CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Aiding a Suicide

The Various Methods of Suicide and the Legal Consequences of Aiding in It

Suicide is a tragic decision that an individual can make for various reasons, ranging from mental illness to personal crises. However, regardless of the reason, it is essential to understand that suicide is always a dangerous and final decision. While there are avenues for seeking help, such as seeking medical attention, medication, and counseling, some individuals may decide to take the route of suicide. However, the legal and ethical implications that arise when individuals aid in suicide vary depending on the laws of the state.

One common question that arises is whether suicide is a personal choice or a criminal act. The answer is not always straightforward. While a person has a natural right to make decisions regarding their life, and, unfortunately, suicide is one of them, aiding someone in committing suicide is illegal in most states. Therefore, while an individual can try to stop someone from committing suicide, helping the person carry out the act intentionally could lead to legal repercussions.

Furthermore, suppose the person considering suicide is an incompetent individual, such as a minor or a person with a severe mental illness. In that case, that person is not capable of making sound decisions, and assisting in any suicide attempt is strictly forbidden by law.

Below are different methods of suicide and the legal consequences that result if someone aids in the act.

Drowning

Drowning is a less common method of suicide but is still used by some individuals. It involves walking into a body of water or jumping in with no intention of coming up to the surface. Some may even use a bathtub. However, it is important to note that helping someone commit suicide through drowning is an illegal act known as aiding and abetting or murder.

Exsanguination

Exsanguination, commonly referred to as slitting one’s wrist, is a suicide method that involves making a deep incision on one’s wrist to cause blood loss. Often, the person uses an upward motion to achieve maximum blood loss. Exsanguination often results in death due to extreme blood loss. However, if the cut is not deep enough, an individual could suffer from oxygen deprivation, which could lead to limited muscle movement and changes in speech. Assisting someone to commit Exsanguination is strictly forbidden by law.

Jumping from a Tall Building or Bridge

Jumping from a high place such as a building or bridge is a common and often successful suicide method. However, if the height is insufficient to cause death, the individual could end up with broken bones or a broken back that would leave them paralyzed. Aiding someone in carrying out this method is illegal and could amount to murder or aiding and abetting.

Poisoning

Poisoning is another option that some individuals consider, and it often leads to a peaceful end. In some cases, doctors use this method because there are chemicals that can cause the body to shut down. Common poisons are cyanide, bleach, and diazepam, among others. However, aiding someone to use poisons to commit suicide is strictly forbidden by law.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a method used by individuals who want to sleep with no pain. One way to achieve this is by sitting in a garage with a car running, which will slowly deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to the individual falling asleep. It is also essential to note that assisting someone to commit carbon monoxide poisoning is illegal and can amount to murder or aiding and abetting.

Gunshot

A gunshot is one of the most successful suicide methods and is the most common method of getting someone else involved. Some individuals turn to officer-assisted suicide where they would approach an officer with a weapon or in an aggressive manner. However, the law forbids assisting someone to carry out this method.

Legal Consequences

If someone is charged with aiding in a suicide case, their attorney would look into the wishes of the victim. The attorney would present evidence in court on whether the accused knew of the victim’s intentions or not before the act was committed. If the accused knew of the victim’s intentions, they could face severe legal consequences. If the accused helped the person get the necessary tools or materials to commit suicide, they could be charged with aiding and abetting. The attorney would also consider the criminal background of the accused and the intent behind assisting the person.

As depicted above, suicide is a tragic mistake that affects not only the individual involved but also those around them. While most states have laws that forbid assisting someone to commit suicide, there is help available to those struggling with the thoughts of suicide. It is essential to understand that while suicide seems like the only option, talking to someone about the problem or seeking medical and emotional support, can help an individual through life’s difficult times.