What California’s New DUI Manslaughter Law Means for Drivers and Victims

For California families, few tragedies are more devastating than losing a loved one to an impaired driver. Beginning January 1, 2026, California strengthened its response to these preventable crimes through Assembly Bill 1087 (AB 1087), which increases the consequences for drivers convicted of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. The bill was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 1, 2025, and amends California Penal Code Section 191.5.

Holding Impaired Drivers More Accountable: California’s AB 1087

While AB 1087 does not increase the prison sentences for these offenses, it does require that anyone convicted of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and granted probation serve a minimum probation period of three years and up to five years. Previously, probation could be as short as one year for misdemeanor convictions or two years for felony convictions. The new law reflects the Legislature’s determination that impaired-driving deaths deserve longer court supervision and greater accountability.

Longer probation means offenders remain under court oversight for an extended period, must comply with stricter probation conditions, and face more significant consequences if they violate those conditions. Lawmakers hope these changes will reduce repeat offenses while emphasizing the serious and lasting impact impaired drivers have on victims’ families and communities.

Tougher DUI Penalties, But Victims Still Need Civil Justice

At Johnson Attorneys Group, we have seen firsthand how a single reckless decision can forever change lives. Criminal penalties are designed to punish offenders, but they do not compensate families for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, or the emotional toll caused by a catastrophic crash. Victims and surviving family members may also have the right to pursue a civil claim against the responsible driver.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed by an impaired driver, it is important to understand your legal rights as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the crash, preserve critical evidence, and help your family pursue the compensation needed to move forward while holding negligent drivers fully accountable. Give us a call for a free consultation at 1-800-208-3538.