Leandra’s Law is a New York statute that increases the consequences against people who are convicted of driving while intoxicated. It requires the installation of an ignition interlock device on all vehicles operated by individuals who were sentenced after Aug. 14, 2010 for driving while intoxicated. It also requires that a restriction for ignition interlock be placed on their driver’s licenses.
The law created a Class E felony for the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs and having a juvenile passenger who is 15 years old or younger. In addition, it made the ignition interlock requirement a condition for any sentence for a driver convicted of aggravated DWI with a child in the vehicle or aggravated DWI with a blood alcohol content of .18 or more.
An ignition interlock device links to the ignition system of a vehicle and is able to measure the breath alcohol content of the driver. The vehicle cannot be started if an unacceptable breath sample is provided. The device is required to remain on all vehicles operated by the driver for a certain period of time. Drivers who are required to use the ignition interlock device will be directed to the appropriate vendors to have it installed.
Once people are no longer required to use an ignition interlock device, they can have the restriction removed from t heirdriver’s license. An interlock ignition monitor will provide them with a form stating that they are released from the restriction.
A DWI conviction can result in other serious consequences, including jail time, fines and probation. As a result, people who are facing these types of charges may want to have the assistance of counsel in attempting to refute them.
