How DWI manslaughter differs from vehicular homicide in Missouri. If you’re facing felony charges after a fatal crash, the legal terms used, such as DWI manslaughter and vehicular homicide, can be confusing, overwhelming, and terrifying. But understanding the differences is crucial, especially in Missouri, where each charge carries its own penalties, standards of proof, and legal defenses.
At Combs Waterkotte, we defend clients across Missouri who are accused of causing serious or fatal accidents. If you’ve been charged, or even investigated, for a death resulting from impaired or reckless driving, call our skilled DWI/DUI defense team immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. This article will help you understand how the law applies and how to fight back.
Blog Summary
DWI manslaughter and vehicular homicide may sound similar, but in Missouri, they are charged and prosecuted differently. This blog breaks down the legal definitions, penalties, and key distinctions between the two, especially how intoxication plays a role in charging decisions. Learn how prosecutors decide between involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide, what penalties each carries, and how an experienced DWI/DUI defense lawyer based in St. Louis can intervene early to reduce or dismiss charges after a fatal crash. If you or a loved one is facing serious allegations, understanding these terms is the first step toward protecting your freedom.
What Is DWI Manslaughter in Missouri?
In Missouri, DWI manslaughter typically refers to a driver who causes a death while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is formally charged under Missouri’s involuntary manslaughter statutes (Missouri Revised Statute § 565.024 and § 565.027), depending on the level of alleged recklessness or negligence.
Key elements of a DWI manslaughter charge include:
- Operating a motor vehicle
- In an intoxicated or drugged condition
- Causing the death of another person as a result
This type of charge often arises in alcohol-related fatal crashes but can also include marijuana or prescription drug impairment. Depending on aggravating factors, such as a prior DWI, driving on a suspended license, or having a high BAC, it may be charged as a Class C, Class B, or even Class A felony.
What Is Vehicular Homicide in Missouri?
Technically, Missouri law doesn’t use the term “vehicular homicide” in its criminal statutes. However, the term is commonly used by law enforcement and the media to describe any charge involving the death of another person caused by a vehicle, especially if no alcohol is involved.
Instead of a separate statute, prosecutors rely on other charges to prosecute vehicular deaths, such as:
- First-degree involuntary manslaughter – when the driver acted recklessly
- Second-degree involuntary manslaughter – when the driver acted with criminal negligence
- Assault or endangerment charges if death didn’t occur but serious injury did
In short, “vehicular homicide” is a generic term that may apply to a range of charges, with or without DWI/DUI, depending on the circumstances. Prosecutors choose the exact statute based on your behavior, driving history, and the outcome of the crash.
DWI Manslaughter vs. Vehicular Homicide: Key Differences in Missouri
While both involve a fatal crash, here are the biggest legal differences between these two terms in Missouri:
| Factor | DWI/DUI Manslaughter | Vehicular Homicide |
|---|---|---|
| Intoxication Required? | Yes – alcohol or drug impairment must be proven | No – can be based on recklessness or negligence alone |
| Common Charges | Involuntary Manslaughter (1st or 2nd degree) | Same, but often without a DWI enhancement |
| Felony Level | Typically Class C or B felony (can rise to Class A) | Usually Class C or D, depending on behavior |
| Defense Focus | Challenging intoxication and causation | Challenging fault, distraction, or recklessness |
| License Consequences | Almost always includes revocation | Varies — not always automatic |
Why the Distinction Matters in Missouri
Prosecutors often charge the most severe version possible after a fatal crash, particularly if they believe alcohol or drugs were involved. But in some cases, a skilled DWI/DUI defense lawyer in St. Louis can argue the facts better fit a lower offense, or even a non-DWI manslaughter charge that carries reduced penalties and better plea options.
In other words: charging decisions are negotiable. The sooner you hire a defense lawyer to intervene, the more time they have to shape the investigation and push for lesser charges or dismissal.
How Combs Waterkotte Can Help Your DWI Manslaughter Case
At Combs Waterkotte, we have a proven track record of defending numerous clients in St. Louis and across Missouri against a number of charges, including:
- DWI manslaughter involving alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs
- Vehicular homicide based on reckless driving or other charges
Our defense strategy includes reviewing every piece of evidence — from toxicology reports and police videos to dashcam footage and eyewitness accounts. We work with crash reconstructionists, challenge flawed sobriety testing, and fight aggressively in both pre-trial motions and trial court.
You only get one shot at protecting your freedom and future. Let our trial-tested St. Louis DWI/DUI defense attorneys take the lead.
Speak With a St. Louis DWI Manslaughter Defense Lawyer Today
If you’ve been arrested, or even questioned, in connection with a fatal DWI crash in Missouri, do not wait. The charges you face could determine the course of your life. At Combs Waterkotte, our DWI manslaughter defense team is here to act fast, protect your rights, and fight back with the full force of Missouri law.
Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online right away to schedule your free case review.
