Senator Martins: Sentencing of Man Who Killed 12 Year Old Boy While Driving With a Suspended License Shows Need for Stronger Laws

     “Today, a man who drove with a suspended license and killed a 12 year old boy walking to school was sentenced to 6 months in jail, with an additional 12 months for a separate felony DWI offense.  The sentencing judge, the Nassau County District Attorney, and the victim’s family have called the current law, which allows for a maximum sentence of 6 months for individuals driving with a suspended or revoked license who kill or injure others, inadequate. I couldn’t agree more.

     I am sponsoring legislation that would end this injustice by creating felony charges for individuals who kill or injure someone while driving with a suspended or revoked license.  Under the legislation, which was drafted together with Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas, these drivers would face up to four years in prison if they cause serious injury to another person and up to seven years in prison if they take someone’s life.   The Senate passed the legislation last year. 

     The Assembly refused to act, sending the message that it doesn’t think crimes like this should be taken more seriously and that protecting offenders is more important than justice for victims.  They need to stop ignoring the pleas of law enforcement and provide them with the appropriate tools to ensure that these criminals are held accountable.

     No family should have to suffer the loss a child and then have that unbearable pain compounded by watching the person who took their child’s life walk away with a slap on the wrist.  Albany needs to act now to help ensure this injustice never happens again.”