Aiding & Abetting

Aiding and abetting is the criminal offense of helping, advising, encouraging or otherwise assisting another in the commission of a crime. To aid means to help another with something. An abettor is a person who encourages or assists another. Examples of aiding and abetting may include helping a person plan a murder, advising in a scheme to commit fraud, or helping a person escape from police custody or jail.

Aiding and abetting may result in federal charges in some cases, when the offense is committed against the United States. The person charged with aiding and abetting would face the same penalties as the person who actually carried out the crime, as the accessory (the aider and abettor) would be treated as though he or she actually carried out the crime. A defendant may face aiding and abetting charges and may be convicted even if the principal (the person accused of carrying out the crime) is acquitted.

Being Charged as an Accessory to a Crime

Even when an individual is not present at the actual commission of a crime or did not carry out the alleged offense, he or she may still face aiding and abetting charges. The prosecution will need to prove that the defendant wilfully associated him or herself with the crime being committed and intended or wished for it to be carried out. Depending upon whether a defendant faces federal or state charges, penalties may include imprisonment, fines, and more.

To learn more about aiding and abetting or to discuss your particular case, click here to find a local criminal defense lawyer.