The Aiding Suicide law in the state of Texas gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you promoted or helped someone commit or try to commit suicide.
AIDING SUICIDE ATTORNEY FAQs
No changes have made to this law since 1994. Texas has not often prosecuted this crime, and it has received little attention.
Have you been charged with Aiding Suicide? Book a consultation to discuss legal representation with criminal defense attorneys Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis today.
Aiding Suicide is classified in the Texas Penal Code under Title 5 “Offenses Against The Person,” Chapter 22 “Assaultive Offenses.” Learn more detailed information about the Aiding Suicide offense below.
What is the current Texas Law about Aiding Suicide?
The current Texas law defines the offense of Aiding Suicide in Penal Code Section §22.08 as follows:[1]
(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to promote or assist the commission of suicide by another, he aids or attempts to aid the other to commit or attempt to commit suicide.
How can I be charged with Aiding Suicide?
You can be charged with Aiding Suicide if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 22.08(a) as described in the section above have been met.
In addition to Aiding Suicide,here are many other laws in Texas regarding suicide.[2]
What is the punishment for Aiding Suicide?
A conviction for Aiding Suicide is punished as a Class C misdemeanor,[3] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $500, unless you actually caused a suicide or serious bodily injury (from an attempted suicide), in which case a conviction for Aiding Suicide is punished as a State Jail Felony,[4] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $10,000 and jail time of up to two years. Learn about the differences between grades of felonies and misdemeanors
Legal References:
^1. Texas Penal Code §22.08^2. Texas Suicide Prevention 2013 Whitepaper^3. Texas Penal Code §22.08(b)^4. Texas Penal Code §22.08(b)
