Legal Definitions - accomplice

An accomplice is an individual who knowingly, voluntarily, or intentionally assists another person in committing a crime. Unlike someone who might help before or after a crime (sometimes referred to as an "accessory"), an accomplice is typically present during the crime itself or directly involved in its execution. Legally, an accomplice is held to the same level of criminal responsibility as the person who directly carries out the main act of the crime. This means they face similar legal consequences.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of an accomplice:

• The Getaway Driver: Imagine a scenario where two individuals plan a bank robbery. One person enters the bank to demand money, while the other waits outside in a running car. After the first person exits with the stolen cash, the second person drives them away from the scene at high speed. The driver knew about the robbery plan and willingly participated.

  In this case, the driver is an accomplice. They knowingly and voluntarily provided essential assistance (transportation and escape) during the commission of the bank robbery. Although they did not physically enter the bank, their presence and actions were crucial to the crime's execution and escape, making them equally liable.

• The Lookout for a Burglary: Consider two people who decide to break into a closed electronics store at night. One person forces entry and begins to gather items, while the other stands across the street, acting as a lookout. This lookout uses a walkie-talkie to alert their partner if police or any passersby approach the store.

  The lookout is an accomplice because they were fully aware of the burglary plan and intentionally provided direct assistance by monitoring for threats. This role was critical for the successful execution of the crime, demonstrating their active involvement and shared responsibility.

• Providing Tools for a Fraudulent Scheme: Suppose a person works in a print shop. A colleague approaches them, explaining they need high-quality, blank identification card templates for a "special project." The person in the print shop understands that these templates will be used to create fake IDs for a fraudulent scheme and, despite this knowledge, willingly prints the templates using the shop's equipment.

  Here, the person in the print shop is an accomplice. They knowingly and intentionally provided a critical component (the blank templates) for the crime of fraud. Even though they did not complete the final fraudulent documents or directly present them, their direct assistance was integral to the scheme's success, making them criminally responsible.