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Speak Up! - View Question #588 |
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Question: Can I get arrested for attempting to commit suicide?
Answer: Because Arizona Law (ARS §13-1105) defines murder as 'causing the death of another person,' suicide technically is not murder. Thus, suicide is not a crime and you cannot be arrested for attempting suicide. Note, however, that a pregnant woman who kills herself can be charged with infanticide or child abuse because killing herself will harm, if not kill, the child. For more information on a case like this in Arizona See, State v. DePiano, 187 Ariz. 27 (1996).
Although a person cannot be criminally charged for attempted suicide, a person can be ordered to undergo treatment at the state mental hospital for doing so. The civil commitment statute permits a court-ordered evaluation of any person who is a 'danger to themselves.' (ARS §36-520(A)). 'Danger to self' is defined as 'behavior which, . . . constitutes a danger of inflicting serious physical harm upon oneself, including attempted suicide or the serious threat thereof.' (ARS §13-501(5)(a)). So if the court is satisfied that someone who commits suicide needs professional treatment, that person can be committed to the state mental hospital or ordered to undergo outpatient treatment.
Anyone over age 18 who feels that they are suffering a mental ailment that is causing them to consider suicide can and should petition the state for an evaluation and appropriate treatment. (ARS §36-518(A)). A minor may seek such treatment with the consent of a parent, guardian or custodian. (ARS §36-518(C)).
If you are in immediate need of someone to talk with, call the National Crisis/Suicide Hotline at 1(800)999-9999. If you are in immediate danger, call 911!
Other Suicide and crisis numbers:
National Hope Line Network -- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
Alternative Behavioral Services -- (602) 222-9444 -- 1-800-631-1314
Teen Lifeline Peer Counseling & Crisis Line -- (602) 248-TEEN -- (602) 248-8336 -- 1-800-248-TEEN -- 1-800-248
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On 11/21/07
Jossy from CT said:
I will like to know more about laws and how they are caused. 'Cause I'm learning a trial but mocking it cause we're still in ELEMENTARY (but in fifth grade) and we're not gonna do a real Attempting Murder! I only need more laws about it. Can you help me out?
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On 11/21/07
Jossy from CT said:
I will like to know 'cause I'm learning a trial but mocking it cause we're still in ELEMENTARY (but in fifth grade) and we're not gonna do a real Attempting Murder!
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On 03/08/05
L from AZ said:
I know someone who made a suicide attempt, and when she told her parents, was refused treatment. She tried to get the state to mandate treatment, and they refused. People think we've made progress preventing abuse and neglect, but the truth is, we haven't. A good solution would be to give kids the right to consent to counseling if they wish to at least prevent this sort of neglect. Kids shouldn't need permission of any kind to get help with this sort of problem.
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On 04/04/04
Jessica from MI said:
It doesn't make sense that a person who is 18 years of age or older can seek help, however, if the person with suicidal thoughts has to have the consent of a parent. It doesn't seem right to put an age on whether or not someone can seek help.
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On 08/21/03
Todd from AZ said:
In the town i live in there is no where to kill you r self but I bet someone will figure out how.
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