What is a Principal and Accessory After the Fact?
Many people wonder whether or not they can be arrested for a crime they did not directly commit. The answer is yes. You can be considered a "principal" or "accessory after the fact".
In Florida, you are a Principal if you had the intent that a crime be committed and did some act or said some word to encourage someone else to commit a crime. You don't even have to be at the crime scene to be charged as a principal!
You can also be considered an Accessory After the Fact. The prosecutor must prove that:
- A felony was committed by someone.
- After the felony was committed, you assisted the person who committed the felony.
- At the time, you knew the person had committed the felony.
- You helped that person escape or avoid arrest.
If you have any questions about these criminal charges or any others, call our Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorneys at (904) 634-0900.
