New York drivers caught with five license suspensions can now be punished with a misdemeanor under Angelica’s Law

HOLBROOK, NY – A new law went into effect Friday that reduces the number of driver’s license suspensions that can result in a misdemeanor in New York.

Now drivers are being caught with five previous license suspensions can be affected by a crime.

Dawn Nappi Riendeau’s Battle for Angelica’s Law

The law was defended by Dawn Nappi Riendeau, a Long Island mother whose daughter was murdered 16 years ago.

In 2008, Nappi Riendeau’s daughter Angelica was struck and killed by a known high-risk driver who ran a red light in Holbrook. His driver’s license had been suspended seven times. He was only in prison for a few months for a crime.

Angelica was 14 years old.

“I consider it a piece of justice for my family because we have a life sentence,” Nappi Riendeau said Friday. “This is to help other people so they don’t have to go through something as horrific as we did.”

Nappi Riendeau Albany fought to reduce the number of suspensions for misdemeanor eligibility from ten to five.

Through the years Nappi Riendeau is persistent in her fightstanding up to lawmakers, and Carolyn Gusoff of CBS News New York has also pushed for answers.

The years-long delay involved deferrals due to taxes, child support and unpaid tickets. The compromise is that only suspensions for violations count toward the five.

CBS News New York was at the private ceremony at the time Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Angelica’s Law in December 2023.

Bill sponsors say there is more to do

“That’s a small victory, but there’s so much more to be done…A suspended driver’s license means you’re not allowed on the road, period,” Nappi Riendeau said.

Bill sponsors on both sides of the aisle agree it’s a step in the right direction, but there’s still more to be done.

“It could be stricter. Originally I wanted three strikes, you’re out,” said Republican Senator Dean Murray.

“As a society, we want to give people a second chance, but if you’re dangerous, you shouldn’t be on the road,” said Democratic Senator Kevin Thomas.

Angelica would now have been 31 years old. Her mother turned the tragedy into something good, but says she is baffled that it took so long.

The driver in Angelica Nappi’s crash could not be reached for comment.