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accomplice

An accomplice is defined as a person who knowingly, voluntarily, or intentionally gives assistance to another in (or in some cases fails to prevent another from) the commission of a crime . An accomplice is criminally liable to the same extent as the principal. An accomplice, unlike an accessory , is typically present when the crime is committed. 

Jurisdictions will sometimes differ as to the definition for knowingly. Generally, knowingly is enough for the person to be aware of a specific fact. For instance, in the Court of Appeals case, State v. Allen , the court instructed the jury that a person acts “knowingly” with respect to a fact or circumstance when they are aware of that fact or circumstance. 

See, e.g. Waddington v. Sarausad, 129 S.Ct. 823 (2009)

See also: accomplice witness

[Last reviewed in February of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team
]

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