Accessory After the Fact in Florida

You may think you are not committing a crime by helping a friend, right? Think again… if it sounds suspicious or plain out wrong, you may be helping commit a crime, in which case you may be charged with “accessory after the fact”. If you or a loved one have been charged with accessory after the fact, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our Criminal Defense Attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience successfully litigating criminal cases across the state of Florida, our initial consultation is free.

What Exactly is Accessory After the Fact?

In the State of Florida any person who is not related by blood or marriage, who knowingly helps another person to commit a crime, or gives them any type of aid or help after committing a crime to avoid punishment after the fact, such as helping them escape, hide, etc. is an accessory after the fact.

Accessory After the Fact in Florida

What Are Some of The Punishments One Could Face?

  • If the felony offense committed is a capital felony, the offense of accessory after the fact is a felony of the first degree, which carries a punishment of up to 30 years in prison.
  • If the felony offense committed is a life felony or a felony of the first degree, the offense of accessory after the fact is a felony of the second degree, which carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison.
  • If the felony offense committed is a felony of the second degree or a felony of the third degree ranked in levels 3 through 10 under sections 0022 or section 921.0023, then the offense of accessory after the fact is a felony of the third degree, and it’s punishable with up to 5 years in prison.
  • If the felony offense committed is a felony of the third degree ranked in levels 1 or 2 under section 0022 or section 921.0023, the offense of accessory after the fact is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by up to one year of imprisonment.

What Are Some of the Exceptions?

Related Person Exception, Third-Degree Felony

A person who is the spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, or sister by blood or marriage of the accused, cannot be charged as accessory after the fact. That said, a cousin, uncle, or aunt can be. As noted, this exception only applies to “immediate” family members.

Child Abuse Exception

Regardless of whether it is related to the accused or not, any person can be charged with accessory after the fact, if the crime committed involves child abuse, child neglect, or a child’s death. That is unless the person is a victim of domestic violence.

If you are in this situation, don’t hesitate to contact us, Our Criminal Defense Lawyers are ready to speak with you, listen to your side of the story, assess your specific situation, and craft a defense strategy that will yield the best result possible. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.

If you or your loved one find themselves in a situation where you are being accused of accessory after the fact, call us right away at 407-930-8912 to speak with a qualified legal professional or fill out the contact form on this page. We’re available 24/7, we offer free initial consultation and payment plans. In addition to our Orlando location, we have offices in the following cities across the state of Florida:

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