Legal Definitions - first-degree principal

A first-degree principal refers to an individual who directly commits a crime or is present at the scene and actively participates in its commission. This person is considered the primary actor in the criminal offense, either by performing the illegal act themselves or by being physically present and aiding, abetting, or encouraging its completion.

• Example 1: Sarah plans to steal a valuable painting from an art gallery. On the night of the theft, she disables the alarm system, breaks a window, enters the gallery, and removes the painting herself. She then flees the scene with the artwork.

  Explanation: Sarah is the first-degree principal because she directly performed every action necessary to commit the theft, from disabling the alarm to taking the painting. She was the primary actor present at the scene, carrying out the crime.

• Example 2: During a protest that turns violent, Mark throws a brick through a store window. His friend, David, stands beside him, shouting encouragement and physically blocking a security guard who attempts to intervene, allowing Mark to complete the act.

  Explanation: Both Mark and David would be considered first-degree principals. Mark directly committed the act of property damage. David, by being present, actively encouraging Mark, and physically obstructing the guard, directly participated in and facilitated the commission of the crime, making him equally responsible as a primary actor.

• Example 3: A group of individuals decides to commit arson. While one person, Alex, pours gasoline and lights the fire, another person, Ben, stands watch at the entrance to the building, ready to alert Alex if anyone approaches. Both are present during the entire act of setting the fire.

  Explanation: Alex is a first-degree principal because he directly performed the act of setting the fire. Ben is also a first-degree principal because he was present at the scene and actively participated by acting as a lookout, directly aiding and abetting the arson as it occurred.