SEN. FARLEY REPORTS SENATE PASSES VINCE’S LAW

In an effort to keep serial drunk drivers off the road, the New York State Senate recently passed “Vince’s Law,” which would establish a stronger penalty for multiple DWI convictions, reported State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R – Schenectady).

The bill (S.4267) creates a new Class C felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, if a driver is convicted of three or more DWIs in a 25-year period. Currently, the law for multiple DWIs only includes offenses committed over a 10-year period.

The bill is named for Vincent Russo, an elderly Onondaga County man who was killed in 2011 by a drunk driver who was intoxicated behind the wheel, despite the driver having five DWI-related convictions, including four in the previous 17 years before the accident that killed Mr. Russo.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.