Press release
New York DWI Attorney Rachel Kugel Explains Leandra's Law and Its Serious Consequences
Leandra's Law is one of the most impactful pieces of legislation in New York aimed at reducing drunk driving incidents involving children. New York DWI attorney Rachel Kugel (https://thekugellawfirm.com/what-is-leandras-law-in-new-york/) has shed light on the origins of this law and the life-changing penalties that accompany a conviction. Her discussion highlights why every driver should understand the weight of charges under this statute.Rachel Kugel explains that Leandra's Law, formally known as the Child Passenger Protection Act, was enacted in 2009 following the tragic death of 11-year-old Leandra Rosado. The law makes it a felony to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol with a passenger under the age of sixteen. According to Rachel Kugel, the statute changed the way impaired driving is prosecuted in the state, creating strict penalties that can alter the future of anyone charged under it. For those facing charges, representation from a New York DWI attorney is critical to navigate the system and fight for a fair outcome.
At The Kugel Law Firm, Rachel Kugel points out that the consequences of being convicted under Leandra's Law reach far beyond a traffic ticket or a short license suspension. A felony conviction carries years of potential prison time, steep fines, and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. Rachel Kugel stresses that the impact can ripple through every part of life, from professional opportunities to family relationships. This makes the role of a New York DWI attorney vital when someone is accused under this law.
The law was passed after the devastating crash caused by Carmen Huertas, who was driving under the influence with multiple children in her vehicle, resulting in Leandra's death. Rachel Kugel explains that this event caused an immediate public outcry that pushed lawmakers to respond with a statute designed to prevent future tragedies. "The stakes are high. A conviction can lead to life-altering consequences, including a permanent criminal record, license suspension, and significant financial burdens," said Rachel Kugel.
The penalties outlined in Leandra's Law are severe. Rachel Kugel details that even a first offense with a child passenger under the age of fifteen is automatically a Class E felony, carrying up to four years in prison and fines reaching $5,000. More serious outcomes, such as injury or death to a child, escalate the charges to higher felony classes, with sentences that may extend up to twenty-five years. Rachel Kugel notes that penalties are also harsher for repeat offenders or drivers with an exceptionally high blood alcohol content.
In addition to criminal consequences, Rachel Kugel explains that those convicted are required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles. This device requires the driver to pass a breath test before the car will start. While this allows for limited driving privileges, it comes at a financial and personal cost. Drivers must pay for installation and ongoing monitoring, and the presence of the device can carry a lasting stigma. Rachel Kugel emphasizes that for many, this requirement disrupts daily responsibilities and even employment.
Another serious impact of Leandra's Law lies in its effect on parents. If the arrested driver is the parent or legal guardian of the child in the vehicle, the incident must be reported to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. Rachel Kugel explains that this can trigger investigations by Child Protective Services and lead to custody disputes, supervised visitation, or restrictions on parental rights. Even if the criminal charges are reduced or dismissed, the family court may continue to pursue action.
Rachel Kugel urges individuals facing charges under this law to act quickly. She highlights the importance of challenging every detail of the prosecution's case, from the accuracy of testing devices to the procedures followed during the arrest. With the help of The Kugel Law Firm, defendants can pursue defenses aimed at reducing or even dismissing the charges. According to Rachel Kugel, the early stages of a case often shape its outcome, making swift legal representation crucial.
The discussion by Rachel Kugel makes it clear that Leandra's Law is more than just another statute on the books. It is a law designed to deter impaired driving, protect children, and impose life-altering consequences on those found guilty. For anyone accused under this law, the right defense strategy is the only path to safeguarding freedom and future opportunities.
Rachel Kugel and The Kugel Law Firm remain committed to protecting the rights of those charged under Leandra's Law. Facing a felony accusation is overwhelming, but Rachel Kugel explains that a strong defense can make the difference between conviction and a second chance.
Those impacted by accusations under Leandra's Law are encouraged to seek immediate legal representation. Rachel Kugel's guidance provides an opportunity to understand available options and take decisive action. Contact The Kugel Law Firm to begin building a defense that protects both present circumstances and long-term goals.
About The Kugel Law Firm:
The Kugel Law Firm, led by attorney Rachel Kugel, provides representation for individuals facing DWI charges and related legal matters in New York. With a focus on defending rights and guiding clients through difficult times, the firm works to achieve outcomes that allow individuals to move forward with their lives.
Embeds:
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvnI1xfKbJE
GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17189431107850367088
Email and website
Email: admin@thekugellawfirm.com
Website: https://thekugellawfirm.com/new-york-dwi-lawyer/
Media Contact
Company Name: The Kugel Law Firm
Contact Person: Rachel Kugel
Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=new-york-dwi-attorney-rachel-kugel-explains-leandras-law-and-its-serious-consequences]
Phone: (212) 372-7218
Address:111 E 125th St 2nd Fl
City: New York
State: New York 10035
Country: United States
Website: https://thekugellawfirm.com/new-york-dwi-lawyer/
Legal Disclaimer: Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. ABNewswire makes no warranties or responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you are affiliated with this article or have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article and would like it to be removed, please contact retract@swscontact.com
This release was published on openPR.
Permanent link to this press release:
Copy
Please set a link in the press area of your homepage to this press release on openPR. openPR disclaims liability for any content contained in this release.
You can edit or delete your press release New York DWI Attorney Rachel Kugel Explains Leandra's Law and Its Serious Consequences here
News-ID: 4176279 • Views: …
More Releases from ABNewswire

