Is Allowing Someone To Commit Suicide Illegal In New Jersey?

In June of 2024, a New Jersey county jail guard was acquitted of “endangering another person” – a third-degree crime. She was initially accused of causing or allowing an inmate to commit suicide in 2017, having allegedly failed to carry out “wellness checks” on the woman. The decision came in a bench trial, and although the family of the deceased woman was disappointed, they had previously received a cash settlement via a civil suit. What if you face similar accusations in New Jersey? Can you go to jail for allowing someone to commit suicide? What if you help someone commit suicide in New Jersey?

Causing Someone’s Suicide Through Cyberbullying 

If you are accused of causing someone to commit suicide online, you could face cyberbullying charges in New Jersey. The Garden State has some of the toughest cyberbullying laws in the nation, and you might also face cyberstalking charges for similar offenses.

In numerous cases, defendants have faced particularly harsh penalties for encouraging others to commit suicide. It is possible to face years in prison if you are convicted.

Assisting Suicide in New Jersey 

Although New Jersey has certain laws that allow medically assisted suicide, the average person may face serious consequences for helping another commit suicide. This falls under N.J. Stat. § 2C:11-6, and it is a crime of the second degree.

Specifically, New Jersey defines this as “conduct that causes suicide or attempted suicide.” This might include providing someone with a firearm, helping someone hang themselves, or giving someone poison. Even if you genuinely believe that assisting suicide is the most humane option, this is generally illegal under New Jersey law.

What Should I Do if Someone Threatens to Commit Suicide? 

If someone you know threatens to commit suicide, you should warn the relevant authorities. This might be a suicide hotline, a mental health professional, or 9-11 dispatchers. However, the average person may not face any consequences for failing to report threats of suicide – even if the individual in question follows through with this promise.

That being said, certain professionals are legally required to report suicide attempts or threats. An obvious example is a mental health professional, and New Jersey law requires them to disclose certain suicidal behaviors to the authorities. Teachers might also be legally required to disclose a student’s suicidal behavior. If you’re not sure whether you are legally required to make these disclosures based on your profession, contact a legal professional for further guidance. 

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Jersey Today 

If you are facing charges in connection with the suicide of another person, it is important to consider your legal options alongside an experienced New City criminal defense attorney. We know that suicides can lead to many uncertain legal consequences for those involved. Choose Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law to get started with an action plan right away.

Sources:

nj.com/news/2024/06/nj-county-jail-guard-acquitted-in-death-by-suicide-of-inmate.html

networkforphl.org/news-insights/mandatory-reporting-of-attempted-suicides/