Favor “Accomplice Liability”

“Favoring” (also sometimes called “accomplice liability”) is not itself a crime. Rather, it is a legal principle in California that allows the state to prosecute everyone involved in a crime even if they do not commit the crime directly.

That is because California laws assign criminal liability to anyone who encourages, aids, or facilitates the commission of a crime.

There does not need to be any kind of prior participation in order to be found guilty. Mere knowledge of the crime or presence at the scene will not be sufficient. And unlike a conspiracy, there does not have to be a prior agreement to commit the crime; you face liability simply for voluntary participation.

An aider or accomplice generally faces the same criminal charges as the principal perpetrator. If convicted, you usually also face the same penalties. In a murder case, for example, an aider or accomplice normally faces life imprisonment just like the person who actually commits the murder.

Take note that these are just some of the factors that help determine if you should be charged as an accomplice. But they are not conclusive.