The Thinksters Launches Platform for High Career in Consulting, Investment Banki …
Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/upload/2025/09/544e88d5257f6be2c633c5b9496745d4.jpg
Dubai, UAE - Global career preparation platform The Thinksters [https://thethinksters.com/] today launches its upgraded offering, allowing high-performing students, MBA candidates, and early professionals to secure positions in the world's most sought-after sectors - management consulting, investment banking, and Big Tech product management.
Start-up by former PwC and BCG consultant Anton Khatskelevich, The Thinksters turns career preparation into a structured and result-driven process. Through online video courses [https://thethinksters.com/our-courses/], simulated mock interviews,…

Illinois Divorce Lawyer Russell D. Knight Explains the Role of Income-Producing …
Understanding how income-producing assets impact spousal maintenance is a key concern during divorce proceedings, especially in Illinois, where the law balances fairness and financial stability. Illinois divorce lawyer Russell D. Knight (https://rdklegal.com/income-producing-assets-and-maintenance-in-an-illinois-divorce/), of the Law Office of Russell D. Knight, addresses this complex topic in a recent article, "Income Producing Assets and Maintenance in an Illinois Divorce." Knight explores how assets that generate income can affect whether a spouse is…

Build powerful WooCommerce apps without code. Use the no-code app builder BuildE …
You run a WooCommerce store, but mobile users slip away because your site feels slow on phones. Customers abandon carts when pages load poorly or navigation confuses them. We see this problem often with store owners who rely only on websites. Sales drop, and competitors with apps grab more attention. You feel frustrated trying to reach shoppers on the go without extra tools.
A Trusted WooCommerce app builder [https://buildecom.app/] Platform easily…

Manhattan Divorce Attorney Richard Roman Shum Supports New York Families Through …
Manhattan divorce attorney Richard Roman Shum (https://www.romanshum.com/) of the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. provides strategic legal services to individuals facing divorce and related family law issues in New York City. With over 15 years of experience, Richard Roman Shum focuses on clear planning and practical outcomes that help clients protect their rights and navigate major life transitions.
As a Manhattan divorce attorney, Richard Roman Shum offers legal guidance…
More Releases for Kugel
New Jersey DUI Lawyer Rachel Kugel Advocates for Strong DUI Defense
In New Jersey, where driving laws are enforced with strict penalties, a single charge of driving under the influence can have serious consequences. For those navigating these challenging circumstances, New Jersey DUI lawyer Rachel Kugel (https://thekugellawfirm.com/new-jersey-dui-lawyer/) of The Kugel Law Firm provides focused and vigorous legal defense. Her work has helped many New Jersey drivers challenge impaired driving allegations and protect their rights in a system that offers little leniency.
A…
New Jersey DUI Lawyer Rachel Kugel Explains Public Intoxication Laws
New Jersey DUI lawyer Rachel Kugel (https://thekugellawfirm.com/public-intoxication-in-new-jersey/) of The Kugel Law Firm is addressing common confusion around public intoxication laws in the state. Many individuals believe that appearing intoxicated in public is a criminal offense, but the legal reality in New Jersey is different. As a New Jersey DUI lawyer, Rachel Kugel offers clarity about how the state approaches alcohol-related behavior in public spaces and what legal risks may still…
New Jersey DUI Lawyer Rachel Kugel Explains the State's Implied Consent Law
Understanding the implications of New Jersey's Implied Consent Law is essential for any driver facing DUI-related charges. As a New Jersey DUI lawyer, Rachel Kugel (https://thekugellawfirm.com/what-is-the-implied-consent-law-in-new-jersey/) of The Kugel Law Firm offers crucial insights into how this law impacts drivers and what legal consequences may follow a refusal to comply with chemical testing during a DUI stop.
New Jersey's Implied Consent Law assumes that by operating a vehicle, every driver has…
New Jersey DUI Lawyer Rachel Kugel Addresses Underage DUI Laws
Rachel Kugel (https://thekugellawfirm.com/njsa-39_4-50_14-underage-drinking-and-driving/), a New Jersey DUI lawyer with The Kugel Law Firm, is shedding light on the legal risks and consequences faced by underage drivers charged under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14. In her latest blog post, titled "What is N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14 - Underage Drinking and Driving?", Kugel outlines how even minimal alcohol consumption can lead to serious penalties for drivers under 21 in New Jersey.
The statute, often referred to as the…
New York DWI Lawyer Rachel Kugel Explains Public Intoxication and DWI Laws
New York DWI lawyer Rachel Kugel (https://thekugellawfirm.com/new-yorks-public-intoxication-laws-and-dwi/), of The Kugel Law Firm, explains the serious consequences of being charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or public intoxication in New York. In a recent article, Kugel provides insight into the legal distinctions between public intoxication and DWI, outlining the potential penalties and the circumstances under which intoxication in public can escalate into more severe charges.
Public intoxication due to alcohol is not…
New Jersey DUI Lawyer Rachel Kugel Explains CDL Reinstatement After a DUI
Facing a DUI charge in New Jersey can have serious consequences, especially for commercial drivers. Losing a commercial driver's license (CDL) due to a DUI can disrupt a career, making it crucial for drivers to understand the legal process and the steps necessary to regain their driving privileges. New Jersey DUI lawyer Rachel Kugel (https://thekugellawfirm.com/how-long-do-you-have-to-wait-to-get-a-cdl-after-a-dui/) of The Kugel Law Firm provides insights into the waiting period and requirements for CDL…