When an intoxicated driver causes the death of a passenger in another vehicle, what is the proper charge?

The proper charge when an intoxicated driver causes the death of a passenger in another vehicle is Intoxication Manslaughter. This charge is specifically designated for situations where an individual, while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causes the death of another person. The law recognizes that such actions entail a severe level of negligence and recklessness, as the driver was not only impaired but also directly caused harm that resulted in a fatality.

Intoxication Manslaughter carries a serious penalty, reflecting the seriousness of the offense. It acknowledges both the risk posed by driving while intoxicated and the tragic outcome of that behavior. In this context, it serves as a deterrent to prevent such reckless actions that endanger others on the road.

The other charges listed do not align with the specific circumstances of causing death through intoxicated driving. For example, Driving while Intoxicated may address the act of driving under the influence, but it does not encompass the fatal outcome. Intoxication Assault typically involves injury rather than death, and Reckless Endangerment focuses on creating a substantial risk of serious physical injury to others but does not directly address fatalities resulting from intoxicated driving. Thus, Intoxication Manslaughter is the appropriate charge in