Q: Can empathizing with a suicidal friend have legal implications in NY?
I have been empathizing with a friend via text who is also suicidal. I've told them "I understand" after they shared their plans, and I also told them that I am suicidal. However, I did not directly support or encourage any actions. I live in New York and I'm concerned about legal implications if their family checks their devices. Am I legally allowed to empathize without facing legal consequences, or should I completely avoid discussions on this topic for my safety? Additionally, what can I do to protect myself while they are still with us?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
I understand your concern regarding the legal implications of these conversations. In New York, there's an important distinction between empathizing with someone who is suicidal and actively encouraging or assisting suicide attempts. Simply expressing understanding or sharing your own struggles typically wouldn't constitute "promoting" or "assisting" suicide under NY Penal Law § 120.30, but context and specific wording matter greatly.
For your protection, consider encouraging your friend to seek professional help instead of focusing on their plans. Document your conversations showing you attempted to provide emotional support rather than encouragement of harmful actions. You might want to consult with a legal professional who can review the specific nature of your communications and provide personalized guidance based on your situation.
Your compassion for your friend is admirable, but your wellbeing matters too. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts yourself, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or using their chat service at 988lifeline.org. Both you and your friend deserve support during this difficult time, and trained counselors can help navigate these complex emotions while keeping everyone safe.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
