Have you been charged with Accessory to Crime in Weld County? A person can face criminal charges if they help another person after he has committed a crime. Depending on the original crime that was committed, the defendant of an Accessory case can face a petty offense or felony charge. The attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office are committed to helping our clients understand the criminal charges in their case and fight for the best results. Below, our skilled attorneys discuss Accessory to Crime charges. If you are facing this or other charges in Fort Collins or Larimer County, get help here.
Colorado Definition of Accessory to Crime, C.R.S. 18-8-105
In Colorado, the legal definition Accessory to Crime, C.R.S. 18-8-105:
(1) A person is an accessory to crime if, with intent to hinder, delay, or prevent the discovery, detection, apprehension, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of another for the commission of a crime, he renders assistance to such person. (2) “Render assistance” means to: (a) Harbor or conceal the other; or (a.5) Harbor or conceal the victim or a witness to the crime; or (b) Warn such person of impending discovery or apprehension; except that this does not apply to a warning given in an effort to bring such person into compliance with the law; or (c) Provide such person with money, transportation, weapon, disguise, or other thing to be used in avoiding discovery or apprehension; or (d) By force, intimidation, or deception, obstruct anyone in the performance of any act which might aid in the discovery, detection, apprehension, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of such person; or (e) Conceal, destroy, or alter any physical or testimonial evidence that might aid in the discovery, detection, apprehension, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of such person.
Examples of an Accessory in Greeley, Colorado
When your friend, acquaintance, or anyone else commits a crime and you help them, you can be charged with Accessory. Some common examples of actions that could result in Accessory charges are:
- Giving a disguise, cash, or a car to escape to a person who has committed a crime.
- Hiding a person who has committed a crime.
- Lying to or giving misinformation to a law enforcement officer about a person who has committed a crime.
What is the Difference Between Complicity and an Accessory in Windsor and Severance, Colorado?
In Windsor, and Severance, Colorado, the difference between Complicity and Accessory is simply whether the person was involved in the criminal act when it was taking place or after the crime took place. A person who is complicit to a crime aids, helps, or plans in a crime, whereas an Accessory only helps the person who committed the crime after the commission of the offense. If you are facing Complicity charges get help here.
Punishment for an Accessory to Crime Conviction in Weld County
Simply put, the punishment in Weld County for an Accessory to Crime conviction depends on the original crime committed by the other person. If the original crime was a misdemeanor, the sentence for Accessory is a petty offense, with penalties of up to 10 days in the Weld County Jail and/or up to $300 in fines. If the original crime was a felony, the sentence then depends on the degree of the felony of the original crime committed. If the crime was a class 1 or 2 felony, Accessory will be charged as a class 4 felony. In this case, penalties include 2 to 6 years in a Colorado prison, $2,000 to $500,000 in fines, and 3 years of mandatory parole.
Why Hire a Top Greeley, Colorado Attorney to Defend Your Accessory Charge?
When facing an Accessory charge in Greeley, you need to hire a top criminal defense attorney. A defendant’s life, job, and future rests in having an attorney who can fight for you and get you the best outcome in your case. The attorneys at The O’Malley Law Office have over 30 years of experience and have vast knowledge of the Weld County Courts. Don’t wait, and call the best criminal defense lawyers to represent you today.