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 North Dakota, assisted suicide is illegal and considered a felony offense. Under North Dakota Century Code Section 12.1-16-04, it is a crime to knowingly cause or aid another person to attempt suicide. The law explicitly prohibits providing the physical means by which another person can commit suicide or participating in a physical act by which another person commits or attempts to commit suicide. The severity of the crime in North Dakota reflects the state's interest in protecting life and preventing suicide, aligning with the majority of states that criminalize assisted suicide. Violation of this law can result in serious legal consequences, including imprisonment.