Law change push after Corasanti trial

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - The push to change a state law in the wake of the Dr. James Corasanti verdict took another step forward on Friday.

Thursday, State Senator Pat Gallivan introduced a bill he intends to push in the Senate to close a so-called "loophole" in the law. Now State Assemblyman Dennis Gabyrszak of Cheektowaga is sponsoring legislation in the Assembly with the same goal.

Under the current law, prosecutors had to prove Dr. Corasanti knew or had a reason to know he hit a person. Lawmakers are pushing for a law that would shift the burden to the defendant to prove they did not know they hit someone. Under the current law, it's possible a defendant could use being drunk as a reason why they were unaware.

Corasanti claims he didn't know he struck Alexandria Rice and was acquitted of all felony charges.