Legislature to Hold Public Hearings on DWI-Prompt Suspension Law
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     The New York State Assembly's Committee on Transportation will hold public
hearings on recent amendments to VTL 1193, which require the suspension of
drivers' licenses pending prosecution in DWI cases. The committee, chaired by
Assemblyman David F. Gantt, will hold four hearings around the state to gather
information in order to identify any statutory changes necessary to improve the
law's effectiveness.
     The committee intends to have witnesses address relevant questions
including how many drivers' licenses have been suspended, how many hardship
exemptions have been issued, whether the law's implementation posed
administrative difficulties for the courts or other agencies and whether the law
has deterred drunk driving.
     Of particular interest will be the Committee's examination of the several
constitutional challenges to the law (see Sisco v. Harter and Pringle v. Wolfe).
NYSDA member Peter Gerstenzang and recognized DWI-expert will present testimony
to the Committee on behalf of the Association.
@DNEWS TEXT = Hearing will be held in Rochester on December 4, in Babylon on
December 6, in New York City on December 7, and in Albany on January 23.
     Persons interested in testifying or having any questions may contact Julie
A. Barney, Principal Legislative Analyst at 518-455-4881.



West Releases New Edition of Gerstenzang's DWI Guide
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     West Publishing released this month a new edition of Peter Gerstenzang's
guide to New York DWI law. The softbound volume, Handling the DWI Case in New
York, 1995-96 Edition is a significant DWI law reference for defense attorneys.
It provides numerous updates to the original guide and includes comprehensive
analysis and advice about New York's DWI statutes, regulations, case law,
enforcement tactics and penalties.
     Among the issues covered are: challenges to the 1994 law amending VTL
1193 requiring driver's license suspension pending prosecution; the demise of
the two-hour rule; speedy trial requirements; witness statements; and the
written and unwritten administrative policies of the DMV.
     Copies of the 1200 page guide can be ordered by calling West Publishing at
1-800-328-9352.



Departing Backup Center Staff to Be Missed
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     After eleven years of dedicated service, Debbie Johnson, senior secretary
at the Backup Center, has left our office to pursue a management position with
the McDonald's Corp. People who have contacted the Backup Center have had the
<%2>pleasure of experiencing Debbie's cheerful personality. In addition to her
other duties, Debbie served as NYSDA's membership and training secretary.
     Debbie Reichler, who well-served NYSDA as its business manager for over
four years, recently left to accept a position with Equinox, a not-for-profit
social service organization.
Both Debbies will be missed greatly and we wish them the best in their new
professional pursuits.



WexTech Systems, Inc. Donates Window's "Help" Software to NYSDA
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     The New York State Defenders Association recently received a donation of
DOC to HELP, a Windows Help development program from WexTech Systems of New York
City. This corporate contribution will greatly assist NYSDA develop of
professional quality Windows help files for its Public Defense Case Management
System (CMS). The CMS will be released after beta testing at the Monroe and
Schenectady County Public Defenders Office.
     DOC to HELP provides the ability to easily create a powerful on-line
Windows Help system. Once on-line help is created, DOC to HELP can generate
printed documentation. This feature will significantly minimize the time
necessary to create written documentation, enabling NYSDA computer staff to
devote greater time and resources to other defense automation projects.
     NYSDA thanks WexTech for DOC to HELP and for its corporate commitment to
support quality public the efforts of the public defense community through their
generosity.