1.134 — AIDING A SUICIDE
Violations of "Statute 1.134" results in a Class E Misdemeanor
(a) Definitions
"Aiding a Suicide" shall mean the act of intentionally providing the means or encouragement for another person to take their own life.
(b) Elements
To establish the offense of aiding a suicide, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the following elements:
That the defendant knowingly and intentionally assisted, encouraged, or facilitated another person in the act of taking their own life; or
That the defendant provided the means, knowledge, or resources with the intent that they be used for the purpose of suicide.
(c) Defenses
A defendant may raise the following defenses against a charge of aiding a suicide:
Lack of Intent: The defendant did not knowingly or intentionally assist or encourage the act.
Lack of Direct Involvement: The defendant’s actions were incidental or unrelated to the victim’s decision to commit suicide.
Medical or Palliative Care Exception: The defendant was acting in accordance with legal and ethical medical practices, such as providing palliative care to alleviate suffering without the intent to cause death.
False Accusation or Misinterpretation: The defendant’s words or actions were misinterpreted or taken out of context.
(d) Aggravating Factors
The court shall impose enhanced penalties if the act of aiding a suicide involved aggravating circumstances, such as:
The defendant exerting undue influence or coercion on the victim.
The victim being a minor or otherwise particularly vulnerable.
The defendant having a position of trust or authority over the victim.
The act being committed for personal gain or other unlawful motives.
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