Harsher Penalties for DWI in NY
People driving drunk with children in the vehicle in New York will see increased penalties, according to legislation submitted today by Governor David Paterson.
The Child Passenger Protection Act would make it a felony for people to drive while drunk or under the influence of drugs with passengers under the age of 16. Currently, the offense is considered a misdemeanor and may be treated as a traffic infraction.
Under the governor’s proposed legislation, aggravated vehicle homicide in which a child under the age of 16 is killed would be punishable by up to 25 years in state prison. People convicted of driving while impaired with a child in the vehicle would automatically lose their license for a year.
Paterson says in 2007 there were 9,480 DWI accidents in New York and 200 of the 344 people killed were under the age of 14.
You can find more information on the governor's web site.
The Child Passenger Protection Act would make it a felony for people to drive while drunk or under the influence of drugs with passengers under the age of 16. Currently, the offense is considered a misdemeanor and may be treated as a traffic infraction.
Under the governor’s proposed legislation, aggravated vehicle homicide in which a child under the age of 16 is killed would be punishable by up to 25 years in state prison. People convicted of driving while impaired with a child in the vehicle would automatically lose their license for a year.
Paterson says in 2007 there were 9,480 DWI accidents in New York and 200 of the 344 people killed were under the age of 14.
You can find more information on the governor's web site.
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