If a person operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated and negligently causes an accident that results in the death of another person, the operator may be charged with the criminal offense of intoxication manslaughter.

Some states have a broader definition of the criminal offense of intoxication manslaughter and may charge an intoxicated person who negligently causes the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle, an aircraft, a watercraft, or an amusement ride with the crime of intoxication manslaughter. Intoxication manslaughter is a felony offense and may be punished by significant jail or prison time.

Laws vary from state to state, and some states have criminal offenses such as vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide, as provided by the state’s statutes, and may charge an intoxicated person who negligently causes the death of another motorist with such a crime.

Intoxication manslaughter laws are generally located in a state's statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Connecticut, if a person operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes the death of another person, they may be charged with the criminal offense of 'second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle.' This is outlined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-56b. This offense is considered a Class C felony, which can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a driver's license suspension. The law in Connecticut does not specifically use the term 'intoxication manslaughter,' which is used in some other states, but the concept is similar under the 'second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle' statute. The state may also impose additional charges depending on the circumstances of the incident, such as 'negligent homicide with a motor vehicle' under Section 14-222a for less severe cases where alcohol or drugs are involved. Penalties for these offenses are severe as they aim to deter driving under the influence and punish those who cause harm while doing so.