New York Law (NYLE) Practice Exam 2025 - Free NYLE Practice Questions and Study Guide

A person who causes the death of another while driving intoxicated is most likely to be charged with involuntary manslaughter. This charge applies because involuntary manslaughter involves an unintentional killing that results from criminal negligence or reckless behavior. In the context of driving while intoxicated, the act can be classified as reckless since the driver was aware, or should have been aware, that their actions posed a significant risk to others.

Intoxication impairs a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely, and in such circumstances, the law recognizes the driver's failure to exercise the care that a reasonable, sober driver would exhibit. This negligent behavior leads to severe risks and potential fatal consequences, framing the situation within the boundaries of involuntary manslaughter rather than more serious charges such as voluntary manslaughter, which requires an intent to kill, or second-degree murder, which involves a much greater degree of intent or depraved indifference to human life.

Criminally negligent homicide could also appear relevant but typically involves a lower threshold of negligence compared to involuntary manslaughter in New York law, which is specifically tied to situations where the conduct leading to death was more reckless. Thus, involuntary manslaughter accurately encapsulates the legal implications