FIRST LEANDRA'S LAW ARREST IN QUEENS COUNTY

From: New York attorney Gary E. Rosenberg (personal injury and accident attorney and lawyer; serving Brooklyn Queens Bronx; Bronx Injury Attorney)

I just blogged about Leandra's law on December 30, 2009. This new law gives longer jail sentences to drunk drivers with children in their car, and requires notification of Child Protective Services if the driver is a parent or guardian of one of the children.

Johnny Ovalles, age 38, of Brooklyn, is accused of weaving in and out of traffic and motoring way over the speed limit on Queens County, New York's Grand Central Parkway at 6:30 AM on New Year's Day. Police grabbed him, and one can only surmise that a sigh of relief passed through the lips of his passengers - his wife and daughters, age 12 and age 16.

Ovalles' eyes were bloodshot and he smelled of alcohol. According to authorities he admitted to drinking, and blew almost double the legal limit on his Breathalyzer test.

Ovalles faces serious felony time - up to four years in prison - under Leandra's Law. Fortunately, he didn't hurt or injure anyone or cause an accident. Why his wife got into the car with her daughters we may never know. A big thank you to the cops that pulled Ovalles over before he caused an accident or hurt anyone, whoever you are.