AIDING AND ABETTING
If you have been charged with aiding and abetting a criminal or fugitive in Mississippi, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. It is common for law enforcement officers to bring charges of aiding and abetting (or accessory after the fact) against an accused’s close friends and family members—particularly with the ultimate goal of having the friend or family member turn on the accused to save him or herself. Though it may seem natural or even obvious to help a loved one through shelter, money, or protection, if that person has committed a crime, you may find yourself charged with a crime as well.
What Is Aiding and Abetting?
Aiding and abetting goes by many names, but “accessory after the fact,” another commonly used name for aiding and abetting, is the name used by Mississippi Law. Mississippi Code § 97-1-5 lays out the requirements for a charge of accessory after the fact:
- Anyone who has concealed, received, relieved any felon, or aided or assisted a felon,
- Knowing that the person had committed a felony,
- With the intent to enable the felon to escape, avoid arrest, trial, conviction or punishment.
Essentially, if you helped someone who had committed a crime in order to help them escape or avoid the police, trial, or conviction, you are an accessory after the fact.
It is very important to understand that there are a variety of ways to have aided and abetted a crime. On one hand, it could be as simple as a little tidbit of advice. Advising someone about his or her criminal activity can be considered a form of aiding and abetting. Providing shelter and money are also two common ways family members and loved ones often get roped into crimes. Hiding somebody out at your house can get you in incredibly deep legal water, especially if that person committed a particularly heinous or violent crime.
Knowledge of the Crime
Once a person knows about a crime or of the criminal intent involved, they can be considered aiding and abetting after providing assistance. Unfortunately, once your loved one or family member puts you in the position of knowledge, you can be held accountable for your actions. It doesn’t matter that you had nothing to do with the crime itself. It doesn’t matter if the crime happened in a totally different location and you had absolutely nothing to do with it. If you have knowledge, the cops are going to try to slap you with an aiding and abetting charge.
If you have been arrested and charged with aiding and abetting, contact the skilled team at Coxwell & Associates, PLLC today.
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