Mother with DWI gets probation sentence

DEPEW, N.Y. (WIVB) - The first person sentenced in Western New York under the new Leandra's Law will not serve time behind bars.

The law is designed to be a tough felony punishment for driving drunk with children in the car.

But on Friday, State Supreme Court Justice Penny Wolfgang sentenced Jolie Norse to five years probation.

She had consumed more than twice the legal limit when she was stopped at the Depew exit of the thruway on Christmas night.

Her three adopted children and one foster child were in the car with her.

"I'm just very sorry for everything that happened that night and the way that everything turned out. It was just a bad night, and that's all," Norse exclaimed.

Police said Norse had been drinking heavily that night before she got the call to see her dying father in the hospital.

In addition to probation, she has also lost her license and an opportunity to adopt a fourth child.