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.