Most states have laws against aiding a suicide or assisted suicide. These laws are usually found in the state’s statutes, and sometimes in the state’s court opinions or case law (common law). The severity level of these crimes range from misdemeanors to felonies.
In Virginia, aiding or assisting in a suicide is illegal and is considered a Class 5 felony under Virginia Code § 8.01-622.1. This statute explicitly prohibits anyone from providing the physical means or knowledge to another person with the intent that the other person use such means to commit suicide. The punishment for a Class 5 felony in Virginia can include a term of imprisonment ranging from one to ten years and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Virginia law does not recognize any form of legal assisted suicide, and there are no provisions that allow for medical aid in dying. Therefore, any form of assistance in the act of suicide is subject to criminal prosecution under Virginia's statutes.