{"id":389649,"date":"2026-01-28T09:40:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T14:40:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=389649"},"modified":"2026-01-28T09:27:38","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T14:27:38","slug":"accessory-vs-accomplice-whats-the-difference-in-criminal-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/accessory-vs-accomplice-whats-the-difference-in-criminal-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Accessory vs. Accomplice: What’s the Difference in Criminal Law?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Accessory vs. Accomplice: What's the Difference in Criminal Law?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n

In most states, an accomplice actively participates in planning or committing a crime and faces the same charges as the main perpetrator<\/span>, while an accessory typically helps after the crime is committed and faces lesser charges. Accomplices are usually present at the crime scene<\/span> and take part in the criminal act<\/span> itself. Accessories help criminals avoid arrest or prosecution after the fact, such as by hiding them or providing false alibis.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Most crimes involve more than one person, though there are cases in which someone commits a crime entirely on their own. When law enforcement<\/span> begins to investigate a crime, it often becomes apparent that several parties are involved.<\/p>\n

In most criminal cases<\/span>, certain individuals are central to the commission of the crime<\/span>. We refer to these actors as \u201cprincipals.\u201d These are the individuals\u00a0present at the\u00a0crime scene<\/u><\/a> who actively participate in the crime<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Then there are other individuals who help plan the crime, carry it out, and manage its aftermath. Depending on a person’s level of involvement, they may be an accessory or an accomplice<\/u><\/a>. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between accessories and accomplices and how the penalties differ for this type of involvement in a crime.<\/p>\n

If you’re facing criminal charges<\/span> for assisting with the commission of a crime<\/span> or in its cover-up, contact a criminal defense<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/u><\/a> for legal advice<\/span>. This article provides foundational information, but an attorney can help you understand how these rules might apply to your unique circumstances.<\/p>\n

Key Differences Between Accessories and Accomplices<\/h2>\n

Many people use the terms “accessory” and “accomplice” interchangeably, but they are distinct legal concepts with different penalties. While both terms describe people involved in\u00a0criminal activity<\/span>, there are some key differences to be aware of:<\/p>\n