A Death Behind the Wheel
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-1 — driving so as to endanger, up to ten years, and under the influence, five to fifteen
A death caused by driving in reckless disregard of the safety of others is driving so as to endanger, resulting in death: imprisonment for not more than ten years and a suspension of no more than five years.
A serious bodily injury caused the same way is punished by imprisonment for not more than five years and a suspension of no more than three years.
Under the influence. A death caused while driving under the influence of liquor or drugs is punished, for a first violation, by not less than five years and not more than fifteen years, a fine of $5,000 to $10,000, and a revocation of five years.
Civil claims by the family run separately. A particular case is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-1 — Driving so as to endanger, resulting in death
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-1.1 — Driving so as to endanger, resulting in serious personal injury
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.2 — Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, resulting in death
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.