Is Assisted Suicide Considered a Crime in Maryland?
The act of suicide, itself, historically was treated as a crime. Criminal defense lawyers Attorney Eric T. Kirk in Baltimore have wondered how one, who is already dead, could be punished for their crime? In any event, the act of suicide is no longer a felony. However, assisting another in suicide is. The law prescribes:
- deceiving one into taking his or her life
- knowing providing the means, or
- knowingly participating in a step in the process.
There are exceptions for health care providers and family members who provide palliative medications, or who, based on the patient’s wishes, may withhold or stop certain life-sustaining measures. Of course, a physician is not insulated by the exceptions if they administer the palliative medications with the additional intent that death occurs.
I offer a free planning and strategy session to anyone accused of a crime. At this meeting, we will evaluate the evidence, examine the strength of the State’s case, and analyze the most effective defense. If the State has chosen to prosecute you, contact me today. 410 591 2935.
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A Baltimore car accident and personal injury litigator who has taken hundreds of cases to trial in Maryland, New York and Florida, recovering millions over a 30-year mission to obtain denied compensation for his clients.
