What does "accessory after the fact" refer to?

The term "accessory after the fact" specifically refers to an individual who assists someone who has committed a crime after the fact, often to help them avoid capture or punishment. This can include actions such as providing shelter, helping to dispose of evidence, or otherwise helping the criminal evade law enforcement. The primary characteristic of an accessory after the fact is that they are not involved in the commission of the crime itself; rather, their involvement occurs after the crime has already been committed, with the intent of aiding the perpetrator.

Understanding this definition is critical, as it distinguishes accessories after the fact from principals (those who commit the crime) and accomplices (those who assist before or during the commission of the crime). This legal distinction has implications for how charges are laid and the severity of the penalties associated with each role in relation to the crime.