(a) When the death of any person ensues within one year as a proximate result of injury received by operating any motorboat, jet ski or other motorized vessel anywhere in this state in reckless disregard of the safety of others, the person so operating the motorboat, jet ski or other motorized vessel is guilty of negligent homicide.
(b) Any person convicted of negligent homicide shall be punished by imprisonment in the county or regional jail for not more than one year or by fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, or by both fine and imprisonment.
(c) The director shall suspend the privilege to operate a motorboat or other motorized vessel in this state for a period of five years from the date of conviction.
Structure West Virginia Code
Article 7. Law Enforcement, Motorboating, Litter
§20-7-1a. Natural Resources Police Officer Salary Increase Based on Length of Service
§20-7-1c. Natural Resources Police Officer, Ranks, Salary Schedule, Base Pay, Exceptions
§20-7-3. Powers and Duties of Other Law Officers
§20-7-4. Powers and Duties of Natural Resources Police Officers
§20-7-5. Enforcement of Chapter
§20-7-6. Prosecutions Under Chapter; Attorney Services; Costs
§20-7-7. Conspiracy to Violate Chapter; Withholding Information; Obstructing Officers
§20-7-8. Seizure and Disposition of Property Used for Illegal Purpose
§20-7-9. Violations of Chapter Generally; Penalties
§20-7-10. Justice of Peace Jurisdiction Under Chapter
§20-7-11. Motorboats and Other Terms Defined
§20-7-12b. Boating Safety Education Certificate
§20-7-14. Motorboats Exempt From Numbering
§20-7-15. Dealers' and Manufacturers' Certificate of Number; Applications and Fees
§20-7-18a. Negligent Homicide; Penalties
§20-7-18b. Operating Under Influence of Alcohol, Controlled Substances or Drugs; Penalties
§20-7-18c. Implied Consent to Test; Administration at Direction of Law-Enforcement Officer
§20-7-18d. Operation of Personal Watercrafts
§20-7-19. Water Skiing and Surfboarding
§20-7-19a. Towing Water Skiers and Towables
§20-7-20. Regattas, Races and Exhibitions; Applications and Permits
§20-7-20a. Personal Watercraft Operation and Towing Exemptions
§20-7-21. Responsibility of Owner, etc., for Incapable Operators of Motorboats
§20-7-22. General Rules and Regulations for Motorboating; Special Rules