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 Vermont, aiding in a suicide is addressed under the state's statutes. Vermont law distinguishes between 'aiding in a suicide' and 'physician-assisted suicide.' Under Vermont's 'Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act,' which was enacted in 2013, it is legal for a physician to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to a terminally ill patient who has made a voluntary and informed decision to end their own life, subject to certain conditions and procedures. This is not considered a criminal act when done in accordance with the law. However, outside of this specific context, assisting someone in committing suicide can still be considered a criminal act. The penalties for aiding a suicide outside the bounds of the 'Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act' can vary, but such actions could potentially be prosecuted under different criminal statutes depending on the circumstances of the case.