Legal Definitions - accessory after the fact

An accessory after the fact is an individual who knowingly helps someone who has committed a crime, *after* the crime has occurred, with the specific intention of helping that person avoid arrest, prosecution, or punishment. This assistance must be provided with the knowledge that a crime was committed.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Providing a Hideout

  After committing a bank robbery, a person calls their friend, Alex, explaining what they've done and asking for help. Alex, knowing about the robbery, allows the robber to stay hidden in their remote cabin for several days, providing food and supplies, to prevent the police from finding them. Alex's actions make them an accessory after the fact because they knowingly provided aid to a criminal *after* the crime, with the clear intent to help them evade arrest.

• Example 2: Destroying Evidence

  A driver is involved in a hit-and-run accident, seriously injuring a pedestrian. The driver immediately calls their sibling, Maya, confessing to the incident and asking for help. Maya, understanding the gravity of the situation, quickly cleans the car, removing paint transfer and other potential evidence, before the police can investigate. Maya's act of destroying evidence, knowing a crime occurred and intending to shield her sibling from legal consequences, qualifies her as an accessory after the fact.

• Example 3: Creating a False Alibi

  Following a serious assault, a suspect asks their acquaintance, Chris, to tell the police that they were together at a different location during the time of the crime. Chris agrees, even though they know the suspect was not with them and had committed the assault. By providing a false alibi to law enforcement, Chris is acting as an accessory after the fact, as they are knowingly attempting to mislead authorities and help the suspect avoid arrest and prosecution for the assault.