North Dakota § 39-08-01.2 - Special punishment for causing injury or death while operating a vehicle

Full text of North Dakota North Dakota Century Code § 39-08-01.2 — Special punishment for causing injury or death while operating a vehicle, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 39-08-01.2. Special punishment for causing injury or death while operating a vehicle

while under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs or substances - Penalty. 1. An individual is guilty of criminal vehicular homicide if the individual commits an offense under section 39-08-01 or equivalent ordinance and as a result the individual causes a death of another individual to occur, including the death of an unborn child, unless the individual who causes the death of the unborn child is the mother. A violation of this subsection is a class A felony. If an individual commits a violation under this subsection, the court shall impose at least three years' imprisonment. If the individual violates this section after having been previously convicted of a violation of section 39-08-01 or 39-08-03, or equivalent ordinance, the court shall impose at least ten years' imprisonment. An individual may not be prosecuted and found guilty of this and an offense under chapter 12.1-16 if the conduct arises out of the same incident. 2. An individual is guilty of criminal vehicular injury if the individual violates section 39-08-01 or an equivalent ordinance and as a result that individual causes substantial bodily or serious bodily injury to another individual. Violation of this subsection is a class B felony. If an individual violates this subsection, the court shall impose at least one year and one day's imprisonment. If the individual violates this section after having been previously convicted of a violation of section 39-08-01 or 39-08-03 or an equivalent ordinance, the court shall impose at least two years' imprisonment. 3. The sentence under this section may not be suspended unless the court finds that manifest injustice would result from the imposition of the sentence. Before a sentence under this section applies, a defendant must be notified of the minimum mandatory sentence. The elements of an offense under this section are the elements of an offense for a violation of section 39-08-01 and the additional elements that create an offense in each subsection of this section. Whether an individual caused death or substantial or serious bodily injury must be determined in accordance with section 12.1-02-05.

Source: official North Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota § 39-08-01.2

What does North Dakota Century Code § 39-08-01.2 cover?

Section 39-08-01.2 ("Special punishment for causing injury or death while operating a vehicle") is part of the North Dakota Century Code, the codified statutory law of North Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite North Dakota § 39-08-01.2?

A common citation format is "North Dakota Century Code § 39-08-01.2" (North Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of North Dakota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Dakota attorney.

How does North Dakota § 39-08-01.2 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota.