Sentencing for Aiding and Abetting
What is Aiding and Abetting in criminal law? Although the legal definition may vary by state, Aiding and Abetting is usually defined as a criminal offense when a person assists in the commission of a crime. Abettor does not always need to commit the crime by himself/herself, but he/she is acknowledged of the crime before or after the act. The offender may or may not be present at the crime scene, but he/she may encourage the criminal act by giving advice, financial support, silence, or absence of a duty to act. If the offender is very involved in the act of crime, the degree of involvement may rise to the level of conspiracy.
Here is an example of an Aiding and Abetting crime. Joe wants to rob a bank. He is not sure what to do. So he asks Pete to plan it out for him. After Joe robs the bank, he stores the money at Jenny’s house. Although both Pete and Jenny may not be at the bank at the time of robbery, they can be charged with aiding and abetting to the robbery. In certain crimes, certain persons can not be charged with aiding and abetting. For example, a parent who pays ransom to a kidnapper is not considered to be an accomplice.
The sentencing for aiding and abetting is usually subject to the same degree of punishment as the main offender.
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