Who is considered an "accessory after the fact"?

An "accessory after the fact" refers to someone who assists another individual knowing that they have committed a felony, typically with the intention of helping that person avoid arrest or conviction. This role involves providing support, such as hiding the perpetrator, providing them with resources, or helping them evade law enforcement, after the commission of the crime has taken place.

This understanding is distinct because it emphasizes the timing of the assistance—after the crime has been committed—and the knowledge of the crime at hand. This differentiates an accessory after the fact from individuals who are involved in the crime beforehand, such as accomplices, or those who merely witness a crime without any intent to assist the perpetrator. Additionally, it does not pertain to law enforcement officers, who are bound by their duty to uphold the law rather than assist criminals.