Who is considered an accessory in a crime?

An accessory in a crime is specifically identified as someone who assists the perpetrator after the commission of a crime, particularly to help them evade arrest or prosecution. This can include actions such as providing shelter, aiding in the disposal of evidence, or offering other forms of support that facilitate the perpetrator's ability to avoid law enforcement.

In this context, the essence of being an accessory revolves around the knowledge of a felony and the willful act of aiding the perpetrator subsequent to that crime. This distinguishes accessories from individuals who directly commit the crime, such as the actual perpetrator, or from bystanders who may witness the crime but do not engage in any criminal behavior themselves, such as reporting it to the authorities. Similarly, law enforcement officers, while integral to the investigation and resolution of crimes, do not fall under the definition of an accessory as they are tasked with preventing crime and enforcing the law rather than aiding criminals.