Law Summary
Penalties for Reckless Imprudence
- If by reckless imprudence an act is committed that would have been a grave felony if intentional, penalty ranges from arresto mayor (maximum) to prision correccional (medium).
- If the act would have been a less grave felony, penalty is arresto mayor (minimum and medium).
- If it would have been a light felony, penalty is arresto menor (maximum).
Penalties for Simple Imprudence or Negligence
- Acts committed by simple imprudence or negligence that would be grave felonies if intentional are penalized with arresto mayor (medium and maximum).
- For acts that would be less serious felonies if intentional, the penalty is arresto mayor (minimum).
- Damage only to property results in a fine ranging from the value of the damage to three times the value, with a minimum fine of twenty-five pesos.
Penalties for Simple Imprudence Causing Wrong
- For wrongs caused by simple imprudence or negligence that would be light felonies if malicious, a fine up to two hundred pesos and censure is imposed.
Judicial Discretion and Limitations of Application
- Courts have sound discretion in imposing penalties under this article, without following rules in Article 64.
- The article does not apply when the penalty for the offense is equal to or lower than those provided; courts impose the next lower degree penalty.
- Automobile law violations causing death due to imprudence or negligence are penalized with prision correccional (medium and maximum).
Definitions of Reckless and Simple Imprudence
- Reckless imprudence: Voluntary acts without malice causing damage due to inexcusable lack of precaution, considering employment, intelligence, and other situational factors.
- Simple imprudence: Lack of precaution where danger or damage is not immediate or obvious.
Penalty for Failure to Aid Injured Parties
- Penalty next higher in degree is imposed on offenders who fail to help injured parties on the spot.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon approval.