Facing criminal charges can be scary, especially if it may lead to jail time, significant fines and other hefty penalties. Still, these sanctions can also apply without direct involvement in the crime, such as when others help the offender, making them accessories. These situations can be prone to misunderstandings and confusion, especially when unaware of what behavior or actions can make a person an accomplice.
In Tennessee, being an accessory to a felony can result in a Class E felony charge. This offense can include specific forms of misconduct related to the initial crime, such as the following:
- Helping the offender hide when authorities are looking for them
- Assisting the offender when they are actively making attempts to prevent their arrest or avoid their conviction, trial and sanctions
- Telling the offender information that can help them avoid getting caught by the authorities, such as warning them about risks and giving them any aid
If evidence shows that an individual committed these actions, the court may hold them accountable for obstructing justice. The actual severity of being an accomplice can vary based on the circumstances. Sometimes, the situation may involve aggravating factors, possibly leading to harsher penalties necessary to reflect the incident’s gravity.
Knowing how to approach any criminal charge
Whether committing a crime or becoming an accomplice, both are serious offenses that can have grave repercussions. Criminal charges can be challenging to navigate alone, considering each case could have unique details and circumstances with legal implications. In these scenarios, seeking legal guidance could be vital to help individuals approach their charges appropriately and make informed decisions throughout the legal process.