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 Minnesota, the relevant criminal offense for situations where an intoxicated person negligently causes the death of another while operating a motor vehicle is known as 'criminal vehicular homicide.' Under Minnesota law, specifically Minnesota Statutes section 609.21, a person is guilty of criminal vehicular homicide if they cause the death of another as a result of operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner, in a negligent manner while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or any combination of these substances, or where the driver has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. This offense is a felony and carries severe penalties, including potential imprisonment and fines. The statutes do not extend the offense to the operation of aircraft, watercraft, or amusement rides, focusing instead on motor vehicle operation. It's important for individuals to be aware that these laws are strictly enforced and that the consequences of such actions can be significant.