Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-56b – Manslaughter in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle

Under C.G.S. § 53a-56b, a person commits Manslaughter in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle when, while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they cause the death of another person as a result of that operation.

This statute is often charged in fatal DUI accidents and carries serious felony consequences. It is one of the most severe motor vehicle-related crimes in Connecticut.

Manslaughter in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle is a Class C felony in Connecticut and carries:

• 1 to 10 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Mandatory 1-year license suspension
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 2 years after license restoration
• Permanent felony criminal record

While these cases are tragic, there are several defenses an experienced attorney can pursue:

• Challenging the DUI evidence – questioning the legality of the stop, accuracy of breath or blood tests, or chain of custody of evidence.
• Causation issues – proving that alcohol or drug use did not cause the accident (e.g., the death was caused by another driver or unforeseeable event).
• Constitutional violations – unlawful search, seizure, or violation of rights can lead to suppression of key evidence.
• Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) Program – while rarely granted due to the seriousness of the charge, AR may be available in highly unusual circumstances or for a reduced charge resulting from negotiation.
• Negotiation to lesser charges – such as negligent homicide with a motor vehicle or DUI with serious injury.

• C.G.S. § 14-227a – Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• C.G.S. § 53a-56 – Manslaughter in the Second Degree
• C.G.S. § 53a-57 – Misconduct with a Motor Vehicle
• C.G.S. § 53a-60d – Assault in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle

A man is driving home from a party in Stamford after drinking several beers. He runs a red light and collides with another car, killing its driver. His blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.13. He can be charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle under C.G.S. § 53a-56b because he caused a death while operating under the influence.

A woman is driving under the influence of marijuana and loses control of her car on I-95, striking a pedestrian. Prosecutors may charge her with Manslaughter in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle under this statute.

A driver is completely sober but hits and kills a pedestrian who darted into the road unexpectedly in heavy rain. While this may lead to a civil lawsuit, it does not fall under C.G.S. § 53a-56b because there was no evidence of DUI.

1. What is Manslaughter in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle?
   It’s when someone causes another person’s death while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
2. Is this a felony in Connecticut?
   Yes. It’s a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
3. Do I have to be over the legal limit to be charged?
   No. Even if your BAC is below 0.08%, evidence of impairment due to drugs or alcohol can still support this charge.
4. Can I be charged with both DUI and this offense?
   Yes. Prosecutors often charge both, though one may merge at sentencing.
5. Will I lose my driver’s license?
   Yes. A conviction carries a mandatory one-year suspension and IID installation.
6. Can I avoid jail as a first offender?
   Possibly, but the charge is very serious. Outcomes depend on the facts, strength of the defense, and mitigation efforts.
7. What’s the difference between this and regular manslaughter?
   This statute specifically involves causing death while DUI, whereas general manslaughter covers reckless killings without a vehicle or alcohol component.
8. Will this show on background checks?
   Yes. A felony conviction will appear permanently.
9. Can I fight the blood or breath test results?
   Yes. Many cases hinge on challenging the validity of chemical tests.
10. Do I need a lawyer right away?
    Absolutely. Early intervention can help preserve evidence, challenge the state’s case, and work toward the best possible outcome.

If you’re facing a charge of Manslaughter in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle under C.G.S. § 53a-56b, your freedom and future are at stake. I have over 30 years of experience defending clients against serious DUI and vehicular homicide charges in Connecticut.

Call me today at (203) 357-5555 for a free, confidential consultation, or complete my secure online contact form. I’ll fight to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and pursue the strongest possible defense.