Did you know that there’s no such thing as a “minor role” when you’re involved in a crime?
It takes a lot of people by surprise to find out that being charged as an accessory to a crime can actually net them the same punishment as the principal offender.
What’s an accessory to a crime?
Essentially, being an accessory is the same as being an accomplice. An accomplice is anybody who helps someone commit a crime or get away from the authorities afterward. Depending on the situation, you might be:
- An accessory before the fact: This means that you helped someone prepare to commit the crime. For example, if you loan your handgun to your cousin knowing that he intends to rob a bank with it, that’s being an accessory before the fact.
- An aider or abettor: This generally involves taking some kind of role in the crime itself, although not as the principal actor. For example, this could include directing someone down an alley on a pretense knowing that they’re going to be beaten and robbed or keeping a getaway vehicle running while someone robs a store.
- An accessory after the fact: This involves somehow assisting the principal offender with their evasion of the authorities after the crime is over. For example, helping your cousin hide from the police after he robs the bank until the manhunt dies down and he can leave the county would make you an accessory after the fact.
Often, people get trapped in situations they feel like they cannot control – and that can lead to charges as an accessory. If you have questions about your own liability in a situation or you’re already facing charges, it’s wisest to explore your defense options right away.
