Driving to suicide (Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Georgia) is a complex and sensitive crime involving causing a person to commit suicide or attempt suicide through threats, cruel treatment, or systematic humiliation of their honor and dignity. In the modern world, the scope of this article has expanded to include not only physical but also psychological violence, cyberbullying, and domestic conflicts. The main challenge for the prosecution is establishing a causal link between the accused's actions and the victim's decision. This is the primary arena for the defense — proving that the tragic outcome was not a direct result of the accused's actions.
What does the Driving to Suicide Defense service cover?
Lawyers in this category work with a multifaceted strategy to protect the client from unfounded accusations. Services include:
- Breaking the causal link: The defense investigates the victim's psycho-emotional history to determine if they had suicidal tendencies or other problems unrelated to the accused.
- Analysis of psychological autopsy (expertise): Detailed study of the post-mortem psychological expertise report and involvement of alternative experts.
- Communication study: Analyzing SMS correspondence, social networks, and phone conversations to confirm that no systematic humiliation or threats took place.
- Building a witness base: Finding witnesses who can confirm that the accused's actions did not go beyond normal relationships or conflicts.
- Change of qualification: Fighting to prevent the act from being qualified under Article 115 if there are no signs of "cruel treatment" or "systematic humiliation."
Common Real-World Scenarios
In practice, this article is often used in the following situations:
- Domestic violence: When a victim commits suicide against a background of systematic psychological or physical abuse.
- Cyberbullying: Harassment, blackmail with private photos, or humiliation carried out in the internet space among minors or young people.
- Workplace mobbing: Systematic pressure from a manager or colleagues that led an employee to attempt suicide.
- Debtor-creditor relationship: Demanding debt repayment through aggressive methods, threats, and blackmail.
Georgian Legal Framework
The issue is regulated by Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Georgia. The law explicitly states that the crime exists only if the suicide (or attempt) is caused by specific actions: threats, cruel treatment, or systematic humiliation of honor and dignity. A simple argument, breakup, or unpleasant conversation does not constitute this crime. The practice of the Supreme Court of Georgia is important, requiring confirmation of a direct link between the act and the result. For actions committed online, rules for obtaining electronic evidence also apply.
Process and Stages
The defense strategy includes:
- Evidence preservation: Immediate saving of electronic correspondence and digital footprints before they are deleted.
- Expertise: Appointment of complex psychiatric and psychological expertise to assess the mental state of the deceased (or victim).
- Investigative actions: Lawyer participation in witness interrogations to prevent biased testimonies against the accused.
- Court: Persuading the jury or judge that the tragedy was the victim's individual decision and not the result of the accused's criminal action.
Why choose a specialist on Legal.ge?
Cases of driving to suicide are emotionally and legally very difficult. Public pressure is often high, jeopardizing an objective investigation. Legal.ge allows you to connect with lawyers experienced in suicide-related criminal cases. They can protect your rights and prove your innocence in this tragic situation. Find a trusted defender on Legal.ge.
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