Croton-on-Hudson DWI Arrest: Beacon Woman Charged Under Leandra’s Law in Incident Involving Children

On May 16, 2025, law enforcement officers from the State Police in Cortlandt executed a traffic stop on Route 9 in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. The incident centered on a 2020 Tesla driven by Jennifer L. Moore, 36, of Beacon, New York. Officers observed multiple traffic violations during the initial stop, which soon escalated when signs of intoxication were noted in the driver.

Incident Overview

During routine patrol duties, a State Police trooper from SP Cortlandt identified a vehicle committing several traffic infractions on Route 9. The driver, later identified as Jennifer L. Moore, exhibited clear behavioral indications of impairment. The officer’s observations led to the execution of standardized field sobriety tests, which Moore failed.

Observations and Field Sobriety Testing

Observations made by the trooper during the encounter included:

• The driver’s erratic behavior and inability to comply with field sobriety test instructions.
• A noticeable odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle.
• Inadequate performance on physical and cognitive tasks during testing.

These objective indicators, combined with the traffic violations, provided law enforcement with sufficient grounds to suspect that Ms. Moore was operating her vehicle under the influence of intoxicants.

Involvement of Minors

A critical factor in the incident was the presence of three children in the vehicle, aged 1, 2, and 13 years. Given New York’s strict statutes under Leandra’s Law—a law established to safeguard children from the dangers of impaired driving—this fact elevated the severity of the charges. The children were immediately secured and later turned over to a responsible, sober party to ensure their safety and well-being.

Arrest and Charges

Following the failed sobriety tests, Jennifer L. Moore was taken into custody. During processing at SP Cortlandt, she refused to provide a breath sample, triggering further legal complications. As a result, the following charges have been levied against her:

• Three counts of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child/Passenger- Less than 16 (a Class E felony under Leandra’s Law).
• A charge of Driving While Intoxicated (an unclassified misdemeanor).
• Multiple Vehicle and Traffic Violations.

Refusal to take a breath test under New York’s implied consent law not only leads to administrative penalties—including license suspension and fines—but also poses additional challenges in proving the defendant’s blood alcohol concentration in court.

Legal Background and Implications

Leandra’s Law was enacted to deter driving under the influence with minors in the vehicle. It carries severe penalties aimed at protecting children and ensuring enhanced public safety. In cases such as this, where the defendant is charged with multiple violations—including operating a vehicle while intoxicated with children onboard—the law provides for mandatory ignition interlock device installation and substantial prison time should a conviction occur.

The refusal to submit to a breath test further compounds the situation. New York law treats such refusals as evidence of impairment, which can influence the court during sentencing. Moreover, the presence of minors in an impaired driving incident is a critical aggravating factor that underscores the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable passengers.

Court Proceedings and Next Steps

After her arraignment in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson Court, Ms. Moore was released on her own recognizance. The court has scheduled her next appearance for May 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. While authorities continue their investigation into the multifaceted aspects of the incident, legal experts caution that the jury’s eventual decision will heavily weigh both the statutory implications of Leandra’s Law and the aggravating circumstances of having minors in the vehicle at the time of the offense.

Community and Public Safety Considerations

Local community leaders and law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to keeping public roads safe. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications of impaired driving, particularly when children’s lives are at risk. Public safety campaigns and enhanced patrol efforts remain a priority in order to deter similar offenses and to protect all road users.

The case is actively monitored by both legal experts and local media, with further updates expected following the court proceedings. Observers note that cases like this may also stimulate discussions on preventive measures, such as stricter compliance protocols and improved intervention strategies during stops involving evidence of intoxication.