Pennsylvania § 5502.1 - Homicide by watercraft while operating under influence.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5502.1 — Homicide by watercraft while operating under influence., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5502.1. Homicide by watercraft while operating under influence.
(a) Offense defined.--Any person who unintentionally causes the death of another person as the direct result of a violation of section 5502 (relating to operating watercraft under influence of alcohol or controlled substance) and who is convicted of violating section 5502 commits a felony of the second degree when the violation is the cause of death and the sentencing court shall order the person to serve a minimum term of imprisonment of not less than three years. A consecutive three-year term of imprisonment shall be imposed for each victim whose death is the result of a violation of section 5502.
(b) Applicability of sentencing guidelines.--The sentencing guidelines promulgated by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing shall not supersede the mandatory penalty of this section.
(May 30, 1984, P.L.339, No.68, eff. 60 days; July 7, 2011, P.L.211, No.33, eff. 60 days)
2011 Amendment. Act 33 amended subsec. (a).
1984 Amendment. Act 68 added section 5502.1.
Cross References. Section 5502.1 is referred to in sections 928, 5506 of this title; sections 5750, 67A01 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5502.1
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5502.1 cover?
Section 5502.1 ("Homicide by watercraft while operating under influence.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania § 5502.1?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5502.1" (Pennsylvania). 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 Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 5502.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.