Accessory after the fact in North Carolina – There are several ways that people can be charged with a crime.  Sure, most of the time is it because the government is claiming that the person committed the specific acts related to that crime, however it doesn’t always end there.  Involvement with a crime such as; participating in the commission of a crime – aiding and abetting, planning a crime – conspiracy, coming close to completely a crime – attempt, are just a few examples.

Further, someone can even be charged with a crime even if they did not get involved until after the crime was completed.  What we are talking about in this specific case is accessory after that fact. In this blog, we will talk about accessory after the fact as a separate crime. Like all of our blogs, this is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and counsel of a criminal defense attorney.

What is accessory after the fact?

In North Carolina, accessory after the fact is governed by N.C.G.S § 14-7. A person who is an accessory after the fact to any felony can be found guilty of accessory after the fact if the government proves the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Examples of accessory after the fact

1. A person learns of a crime after it was committed and helps the perpetrator conceal it
2. A person learns of a crime after it was committed and aids the perpetrator in escaping or hiding
3. A person learns of a crime after it was committed and lies to the police in order to aid the perpetrator

Punishment for accessory after the fact

In North Carolina, generally, unless otherwise provided by statute, accessory after the fact is punished two classes lower than the underlying crime for which the accessory after the fact occurred. Additionally, there are special rules for certain classes of felonies (A, B1, H, and I). If punished as a felony, this crime is punished according to the North Carolina felony sentencing guidelines. If punished as a misdemeanor, it is punished according to the North Carolina misdemeanor sentencing guidelines.

What about accessory before the fact?

You can read about accessory before the fact here.

If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney in North Carolina or South Carolina, contact us to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.