Accomplice to a Crime

Most individuals may assign the guilt of a crime to the person who carried out the act. However, this person may not be the only one who carries some responsibility for the crime. Certain individuals who helped the criminal before or after the act may also be held responsible. An individual may be considered an accomplice to a crime if he or she intentionally helped another person in planning for, carrying out, or covering up the incident.

In the eyes of the law, accomplices are just as guilty as the person who committed the crime and can face the same penalties as the other individual. If you are accused of being an accomplice to a crime, you should consider hiring an attorney to help represent you in a court of law. To learn more about your legal rights and how an experienced lawyer can help fight for you, contact Austin criminal defense lawyers Ian Inglis by calling 512-472-1950.

Degrees of Responsibility

The following list outlines the various levels of severity in accomplice liability:

• A principal in the first degree: the individual that carried out the crime
• A principal in the second degree (or an aide and abettor): an individual who helped at the scene of the crime
• An accessory before the fact: an individual who assisted the criminal but not at the scene of the crime
• An accessory after the fact: a person who helped the felon avoid arrest or trial

Depending on the crime that is committed, accomplices can face high-cost fines, mandatory community service, or even jail time. In order to increase your chances of obtaining a favorable result in court, you should speak to an attorney and begin formulating your defense. That way, you can be assured that your case is in competent hands.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been arrested for being an accomplice to a crime, contact Austin criminal lawyer Ian Inglis by calling 512-472-1950.