New Jersey criminal charge
Aiding suicide in New Jersey
Aiding suicide is a criminal offense under New Jersey law, defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:11-6. Its classification is not fixed: New Jersey assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:11-6.
What is the penalty for aiding suicide in New Jersey?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 5 years to 10 years (Aiding suicide - suicide or attempted suicide results — Applies when the person's aiding conduct actually causes the suicide or an attempted suicide.; presumption of imprisonment (2C:44-1(d))) | presumptive | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Fine | up to $150,000 (Aiding suicide - suicide or attempted suicide results — Applies when the person's aiding conduct actually causes the suicide or an attempted suicide.; or up to double gain/loss (2C:43-3); offense-specific ceilings may exceed) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Jail / prison | up to 18 months (Aiding suicide - no suicide or attempt results — Applies when the aiding conduct does not cause a suicide or attempted suicide.; first-offender presumption of non-incarceration may apply (2C:44-1(e), carve-outs)) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Aiding suicide - no suicide or attempt results — Applies when the aiding conduct does not cause a suicide or attempted suicide.; or up to double gain/loss (2C:43-3)) | discretionary | N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 |
Applies to current.
How is aiding suicide classified in New Jersey?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiding suicide - suicide or attempted suicide results | Crime of the Second Degree | Applies when the person's aiding conduct actually causes the suicide or an attempted suicide. | N.J.S.A. 2C:11-6undefined |
| Aiding suicide - no suicide or attempt results | Crime of the Fourth Degree | Applies when the aiding conduct does not cause a suicide or attempted suicide. | N.J.S.A. 2C:11-6undefined |
Common questions about aiding suicide in New Jersey
What degree of offense is aiding suicide in New Jersey?
It depends on the circumstances: aiding suicide ranges from a Crime of the Fourth Degree to a Crime of the Second Degree in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-6.
Aiding suicide - suicide or attempted suicide results: Crime of the Second Degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-6) · Aiding suicide - no suicide or attempt results: Crime of the Fourth Degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-6)
What are the penalties for aiding suicide in New Jersey?
Penalties for aiding suicide in New Jersey depend on how it is classified — from a Crime of the Fourth Degree up to a Crime of the Second Degree — with the ranges set by N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which New Jersey statute covers aiding suicide?
Aiding suicide is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:11-6 (Aiding suicide).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.