criminal-law california suicide
Illegal to threaten suicide in California?
<p>I live in California and today I was at a store where they overcharged me for a product (the product was literally marked a different price than what they keyed in).  I didn't catch it until it had charged my card, and then afterwards they refused to correct the charge saying all sales are final.  I then threatened to commit suicide if they didn't correct the charge and they called the police.  I ran away but now I'm wondering, am I in any legal peril?  </p>

<p>My understanding is that suicide is not illegal in California and therefore threatening it is of no consequence.  It also is not a criminal threat according to my understanding as a criminal threat is only applicable towards another person or people.</p>

<p>In addition, this is money they legally owe me and are refusing to pay, not some attempt at extortion.  Though I will admit this was a blatant attempt to use emotion to manipulate the situation, doing so is also not illegal to my understanding.</p>

<p>Thanks for any insight!  Note:  I am not actually suicidal.  Please do not worry for my safety.  </p>

<p>In Germany, had the store <strong>not</strong> called the police (or paramedics), <em>they</em> would have been charged for not doing so under <a href="https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_stgb/englisch_stgb.html#p3022" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Section 323c</a>. Other jurisdictions will no doubt have similar laws. </p>

<p>On arrival, being informed that you ran away - but thankfully paid with a credit card - the police will try to find you. They are not allowed to  make a determination that you are just being foolish, but must assume you are a danger to yourself. </p>

<p>At some point in the extensive bureaucratic matter, they will probably come to the conclusion that you have acted in a <strong>negligent</strong> manner. Once that has been done, you will be made  liable for all entailed costs to the taxpayer. </p>

<p>So your fear of being charged for threatening to commit suicide is the least of your problems. </p>

<p>Your claim against the store is probably justified (the listed price is in most jurisdictions binding). Your reaction to that is not. </p>

<hr>

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Section 323c</strong><br>
  <strong>Failure to render assistance; obstruction of persons rendering assistance</strong>   </p>
  
  <p>(1) Whoever does not render assistance in the case of an accident or a common danger or emergency although it is necessary and can reasonably be expected under the circumstances, in particular if it is possible without substantial danger to that person and without breaching other important duties, incurs a penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or a fine.</p>
  
  <p>(2) Whoever obstructs a person who is rendering or wishes to render assistance to another person in such a situation incurs the same penalty.</p>
</blockquote>

<hr>

<p><strong>Sources</strong>:</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_stgb/englisch_stgb.html#p3022" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Section 323c - German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch – StGB)</a> </li>
</ul>

<p>When you threaten to commit suicide in front of me, <em>of course</em> I will call the police, hoping that they will arrive in time to save your life. Any decent person would do that. The police aren't called to throw you in jail, but to save your life. </p>

<p>As far as your money is concerned, you showed clearly that you are mentally disturbed, so your claim that you were overcharged cannot be trusted. You shot yourself in the foot. </p>

<p>Personally, if you think threatening suicide is something that will get you any positive results, think twice. People have to take such threats seriously, and it’s not going to be pleasant for you. Since you are doing this intentionally, I most definitely don’t <em>fear</em> for negative consequences, I see them as fully deserved. </p>

<p>Other aspects aside, are you in legal peril for threatening to commit suicide? Not in the direct sense.</p>

<p>It's not illegal to attempt to emotionally manipulate someone. However, it would be a fairly common reaction to call the police when someone is acting as though they are a harm to themselves or others. I have no doubt that had you remained until the police arrived, that they would have considered taking you into custody for your own protection. This is where trouble can start coming your way. Arrests, whether they result in charges or not, can show on background checks, and can impact your life in other ways. For example, when applying for visas to other countries, it is common to be asked about prior arrests, and when you explain that it was all because of a threat of suicide, I believe many more questions will arise.</p>

<p>It is not a crime, but may still be illegal.</p>

<p>A "threat" to commit suicide does not fall under the <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=422.&amp;lawCode=PEN" rel="nofollow noreferrer">definition</a> of "criminal threat" under California law. The person being "threatened" has no reasons to fear for their own safety and well-being other than possibly facing <a href="https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1343&amp;context=llr" rel="nofollow noreferrer">liability</a> for failing to prevent suicide and/or feeling distressed.</p>

<p>Still, a person "threatening" to commit suicide is likely committing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intentional_infliction_of_emotional_distress#Extreme_and_outrageous_conduct" rel="nofollow noreferrer">IIED (tort of outrage)</a>. However, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insanity_defense" rel="nofollow noreferrer">insanity defense</a> may be available to them.</p>
