Accessory vs. Conspiracy

If you help a person commit a crime or take steps towards helping someone commit a crime, you can get in trouble with the law by either being an accessory or participating in conspiracy. Although the two crimes are fairly similar, there are a few differences that you should know about.

Aiding and Abetting

Someone who is considered an accessory to a crime has “aided and abetted” the main perpetrator. Although exact definitions for this crime vary by state, an accessory typically knows that a crime will be or has been committed, and the person has possibly helped carry out the incident.

A person can be considered an accessory if he or she has provided financial resources, advice, or even some form of physical help to someone who will perform or has performed a criminal act. For example, if you pick someone up and drive them to a border nation to escape after they robbed a house, you can be charged with aiding and abetting.

Participating in Conspiracy

Typically, someone who is a conspirator has taken a larger role than an accessory. With conspiracy, two or more people plan and take a step towards carrying out a crime. For the most part, a person can be charged with conspiracy even if the planned crime itself did not happen. For instance, if you agree to break into someone's house with your friend, then go to a store and buy rope, a crow bar, and a lock-picking set, you may be charged with conspiracy.

Contact Us

Being an accessory or conspirator can get you in trouble with the law. If you or someone you know has been locked in jail due to either of these crimes, or for any other acts that can result in confinement, contact Austin jail release attorney Ian Inglis today at 512-472-1950 for the legal assistance you need to assert your rights.