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Utica DWI Woman Twice Legal Limit and Driving with Four Children

By Paul Napoli

December 27, 2009

A Utica woman is facing serious charges under Leandra's Law for driving under the influence and having four young children in the car.

New York State Police received a report of about 11:15 p.m. Friday night of a female driver who hit a tollbooth while getting on the Thruway at the Williamsville, NY toll plaza, causing minor damage and leaving the scene. Police began searching for the vehicle and pulled over Jolie Nourse, 43, of Utica, in Cheektowaga near Buffalo.

According to New York State Police, Nourse had a blood alcohol content of .19%, which is more than twice the legal limit of .08%. At that time, she thought she was in Rochester, more than 70 miles away. She had four children in the vehicle, three toddlers identified as Nourse's adopted children and one infant who is her foster child. The police notified Child Protective Services and all four children were released to Nourse's sister.

Police charged Nourse under Leandra's Law with felony DWI, four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and moving from a lane unsafely. She was arraigned in Cheektowaga Town Court and remains at the Erie County Holding Center in lieu of $500 bail.

The Child Passenger Protection Act, known as Leandra's Law, went into effect December 18 and makes driving drunk with a child under age 16 in the car a felony. It sets stiff penalties for violators, including possible prison time.

Leandra's Law is named in honor of 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, who was killed October 11 when Carmen Huertes, drunk, speeding and carrying 7 teenage girls, flipped her car on the Henry Hudson Parkway, ejecting Leandra Rosado from the vehicle.

If you, your child or loved one has been injured or your child or loved one killed in an auto accident, Napoli Bern Ripka LLP has the experience and knowledge needed to successfully handle your auto accident case. Contact us immediately after an auto accident and we will discuss the situation with you and come up with a plan of action to help you get compensation for your injuries, property damage or a loved one's wrongful death. Visit www.NapoliBern.com or call 1-888-529-4669 to discuss your case and find out the best course of action to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on December 28, 2009 (boomark / email).