New York State Legislature Passes Tougher DUI Law

Bill Makes It A Crime To Supervise An Unlicensed Driver While Drunk

A bill has passed the New York State Senate that would make it a crime to act as a supervisor to an unlicensed driver while intoxicated.

The bill is referred to in the assembly as “Abbagail’s Law” after a 2009 case that led to the death of a young girl. The eight year old was at a family gathering where the adults had been drinking heavily. Her father convinced a sober under-aged driver to take him to a store to purchase more alcohol. The boy, who only had a learners permit, was driving recklessly and lost control of the vehicle. Abbagail was along for the ride, and she was thrown from the car and into an embankment, and then pinned underneath the vehicle, killing her.

The tragic story of this girl motivated the state legislature to criminalize ‘drunk supervising.’

“This legislation closes a significant loophole by making it clear that if you are supervising a younger driver, you must be sober,” Sen. Mike Nozzolio, R-C-Fayette, told reporters. “People who are supervising unlicensed drivers have the same responsibility to be fully aware and capable of operating a vehicle as the driver. Those who supervise a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs must be held accountable for their dangerous, irresponsible actions.”

The senator also said that the new measure would make New York one of the toughest states on DUI in the union.

A DUI Defense Lawyer Is On Your Side

If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated in the state of New York, you need the strongest defense you can get. This state has very strict laws against drunk driving, and you deserve a New York criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the system. At H. Benjamin Perez & Associates, P.C., our legal team has honed their skills as defense trial lawyers, giving you the benefit of our experience and skill.

Contact a New York DUI defense lawyer to discuss your legal options!