Suffolk DA hosts traffic safety resource prosecutor amid push for deadly driving bill


Megan O’Donnell Division Chief of the Criminal Investigations Division and the District Court and Intake Division | Official Website

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced the appointment of Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Dellinger as a New York State Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor. ADA Dellinger will provide expertise in prosecuting motor vehicle offenses for prosecutors and law enforcement agencies across Long Island, New York City, and the lower Hudson Valley.

District Attorney Tierney expressed his pride in Suffolk County being selected to host this initiative, stating, "It is an honor that Suffolk County was selected as a host county for this statewide driver safety initiative, and we are also extremely fortunate to have recruited such a talented prosecutor to this highly prestigious position." He emphasized that hosting the downstate Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor is part of broader efforts to reduce vehicular injuries and deaths. Tierney urged state representatives to pass the bipartisan 'Deadly Driving Bill,' which aims to enhance road safety laws.

ADA Dellinger brings extensive experience from her previous role in Nassau County, where she prosecuted vehicular crimes since 2008. Her work included handling high-profile cases involving serious injuries or fatalities caused by impaired or reckless drivers. She held several supervisory roles, including Deputy Bureau Chief positions in both misdemeanor DWI and felony Vehicular Crimes Bureaus.

District Attorney Tierney has been working with Senate Sponsor John Mannion and former Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Bill Magnarelli on legislation known as the "Deadly Driving Bill." This bill seeks to close legal loopholes that currently hinder arrests and prosecutions for drug-impaired driving unless specific drugs can be identified by officers.

In January 2024, Tierney joined officials, advocates, and affected families at a rally in Albany urging lawmakers to pass the Deadly Driving Bill.

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