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 Missouri, the relevant offense for situations where an intoxicated person operates a vehicle and causes an accident resulting in death is known as 'Involuntary Manslaughter.' Under Missouri law, specifically Section 565.024 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, if an individual operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated and, through criminal negligence, causes the death of another person, they may be charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in the first degree. This is a Class C felony, which can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment. Missouri does not use the term 'intoxication manslaughter,' but the concept is similar to what some states may categorize under that term or under 'vehicular manslaughter' or 'vehicular homicide.' The state's statutes, particularly the criminal code, outline the specifics of these offenses and the associated penalties.