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Criminal charges

aiding a suicide

Most states have laws against aiding a suicide or assisted suicide. These laws are usually found in the state’s statutes, and sometimes in the state’s court opinions or case law (common law). The severity level of these crimes range from misdemeanors to felonies.

In New Jersey, aiding someone in committing suicide is considered a crime. Under New Jersey law, specifically N.J.S.A. 2C:11-6, causing or aiding another to commit suicide is a crime of the second degree if the person's conduct causes such suicide or an attempted suicide, and otherwise is a crime of the fourth degree. A second-degree crime can carry a sentence of 5 to 10 years in prison, while a fourth-degree crime can result in a sentence of up to 18 months. These laws reflect the state's position that assisting in suicide is a serious offense. It is important to note that New Jersey does have a Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act, which allows terminally ill patients to request and self-administer medication to end their lives, under specific conditions and with certain safeguards. This act, however, is distinct from the general prohibition against aiding a suicide and has its own set of regulations and protections to ensure it is not confused with unlawful assisted suicide.

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New-Jersey State Code

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