You can be charged with being an accessory to murder if you assist in the commission or concealment of murder. You do not have to be present at the crime scene or directly participate in the killing to be considered an accessory. Depending on your involvement, you can be charged with being an accessory before or after the fact.
An accessory before the fact provides assistance or encouragement before the crime is committed. It could be by helping plan the murder, supplying the resources or means to commit the murder or even persuading the murderer to go through with their plan.
On the other hand, an accessory after the fact involves helping the murderer after they have already committed the crime. This can include offering them a safe place to hide from law enforcement, destroying evidence or providing wrong information to the police, like a false alibi, to help cover up the crime.
The potential legal consequences
If you are found guilty of being an accessory to murder before the fact in Massachusetts, the penalties can be as severe as those for the principal offender. In other words, you could be charged as if you directly carried out the murder with similar penalties upon conviction, including life imprisonment.
Accessories after the fact can also face significant prison sentences and fines, depending on their level of involvement in helping the offender evade justice.
Seeking urgent legal guidance is in your best interests if you find yourself facing such murder-related charges or in a situation where you could be implicated in murder. It can help you navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system, protect your rights and increase the chances of a desirable verdict or outcome.
