Leandra’s Law Takes Effect

Driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle is now a felony in New York. The state’s new Child Passenger Protection Act, called Leandra’s Law, takes effect Friday.

Lenny Rosado, right, reacts as Gov. David Paterson holds a photo of his daugher Leandra Rosado before signing the Child Passenger Protecition Act, known as Leandra's law, at the Capitol in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. The law, which was named for Leandra Rosado who was killed in October, makes it a felony to drink and drive with a child under age 15 in the vehicle. The law also mandates ignition interlocks for all misdemeanor and felony DWIs. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

The law calls for drivers convicted of DWI with a child under 16 years old in the vehicle to face sentences of up to four years in state prison.

The legislation was named for 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, of Manhattan, who was killed going to a sleepover. She and six other children were passengers in a vehicle that crashed on Manhattan’s Henry Hudson Parkway in October. Police say the driver was drunk.

Leandra’s law also says drivers intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, who cause the death of a child riding in their car, may face a felony charge punishable by up to 25 years in prison.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.