What is Aiding and Abetting?
Aiding and abetting is against the law in Wisconsin, which you may already know if you’re facing these charges. It’s generally referred to as being party to a crime in Wisconsin, so here’s what you need to know.
What is Aiding and Abetting?
Aiding, abetting and being an accessory are three separate terms under Wisconsin law:
- Aiding is helping or supporting another person to commit a crime.
- Abetting is encouraging, inciting or inducing another person to commit a crime.
- An accessory is someone who aids or abets (or aids and abets) in support of someone else committing a crime.
Aiding and Abetting Examples
Here’s an example of aiding someone in the commission of a crime:
Carlos knows Tedia is going to rob a bank. He provides her with a ski mask and a large bag she can use to carry money, and he tells her that he’ll be outside waiting in the getaway car to drive her away from the scene before police arrive. Carlos is aiding Tedia, so he can be charged as a party to the crime.
Here’s an example of abetting:
Carlos and Tedia are walking down the street and see a parked Ferrari with the windows down. There’s a briefcase on the passenger seat, and Carlos tells Tedia she should reach in and grab it because there’s probably something valuable inside. Tedia grabs it, and they’ve both committed a crime – Carlos is in trouble for abetting, and Tedia is in trouble for theft.
In both of these cases, Carlos is an accessory to the crime that Tedia committed.
Do You Need to Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney About Aiding and Abetting?
If you’ve been accused of aiding and abetting or being party to a crime, we may be able to help you. Call us at 414-383-6700 now to schedule your free consultation – we’ll answer your questions and explain possible outcomes for your case.
