The state of Wisconsin can charge you with being a party to a crime – commonly called PTAC – if you have anything to do with someone else committing a crime. Here’s what you need to know.
What Does it Mean if You’re Party to a Crime in Wisconsin?
Legally, the state can charge you as a party to a crime when you didn’t directly commit the crime – and even when the person who did directly commit the crime hasn’t been convicted (or has been convicted of some other crime based on the same act). If you “aid and abet” someone in committing a crime, which really just means you helped in some way, the state can charge you as a party to a crime, too. Finally, if you hire someone to commit a crime, give someone advice on committing a crime or otherwise help another person commit a crime, the state can charge you.
Related: Felonies in Wisconsin
Examples of Being Party to a Crime
If you’re not sure what being a party to a crime in Wisconsin looks like, check out these examples:
- Your friend robs a bank and you serve as the “lookout.” You can be charged and convicted.
- You agree to rob a bank with your friends and you help plan it, but you don’t go through with the actual robbery and your friends do. You can be charged and convicted.
- Your friends rob a bank and you provide the bags they use to carry out the money, their masks and their weapons – and you knew that they were using these things for a bank robbery. You can be charged and convicted.
Related: Misdemeanors in Wisconsin
Consequences of Being Party to a Crime
If you’re convicted of being party to a crime, it’s like you committed the crime yourself. You could be looking at misdemeanor or felony charges – and you may want to talk to a criminal lawyer about your case.
Do You Need Legal Advice on Being Party to a Crime?
If you’ve been accused of being party to a crime in Wisconsin, we may be able to help you. Call us at 414-383-6700 now or contact us online – we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation.
