Vehicular manslaughter is a criminal offense defined as the unintentional killing (homicide) of another person as a result of criminal negligence or recklessness while operating a motor vehicle—often while the operator is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, engaged in a high risk activity such as street racing, or committing a misdemeanor or infraction offense (speeding) with ordinary negligence.

Vehicular manslaughter is usually a felony offense and often includes significant jail or prison time as potential punishment. Vehicular manslaughter laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Nevada, vehicular manslaughter is addressed under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.657. The offense is defined as causing the death of another person through simple negligence while driving a vehicle. This is considered a misdemeanor in Nevada, which is a less severe classification than a felony. However, if the driver is found to have been under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, the charges can be elevated to vehicular homicide, which is a much more serious offense under NRS 484C.130 and can be classified as a felony. Felony charges come with more severe penalties, including the possibility of significant prison time. The specific circumstances of the incident, such as the level of negligence, whether the driver was intoxicated, and any previous convictions, will influence the severity of the charges and the potential punishment.