What’s An Accessory After The Fact?
by
Randy Collins on May. 04, 2012
Criminal Criminal Misdemeanor Criminal Felony
Summary: This is simply: when someone helps someone else get away with a crime. It could mean helping someone escape from a robbery via providing transportation, or hiding a criminal offender for short or long periods of time.
This is simply: when someone helps someone else get away with a crime. It could mean helping someone escape from a robbery via providing transportation, or hiding a criminal offender for short or long periods of time.
Before prosecutors can convict someone for being an accessory after the fact under California penal code 32, they will first have to ensure that the accessory deliberately helped or concealed someone after they committed a crime.
The individual must have also been aware that a crime was committed, or that the individual was charged and/or found guilty. After knowing this information, the accessory would have been willing to help in any case. In some instances, an accessory after the fact helps in preventing imprisonment or arrest of an individual.
There are other crimes associated with this code, such as resisting arrest under California penal code 148, or obstructing an executive officer. Other terms used to describe an accessory after the fact include AATF, and there are also accessories that can help before a crime is committed, in which case this is classified as an accessory before the fact.
Some legal defenses for helping an accessory after the fact prove their innocence include:
· A false identity
· You were unaware that the person you helped committed a felony
· You acting out of fear or threat
A judge will consider the elements of the crime, the individual’s criminal history, and other factors to fine as either a:
· Misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail, and up to five thousand dollars in fines
- Felony, which is punishable by either sixteen months, two or three years in prison, and up to five thousand dollars in fines
If you are facing charges for California Penal Code Section 32 Accessory After the Fact, we can help. MacGregor & Collins are ready to provide you the Orange County Accessory After the Fact Attorney services you need. We will help you understand the charges against you and get you the best possible outcome for your case. Call MacGregor & Collins today at (949) 250-6097.