{"id":373989,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-involuntary-manslaughter-and-motor-vehicle-homicid.html"},"modified":"2025-07-16T15:54:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T20:54:00","slug":"massachusetts-involuntary-manslaughter-and-motor-vehicle-homicid","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-involuntary-manslaughter-and-motor-vehicle-homicid.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Involuntary Manslaughter and Motor Vehicle Homicide Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Massachusetts Involuntary Manslaughter and Motor Vehicle Homicide Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Homicide involves the intentional or unintentional taking of a human life. Manslaughter is a type of homicide. It is different from murder in that manslaughter does not require premeditation or malice aforethought.<\/p>\r\n

Massachusetts law recognizes both voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. A person is guilty of involuntary manslaughter<\/a> if they unintentionally cause the death of another person, their reckless conduct causes death, or they commit a serious battery upon another person that results in death.<\/p>\r\n

This article examines Massachusetts\u2019s involuntary manslaughter and motor vehicle homicide laws. It also explains the penalties and defenses to these crimes in the Commonwealth.<\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019re facing criminal charges<\/a> in Massachusetts, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer<\/a>. We also provided links to relevant and helpful FindLaw articles at the bottom of this page.<\/p>\r\n

Motor Vehicle Homicide<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Motor vehicle homicide is a criminal offense involving someone who causes the death of another person as a result of their reckless or negligent operation of a motor vehicle or boat while intoxicated. The intoxication can be due to alcohol, a controlled substance, or any other chemical that diminishes a person\u2019s ability to drive carefully.<\/p>\r\n

Motor vehicle homicide charges may qualify as either a felony<\/a> or a misdemeanor<\/a> offense. This depends several factors, including:<\/p>\r\n