Governor Hochul signs Angelica’s Law, which expands the offense of felony aggravated unlicensed operation in the first-degree

ALBANY, NY- This week, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation which is aimed to protect New Yorkers from reckless or dangerous driving.

Known as Angelica’s Law, the legislation decreases the number of prior license suspensions needed to qualify for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, which is a class E felony.

The law is named in honor of Angelica Nappi, who lost her life after being killed by a driver with multiple prior suspensions.

“After Angelica Nappi tragically lost her life more than a decade ago, her family have channeled their pain into purpose to push for this legislation. I’m honored to stand with Angelica’s family as we sign this law and make our roads safer for all,” the governor said.

Angelica was just 14 in 2008 when she was struck and killed by a driver, who did not have a valid license and who had more than five previous driver’s license suspensions.

According to the Governor's Office, Angelica’s Law will help to keep drivers with prior suspensions off of the road by applying a felony to recidivist drivers, who operate vehicles without a valid license after having committed five or more moving violations resulting in prior suspensions or revocations.

Image via the Office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.