Suicide is unfortunately more common than many want to believe. It can be an extremely difficult thing for families to accept, and many react with anger. Families sometimes accuse other people of contributing to or even assisting their loved one’s suicide. In Utah, such an accusation may lead to serious criminal charges.
You may be arrested and criminally charged if the authorities believe that you helped someone commit suicide. According to Utah law, a person may be charged with manslaughter for knowingly helping someone commit or attempt to commit suicide. Even so, you still have the right to defend yourself, and an experienced lawyer should help you.
Get a free case evaluation from our Park City, UT criminal defense lawyers at Overson & Bugden by calling (801) 758-2287.
Can I Be Criminally Charged for Assisting a Suicide in Utah?
Suicide is an awful thing for families to endure, and the pain may be made worse if they learn that someone helped their loved one take their own life. However, not all accusations of assisting suicide are accurate, and you should get a lawyer to defend you immediately.
Possible Charges
In Utah, a person accused of helping another commit or attempt to commit suicide may be charged with manslaughter. While manslaughter is considered somewhat less severe than murder charges, it is still a homicide offense that may lead to significant time in prison if you are convicted. Under the law, manslaughter charges for assisting suicide may be charged as second-degree felonies.
Penalties
If convicted of manslaughter for helping someone commit or attempt to commit suicide, you may be sentenced to a significant term of incarceration. Since you may be charged with a second-degree felony, you may face the penalties that go along with that charge. In Utah, a conviction for a second-degree felony may result in a term of imprisonment of at least 1 year and up to 15 years.
Being Arrested
If and when you are arrested, you may feel compelled to explain your side of the story to the police as soon as possible. This may not be a good idea. Remember, anything you say can and will be used against you. Cooperate with the arrest and call a lawyer for help at your earliest opportunity. Avoid talking to the police about the suicide and your alleged involvement until your lawyer is present.
How Can I Defend Myself Against Charges for Assisting Suicide?
Facing manslaughter charges for allegedly assisting suicide can be frightening, but your attorney can help you fight the charges and clear your name.
Your Assistance Was Not Knowing
A key element of these charges is that prosecutors must prove that the defendant knew they were assisting in a suicide. Your participation must be knowing, and you must be aware of the other person’s intention to end their own life. If your assistance was not made knowingly for any reason, tell your lawyer immediately.
The Death Was Accidental
Another defense strategy is to argue that the death was not the result of a suicide but an accident. Accidental deaths often appear to be suicides. For example, you might have given a friend some prescription pain medicine that, while strong, you believed was safe. You may have been unaware that your friend also took other medications that could be fatal if mixed with powerful pain meds, leading to an accidental death in which you unknowingly participated.
Lack of Evidence
We may not need to assert any counterclaims to defend you. If prosecutors lack the evidence to secure a conviction, our Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyers may highlight this flaw in the case and argue for a not-guilty verdict. Alternatively, we can file a motion to have the case dismissed before a trial due to the lack of evidence.
FAQs About Criminal Charges for Assisting Suicide in Utah
Can I Be Criminally Charged for Helping Someone Commit Suicide in Utah?
Yes. According to Utah law, if someone is believed to have helped another commit or attempt to commit suicide, they may be charged with manslaughter. Such a crime would be charged as a second-degree felony.
Will I Go to Prison if I am Convicted for Helping Someone Commit Suicide?
If convicted, you may face time behind bars. Manslaughter charges for allegedly assisting suicide are charged as second-degree felonies. If convicted, you may face a prison term of at least 1 year and up to 15 years.
How Can I Fight Charges for Assisting Suicide in Utah?
To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove that your assistance was provided knowing that the other person intended to commit suicide. If you were unaware of their true intentions to commit suicide, you may be able to fight the charges.
Should I Call a Lawyer if I am Accused of Helping Someone Commit Suicide?
Yes. Dealing with suicide can be extremely difficult, and family members sometimes lash out in anger at others. Even if you know the accusation is baseless, you should contact an attorney for help, just in case things get out of hand.
Can I Be Criminally Charged if I Assist Someone’s Suicide But the Attempt Fails?
Yes. The language of the statute pertaining to charges for assisting suicide states that a defendant may be charged with manslaughter for helping someone “commit or attempt to commit suicide.” Even if the attempt is unsuccessful, you may still be charged.
Do I Have to Be Present When Someone Commits Suicide to Be Charged with Assisting Them?
No. You do not have to be physically present when the other person commits or attempts to commit suicide. Your assistance may occur sometime before the actual attempt itself. For example, you may be charged for providing someone with a fatal dose of medication even if you were not present when they consumed the medication.
Talk to Our Utah Criminal Defense Lawyers About Your Case Today
Get a free case evaluation from our Murray, UT criminal defense lawyers at Overson & Bugden by calling (801) 758-2287.
