A Wyandanch mother has been charged under Leandra's Law after allegedly driving drunk and crashing a car carrying her two young children.

Police say Laquita Brooks, 39, was driving drunk on Dix Hills Road in Huntington when she lost control of her car, knocked over a street sign and hit a tree. Brooks' children, aged 5 and 7, were in the back seat. Both were rushed to the hospital, the 7-year-old with a serious head injury.

Brooks' defense attorneys said in court today that she has no past criminal record. Efie Jennings, the woman's landlord, described Brooks as a good mother who sings in a church choir. Jennings was surprised to learn of the charges.

"She seems to be a very nice person," she said. "I don't know what happened."

Brooks was arraigned this morning. Bail was set at $1,000 bond, and Brooks is due back in court Jan. 31.