Can you go to jail for trying to kill yourself

[Braindead Atheist]

I've bought my SN but have some worries. I live in KANSAS, USA. And was wondering if I would go to jail if I tried to end things and failed? Does anyone know?

 

[man_in_red:)]

mental hospital but not jail I believe.

 

[qwerty1969]

In about 20 countries it's illegal to attempt suicide. It's not illegal in the USA as far as I know.

 

[Zetsubou]

It's not illegal anywhere in the USA, but you may be placed in a mental hospital if the attempt fails.

 

[leavingsoon99]

I don't think so. At least, not in the U.S. Not that I know of.

 

[aubrey!]

They'll definitely try to "help" you. It sounds basically like another form of imprisonment, really.

 

[locked*n*loaded]

It used to be illegal in the US, but that stupid law was changed years ago. A failed attempt can get you confined to a mental hospital, a successful attempt can deliver you to peace.

 

[Braindead Atheist]

It used to be illegal in the US, but that stupid law was changed years ago. A failed attempt can get you confined to a mental hospital, a successful attempt can deliver you to peace.

Yeah consciousness is over-rated

 

[Ghostofthepast]

Sadly in my sate you can or they can lock you up in a mental hospital even if you deny treatment

 

[stermc]

Usually it is illegal to help or encourage someone to kill themselves, but not to try to kill yourself.
If the substance you are using is illegal in your country or if you got it illegally, then it can bring you some legal complications. But, other than that, no.

 

[BloomingStrella]

Assisting others in suicide, as far as I know, IS illegal - however, carrying it out is not. Most they'll do is lock you up in a mental hospital if you fail, which is honestly disrespectful.

 

[borderline-feline]

Suicide isn't illegal in the United States, but police still do get involved if they're called to do a welfare check. Since you haven't broken a law and are not being arrested, you can't be held in a jail. That said, you can be committed to a psychiatric hospital against your will and be forced to stay for up to 72 hours. Being held in a psychiatric hospital against your will for longer than 72 hours is considered unlawful imprisonment.

 

[Letgo]

useful information. Good to know.

 

[future_]

a friend of a girl i used to talk to was sent to court and jailed for a month for attempting suicide...but this is in my country Kenya

 

[leavingsoon99]

I guess that depends on where you live and what the situation is. I would guess that, no. They WILL probably send you to some psychiatric institution and place you on suicide watch.

 

[Soulless Angel]

I heard of a women in the UK who ended up in the crown courts due to her attempts! Not sure what happened to her as a result

 

[orca87]

I heard of a women in the UK who ended up in the crown courts due to her attempts! Not sure what happened to her as a result

In most western countries suicide is not a crime. What can be prosecuted, however, is any action in preparation, such like illegally sourcing drugs/prescription meds, importing controlled substances, probably even violation of safety standards with gas tanks.

Most likely outcome would be mental hospital, however. Following some reports here, that's like prison, only that they additionally drug you.

 

[vaguebluur]

I've actually been to prison for a suicide attempt but that was because I was on probation and they said my risk escalated lol