What distinguishes an accessory after the fact?

An accessory after the fact is defined as someone who assists a criminal after the commission of a crime. This assistance can take various forms, such as helping the criminal evade capture, concealing evidence, or providing other forms of support that may help the offender avoid prosecution or punishment. The key factor that distinguishes an accessory after the fact from other participants in a crime is that their actions occur after the crime has already been committed.

In contrast, individuals who help plan the crime, are present during its commission, or actually carry out the crime themselves are classified differently under the law. These roles involve greater participation in the crime itself, which is not the case for an accessory after the fact, who merely acts to support the perpetrator following the criminal act. This distinction is important in legal contexts, as it helps determine the level of culpability and the nature of the charges that may be brought against each person involved.