New York DWI–First Ignition Interlock Indictment In Westchester County

On January 30, 12011, a 45 year old Ossining man became the first allegedly drunk driver in Westchester County to be indicted for violating the new ignition interlock provisions of Leandra’s Law, which went into effect last August. Leandra’s Law requires, among other things, that if a motorist is convicted or pleads guilty to DWI charges, he or she must install and maintain an ignition interlock device in their car for a minimum of 6 months. (In my experience, most Courts have been requiring that the device remain in the vehicle for one year). Additionally, the law mandates that if a driver is charged with driving while intoxicated with a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle, he must be charged with a felony.

In this case, Abel Pinto was arraigned in White Plains arising out of a police pursuit on January 30 on Route 9 in Cortlandt. Police arrested Mr. Pinto and charged him with DWI, aggravated DWI, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, and unsafe lane change infractions, and in a first, for operating a motor vehicle without a Court-ordered ignition interlock device, which is a misdemeanor. Apparently, Mr. Pinto had two previous convictions for DWI in the last 10 years, which mandated that he be changed with felony DWI.

Pinto is to return to Court on May 3, 2011. He could be sentenced to up to 7 years in state prison if convicted of the felony charges.


Contact The Westchester County DWI Lawyers online or toll free at (914) 428-7386 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options if you or a loved one are charged with DWI or a traffic infraction.