When a friend or family member tells you their in trouble, your first instinct may be to help them. However, it’s imperative to understand that doing so can result in serious charges against you. As such, you must understand the nature of their crime before you take any steps to assist them. Failure to do so can result in an accessory to murder offense if you’re not careful. The following blog explores what you should know about what constitutes someone as an accessory, the penalties you can expect if convicted, and the importance of working with an experienced Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer to explore potential defenses.
What Constitutes an Accessory to Murder?
In Oklahoma, an accessory is anyone who attempts to or successfully helps, conceals, or aids someone who has committed a criminal offense. Common examples of acts that would make you an accessory include driving a “getaway car,” hiding a weapon, providing a fake alibi, or lying to police about the whereabouts of the offender.
You should note that in Oklahoma, you can also be considered a principal, meaning you aided in the commission of a crime even if you were not present at the time the offense was committed. For example, if your brother wants to rob a bank and you drop him off out front, even if you leave after and do not drive the “getaway” car, you would be a principal in the commission of a crime. This differs greatly from an accessory, which can only be charged if you aid the offender after the commission of a crime.
What Penalties Can I Face if Convicted?
The penalties you can face if convicted as an accessory to murder can be serious. The state takes these offenses seriously, as it is your duty to help protect your fellow citizens by reporting criminal activities as soon as you discover them.
As such, if the individual you are accused of assisting is convicted of first-degree murder, you can be sentenced to five to forty-five years in prison for your role as an accessory. If they are convicted of second-degree murder, you can expect five to twenty-five years.
If you are charged as an accessory to murder, it’s critical to take these charges seriously. Working with an experienced attorney can help you explore the legal options that may work for your circumstances, such as proving you had no idea the individual you assisted committed murder or that you only assisted them under duress.
At the Jones Firm, PLLC, our dedicated legal team understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate. That is why our firm is committed to exploring all potential avenues to help provide you with the best possible defense. Our goal is to fight for the best potential outcome for your circumstances. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances with a member of our firm.
