Historically, suicide – if unsuccessful – was punishable as a crime. Actually, in Europe, a person who committed suicide could be “punished” by being denied a burial in a typical cemetery and by having at least some of his property go to the King.
At common law, in North Carolina, suicide remained a crime. However, North Carolina has abolished that law, and so people who attempt suicide and fail are not punished as criminals.
Here’s the statute:
N.C.G.S. 14-17.1. Crime of suicide abolished.
The common-law crime of suicide is hereby abolished as an offense.
Raleigh DWI lawyer Damon Chetson defends people charged with felonies, misdemeanors, traffic and DWI charges in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Chapel Hill, NC. Durham DWI lawyer Damon Chetson also defends people charged with crimes in Durham, Chatham, and Harnett Counties. We are available day or night, weekdays or weekends. Call The Chetson Firm for a free consultation (919) 352-9411.
