ABA Family Legal Guide

Criminal Justice

The Police and Your Rights

Criminal Charges

What is complicity or accomplice liability?

Complicity, also known as aiding and abetting, is the act of being an accomplice. An accomplice is someone who helps in, or in some states merely encourages, the commission of a crime. Courts sometimes refer to such a person as an aider or an abettor. This person did not commit the crime, but his or her actions helped enable someone else to do so. Examples of complicity include supplying weapons or supplies, acting as a lookout, or driving the getaway car. Other examples are bringing the victim to the scene of the crime or signaling the victim's approach. Accomplice liability means that anyone who helps in the commission of a crime is as guilty as the person who committed the crime and could be punished as severely if convicted.