Get Legal Help From Aiding and Abetting Lawyers

What Is Aiding and Abetting?

The legal term “aiding and abetting” refers to someone helping to facilitate crime in one way or another. You may also face accusations of acting as an accessory to a crime. Even if an individual was not present during the actual act of the crime taking place, she or he can still face charges as an accessory pending the results of the subsequent police investigation.

Differences Between Aiding, Abetting, and Accessory

There is some crossover between the definitions of each role. Together, they weave separate components of a crime that could ultimately lead to conspiracy charges. Here is a quick breakdown of each role:

• Aiding – Assisting or supporting someone or a group of individuals in committing a crime. 
• Abetting – Motivating or encouraging another party to commit a crime. This could also involve instigating an individual or crowd to engage in illegal activity. 
• Accessory – An individual with knowledge of criminal intent either before or after a crime takes place. There is both “accessory before the act” and “accessory after the fact.” 

Components of Aiding and Abetting

To charge someone with aiding and abetting, certain legal elements must align. First, there must be a principal—the individual who committed the crime. Second, the defendant must have knowingly assisted the principal in carrying out the illegal act. Third, the defendant must have been aware of the principal’s criminal intent before offering any help.

Accidentally aiding a crime does not qualify as aiding and abetting under the law. However, proving a lack of knowledge about the principal’s intent can be challenging and often hinges on the details of the case. The degree of assistance typically determines the severity of the charges.

For instance, providing financial support, acting as a getaway driver, or serving as a lookout are common actions that may result in aiding and abetting charges. If the defendant actively participated in planning and carrying out the crime, the charges could escalate to conspiracy.

What Is Conspiracy?

Conspiracy charges come into play when it is believed that a person was involved in the planning and execution of a crime. This individual played a more significant role than merely being a lookout or getaway driver. It is important to note that a person can face conspiracy charges even if a crime was never committed. If the plan leaks before the crime happens, those involved may still face charges, including those who helped facilitate any illegal activity.

Do I Need A Lawyer for Aiding and Abetting?

Yes. It is highly recommended that any individual charged with being an accessory, with aiding and abetting, or with conspiracy see a lawyer as soon as possible. These charges could lead to significant prison time depending on the crime the principal committed. Such legal action could also result in large fines, perhaps even both.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me With Aiding and Abetting?

Lawyers can help you formulate a strategy to beat aiding and abetting charges filed against you. Depending on your jurisdiction, it may be possible to submit a withdrawal defense. This would mean the defendant withdrew support for the crime before it was too late to prevent it from happening. It can be difficult to prove whether the defendant truly attempted to withdraw from the criminal scheme, as proof of this withdrawal is typically required.

Even if there is no concrete proof of the defendant’s actions showing an intent to prevent the crime, your lawyer could show that your efforts to remove yourself from the scheme showcase good faith. If the defendant faces pressure to not come forward and still does, the court may take mercy on the accused and not prosecute the individual for her or his activity as an accessory.

Work With an Experienced Lawyer

Have you recently faced accusations of aiding and abetting? If so, seek legal representation. Know and protect your legal rights and form a sound legal strategy to prevent any further legal trouble.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations. Contact Aaron at [email protected] for article suggestions, collaborations, or inquiries.