Mother Accused of Driving Drunk with Children

J L WelshA mother from Long Island has been arrested after she allegedly drove drunk with her children in the car.

Police say 39-year-old Laquita Brooks was driving a 1998 Mercury Mystique southbound on Dix Hills Road just before 11 p.m. when she lost control of the vehicle 200 feet south of Dellwood Drive, left the roadway, struck a signpost and hit a tree. In court papers, Brooks admitted she was on her cell phone at the time.

Her 7-year-old daughter sustained a serious head injury while her 5-year-old son suffered only a minor one.

Neither child, both of whom were in the backseat, was wearing proper child restraints at the time of the accident. Both children were taken to Huntington Hospital and were treated. Later, Brooks’ daughter was transported to Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park for further medical treatment.

Brooks, who is currently unemployed, was arrested and charged with one count of driving under the influence with a child 15 years or younger otherwise known as Leandra’s Law, one count of DWI and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Brooks was held on $2,500 bond, and the court allowing her to keep the custody of her children.

Many believe that once you have been arrested for drunken driving they are required to plead guilty to the charge. This is not always the case. Depending on how the police handled the arrest, there can often be a reason to cast doubt on that initial arrest. If mistakes were then potentially those mistakes can mean all the difference in whether a DUI charge sticks or whether it might potentially be reduced or even dismissed completely.

DUI defense attorney Steven Kellis has over 20 years of experience in successfully arguing for many clients. He has been both a prosecutor and a defender so he knows how the law works. Mr. Kellis can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call today to schedule an appointment for a free consultation and legal analysis for you and your case. Mr. Kellis will help you decide what your best options are in order to win a favorable outcome. You need the best defense on your side that is skilled, knowledgeable and has over 20 years of DUI case experience in the state of Pennsylvania. Call today.