A man with dozens of license suspensions blew a stop sign Sunday in North Amityville and had crack cocaine in his van, police say.
James Brown, 66, was arrested on Prospect Street West. Officers say they found a small amount of crack cocaine.
He was charged with felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and drug possession.
Prosecutors say Brown's license had been suspended 43 times on 17 different dates.
Brown's attorney said in court most of his client's suspensions were for not having insurance or missing court dates.
Brown was issued a $2,000 cash bond and was ordered to return to Central Islip court in January.
The stronger felony charge with which Brown is charged stems from having his license suspended more than 10 times on 10 different dates. Suffolk mom Dawn Nappi says that threshold is way too high and is trying to get the law changed.
In 2008, Nappi's daughter Angelica was killed by a motorist whose license was suspended multiple times. She has pushed for more than a decade for passage of Angelica's Law, which would lower the limit to five suspensions to qualify for the more severe felony status. Nappi says the bill has stalled in Albany, but she hopes a new state Assembly and Senate will consider it again.
Incoming freshman Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, of Long Island's 3rd District, tells News 12 that he plans to push for Angelica's Law in Albany next year.