Accomplices

Question 1

Principal

Answer 1

The person who commits the illegal act or who causes an innocent agent to do so. The principal is liable for the principal crime.

Question 2

Accomplice

Answer 2

The person who aids or encourages the principal to commit the illegal conduct. The accomplice is liable for the principal crime if he intended to assist the principal in the commission of a crime and intended that the principal commit the crime.

Mere knowledge that a crime will result is not enough, especially where aid is from a sale of ordinary goods at ordinary prices.

Question 3

Accessory after the fact

Answer 3

The person who aids another to escape knowing that he has committed a felony. The accessory is liable for a separate crime.

Question 4

Withdrawal

Answer 4

A person who withdraws from a crime before committed cannot be held guilty as an accomplice. Withdrawal can involve repudiating the encouragement, attempting to neutralize the assistance or taking action to prevent the crime.