunk driving laws in the country. It is a reflection of the state’s commitment to protecting children from the dangers of drunk driving.

Here is an overview of Leandra’s Law charges in New York State:

• Leandra’s Law is a felony charge.
• First-time offenders face a prison sentence of up to four years.
• Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including up to 25 years in prison.
• All drivers convicted of DWI under Leandra’s Law must install and maintain an IID on their vehicles.

If you have been charged with a Leandra’s Law offense, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. An attorney can help you understand your rights and develop a defense strategy.

The penalties for Leandra’s Law charges in New York State are as follows:

• First-time offenders: Felony charge, punishable by up to 4 years in prison
• Repeat offenders: Felony charge, punishable by up to 7 years in prison for a second offense and up to 25 years in prison for a third or subsequent offense

In addition to the prison sentence, Leandra’s Law also requires all drivers convicted of DWI under the law to install and maintain an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicles for at least 6 months.

It is important to note that the judge has discretion in sentencing defendants convicted of Leandra’s Law charges. This means that the judge may impose a lesser sentence than the maximum, or even place the defendant on probation instead of sending them to prison. However, it is also important to note that Leandra’s Law is a serious offense, and even first-time offenders can face significant prison time.

If you have been charged with a Leandra’s Law offense, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. An attorney can help you understand your rights and develop a defense strategy to minimize the penalties you may face.

Evaluating the Traffic Stop: The foundation of any Leandra’s Law defense begins with a thorough examination of the traffic stop. Was there probable cause to initiate the stop? Were the proper procedures followed by law enforcement? Any violations of the defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights can significantly impact the case’s validity.

Challenging Sobriety Tests: Leandra’s Law cases often involve field sobriety tests, which can be subjective and prone to human error. Our experienced attorneys meticulously scrutinize the administration of these tests to identify any inconsistencies or improper procedures that could undermine their reliability.

Questioning Chemical Tests: Chemical tests, such as breathalyzers, urine or blood tests, are crucial pieces of evidence in Leandra’s Law cases. However, these tests are not infallible. Our legal team will investigate whether the testing equipment was properly calibrated, maintained, and operated by certified personnel. If there are discrepancies, the validity of the test results can be called into question.

Medical Conditions and Prescription Medications: Some medical conditions and prescription medications can lead to impaired driving without the presence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Our defense strategy explores the possibility of a medical condition or medication affecting the defendant’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Constructing Alternative Explanations: We work closely with our clients to gather detailed accounts of the events leading up to their Leandra’s Law. By understanding the context and circumstances, we can build alternative explanations for their behavior that may not necessarily point to impairment.

Our legal team is well-versed in the nuanced laws of New York State, including its Leandra’s Law statutes and sentencing guidelines. Depending on the specifics of the case, we can pursue various legal avenues:

Negotiating Reductions: Through skillful negotiation, we aim to secure reductions in charges or penalties, such as obtaining a plea deal to a lesser offense or pursuing enrollment in a substance abuse education program.

Challenging Evidence in Court: If necessary, we are prepared to take the case to trial. Our experienced litigators will present a strong defense, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge evidence in court to achieve the best possible outcome.

Protecting Driving Privileges: Leandra’s Law convictions can result in the suspension or revocation of driving privileges. We will advocate for our clients to retain their driving rights whenever possible.

Facing a Leandra’s Law charge in New York State can be a daunting experience, but the DWI Team is dedicated to providing unwavering support and exceptional legal representation. Our extensive knowledge of the legal landscape, combined with our commitment to protecting clients’ rights, empowers us to construct robust defense strategies tailored to each unique case. From dissecting the traffic stop to challenging sobriety tests and negotiating favorable outcomes, we stand as the shield against Leandra’s Law charges, advocating for the best interests of our clients at every turn.

If you have any other questions, please contact us at info@dwiteam.com

Please note that laws and regulations can change over time, so it’s important to consult with a legal professional or refer to official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding Leandra’s Law in New York State.