What Does Accessory to a Crime Mean?

You may have heard the phrase “accessory to a crime,” but what does that mean exactly? While you may think that someone either commits a criminal offense or doesn’t, it’s not always that simple. For more information, continue reading and speak with a Bergen County criminal defense attorney today.

What Does Accessory to a Crime Mean?

Being an accessory to a crime means that you help another person in their commission of a criminal offense. You can be an accessory before or after the crime has taken place. The key component is that you knew that the individual was going to or did commit a crime, and you aided them in some way.

Accessories are generally not directly involved in the crime, but they knowingly help the offender before, during, or after the offense is committed.

What Are NJ’s Laws Regarding Accessory?

New Jersey’s accomplice liability laws outline the definitions and standards for an accomplice and accessory. Understanding these laws is imperative, especially if you are facing criminal charges related to another individual’s offense.

Under NJ Code 2C:2-6, being an accessory to a crime is defined as the following.

“A person is legally accountable for the conduct of another person when:

1. Acting with the kind of culpability that is sufficient for the commission of the offense, he causes an innocent or irresponsible person to engage in such conduct;
2. He is made accountable for the conduct of such other person by the code or by the law defining the offense;
3. He is an accomplice of such other person in the commission of an offense; or
4. He is engaged in a conspiracy with such other person.

A person is an accomplice of another person in the commission of an offense if:

1. With the purpose of promoting or facilitating the commission of the offense; he
2. Solicits such other person to commit it;
3. Aids or agrees or attempts to aid such other person in planning or committing it; or
4. Having a legal duty to prevent the commission of the offense, fails to make proper effort so to do; or
5. His conduct is expressly declared by law to establish his complicity.”

These laws are strict and can result in an individual assuming responsibility for a crime that they did not personally commit. The repercussions for being an accessory can be severe, so it is important that you explore all of your legal options.

What Defenses Can I Use Against Accessory Charges?

If you were arrested for being an accessory to a crime, consider the following defensive strategies.

• You terminated your involvement in the offense by renouncing the offender and withdrawing support before the crime was completed, discouraging the offender, or attempting to prevent the crime from being committed
• You were not in the state of mind required to commit the crime
• You were coerced into helping the offender under duress or threat of harm

There may be other defenses relevant to your case. Reach out to a skilled criminal defense attorney for legal advice and representation today.