Leandra’s Law in New York State, formally known as Chapter 496 of the Laws of 2009, is a law that strengthens penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or impaired by drugs when a child is in the vehicle. Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger (Leandra’s Law).
On April 20, 2025, at approximately 11:13 p.m., Troopers from SP New Rochelle conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Toyota Camry traveling northbound on Interstate 95 in the City of Rye for multiple violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.
While interviewing the operator, identified as Claudia R. Ruiz, age 40, of Greenwich, Connecticut, Troopers observed signs of intoxication. Ruiz was administered standardized field sobriety tests, which she subsequently failed.
Troopers discovered three children—ages 1, 6, and 11—were also in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Ruiz was taken into custody and transported to SP New Rochelle for processing, where she provided a breath sample resulting in a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.11%.
Ruiz was charged with the following offenses:
- Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger (Leandra’s Law) – three counts (E Felony)
- Driving While Intoxicated (Unclassified Misdemeanor)
- Multiple Vehicle and Traffic Violations
Ruiz was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Rye City Court on May 13, 2025.
