A New York woman was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence with her two children in the car and crashing into a tree on Thursday night, NBC News reported.
Officials say Laquita Brooks, 39, hit a signpost before she struck a tree while driving in Long Island with her 5-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter, both sitting in the back without the proper child restraints.
The girl suffered from a serious head injury and was taken to Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park for further care after initial treatment in Huntington. The boy endured a minor head injury and the mother was not seriously wounded.
Brooks was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child under 15 years or younger -- a felony under Leandra's Law -- and endangering the welfare of a child.
It was not immediately known if Brooks had legal representation yet. She is scheduled for arraignment on Friday and is due back in court on New Year's Eve.
According to Sophia Hall of WCBS 880, the mother of two kept her head down in front of the judge.
"I'm not taking away your children but it could happen in the future," the judge reportedly told Brooks.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call them at (631) 854 - 8252.
