SB182: Penalty for DUI manslaughter.

SENATE BILL NO. 182
Offered January 11, 2012
Prefiled January 10, 2012
A BILL to amend and reenact § 18.2-36.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to penalty for DUI manslaughter.
Patron-- Stuart

Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 18.2-36.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 18.2-36.1. Certain conduct punishable as involuntary manslaughter.

A. Any person who, as a result of driving under the influence in violation of clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) of § 18.2-266 or any local ordinance substantially similar thereto unintentionally causes the death of another person, shall be is guilty of involuntary manslaughter, punishment for which shall include a mandatory minimum term of confinement of one year.

B. If, in addition, the conduct of the defendant was so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life, he shall be is guilty of aggravated involuntary manslaughter, a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than 20 years, one year five years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.

C. The provisions of this section shall not preclude prosecution under any other homicide statute. This section shall not preclude any other revocation or suspension required by law. The driver's license of any person convicted under this section shall be revoked pursuant to subsection B of § 46.2-391.

2.  That the provisions of this act may result in a net increase in periods of imprisonment or commitment. Pursuant to § 30-19.1:4, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation is $201,394 for periods of imprisonment in state adult correctional facilities and is $0 for periods of commitment to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.