What is the worst offense a driver aged 21 or older can be charged with if they cause the death of another person while driving under the influence?

Intoxication manslaughter is the most severe offense a driver aged 21 or older can face if they cause the death of another person while driving under the influence. This charge applies specifically when the driver is found to be operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs and their impairment results in the fatality of another individual.

Intoxication manslaughter is classified as a second-degree felony in Texas, which can carry significant penalties, including lengthy jail sentences and substantial fines. This offense emphasizes the seriousness of the act, recognizing the combination of impaired judgment due to intoxication and the tragic consequence of taking another person's life.

The other offenses, such as negligent homicide, while serious, typically involve a lower level of recklessness or negligence without the added element of intoxication being central to the act. Drunkenness as a term does not pertain to a specific legal charge and driving while under the influence, while a serious offense, does not carry the same grave consequence of causing death, which elevates the charge to intoxication manslaughter in this context.