County Leaders Struggle With How To Pay For Leandra's Law

By: Melissa deCordova

NORWICH – On Friday, the woman convicted of second degree manslaughter received her criminal sentence pleading guilty to 16 criminal counts – from drunk driving to second-degree manslaughter – after killing 11-year-old Leandra Rosado in a DWI accident.

As a result of the accident, Leandra’s father, Lenny, pushed for stiffer penalties against drunk drivers who endanger the welfare of children – and he succeeded.

The resulting legislation, called Leandra’s Law, makes any DWI charge with children in the vehicle a felony offense and anyone convicted of DWI at all, including first-time offenders, to have an ignition interlock system installed into their vehicle for a minimum of six months, as determined by a judge.

The first part of Leandra’s Law went into effect in January. The latter, and more controversial part, went into effect Aug. 15.

By default, all counties’ probation departments are expected to enforce DWI felons’ compliance with what is essentially a breathalyzer that controls an auto’s ignition system. And like other counties, Chenango County has been struggling to find the funding to handle the extra work.

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