Suddenly the lights are flashing behind you and a police officer is pulling you over. You wonder whether you were speeding but then things escalate into the officer accusing you of DWI. A nerve-wracking situation at best, you may need a criminal defense lawyer in Brooklyn.
Being accused of DWI may lead you to have many questions about the best way to protect your rights. Leandra’s Law is named after an 11-year-old girl who was killed in a vehicle accident.
The law became effective on December 18, 2009 and outlines some of the strictest DWI provisions across the country. First time offenders who are convicted of driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs with a child younger than age 16 in the vehicle could be charged with a class E felony. This carries up to 4 years in state prison. Furthermore, courts have to order all drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated or aggravated driving while intoxicated to maintain an ignition interlock device on any vehicle they own and operate. This is typically for a minimum period of six months. Anyone who drives while intoxicated or impaired by drugs and causes serious physical injury to a child younger than 16 years of age could be charged with a class C felony which is punishable by up to 15 years in state prison.
The serious penalties that may apply as a result of Leandra’s law should prompt you to contact an experienced DWI defense attorney as soon as possible. Getting your questions answered and knowing that someone is working hard on your behalf is strongly recommended.
Your lawyer can have a significant impact on your ability to avoid the charges and will investigate all possible opportunities to defend your best interests. Trying to handle a case like this on your own can expose you to major mistakes. Understanding the severe consequences involved when a child is in the vehicle with you or in which you injure a child because of a DWI accident is critical and highlights why you need a lawyer you can trust.