This refers to a person who helps another person commit a crime (the principal.) As opposed to an accessory who is not usually physically present at the scene of the crime at the time it is committed, an accomplice is usually present and may play an active role in the commission of the crime. Despite not being the primary actor in the criminal act, an accomplice may be found guilty of the same offense and receive the same sentence as the principal of the crime. By way of example, the driver of a car after a bank robbery who never enters the bank may be equally as guilty as those who do. (B) crim. law. This term includes in its meaning, all persons who have been concerned in the commission of a crime, all particepes crimitis, whether they are considered in strict legal propriety, as principals iu the first or second degree, or merely as accessories before or after the fact.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
In criminal law. A person who knowingly, voluntarily, and with common intent with the principal offender unifies in the commission of a crime. One who is joined or united with another; one of several concerned in a felony; an associate in a erime; one who co operates, aids, or assists in committing it. This term includes all participes criminis, whether considered in strict legal propriety as principals or as accessaries. 1 Russ. Crimes, 26. It is generally applied to those who are admitted to give evidence against their fellow criminals. 4 Bl. Comm. 331; Hawk. P. C. bk. 2, c. 37,