Being charged as an accomplice to a crime in Lexington, Kentucky, carries serious consequences. Under Kentucky law, anyone who assists or encourages another person to commit a crime can be held just as responsible as the person who actually committed the crime. If you’re facing aiding and abetting charges in Lexington, you need a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys who know how to build a powerful defense.
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our team includes a former prosecutor and a former police officer. This background—coupled with over 100 years of combined experience—means our attorneys have a thorough understanding of Kentucky criminal law and the state’s approach to prosecuting these cases.
Contact us today at 859-569-4014 for a free consultation with a Lexington aiding and abetting lawyer. Let us help you protect your freedom and future.
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Why Choose Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers After an Arrest for Aiding & Abetting in Lexington, KY?
Are you facing charges for aiding and abetting in Lexington, KY? If so, you may be facing jail time, fines, or other serious life-changing consequences. At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, we stand up for the rights of the accused.
Our Lexington criminal defense lawyers offer:
- Extensive trial experience and negotiating skills
- Thorough investigation of the charges against you
- Aggressive representation in court and during plea deal negotiations with prosecutors
- Resources to hire expert witnesses when necessary
- Support, guidance, and trusted legal counsel throughout your case
- Members of our team have been recognized for their legal skills and successful track record by organizations such as Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100.
Our firm boasts a 10.0 Avvo rating, reflecting our dedication to client satisfaction and achieving positive case outcomes. We understand the stress and uncertainty that accompany criminal charges. Let us help you navigate the legal process and protect your future. Call us today to schedule your free consultation with a Lexington aiding and abetting attorney.
What Is Aiding and Abetting Under Kentucky Law?
Aiding and abetting is known as “complicity” under Kentucky law. It is not a defense to argue that you did not actually commit a crime. You can be guilty of complicity just by helping another person to commit a crime.
Specifically, you could be found guilty of this offense if you:
- Engage, command, or solicit in a conspiracy with someone to commit a crime;
- Counsel, attempt to aid, or aid someone in planning and/or committing a crime; or,
- Failing to make a proper effort to prevent a crime if you have a legal duty to do so.
A principal is the person who physically commits a crime. An accomplice aids them in some element of the crime. As an accomplice, you can face the same charges and penalties as the person who committed the crime.
How Do Prosecutors Prove Aiding and Abetting?
An arrest or charge for aiding and abetting is not a guilty verdict. The state has the burden of proving all elements to establish the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
The elements of aiding and abetting are:
- A crime happened
- You intended for the crime to occur
- You intentionally or knowingly did something to facilitate the crime
Mere presence at a crime scene isn’t enough for a conviction. The prosecution must prove that you did something that actually helped another person commit a crime. If you were at the scene by coincidence, or you did not realize your actions would help facilitate a crime, you may have a defense.
Penalties for Accomplice Liability in Kentucky
In Kentucky, the classification of aiding and abetting as a felony or misdemeanor generally depends on the nature of the principal offense. Penalties for aiding and abetting depend on the severity of the underlying crime.
If the underlying crime is a felony, you can face the same penalties for a felony conviction of the same crime. If the underlying crime is a misdemeanor, you face penalties for a misdemeanor conviction.
All courts must comply with Kentucky sentencing guidelines, which include mandatory minimum sentences. For example, the maximum sentence for a Class B misdemeanor is 90 days. A Class A misdemeanor has a maximum sentence of 12 months.
The maximum sentences for felony crimes are much harsher. A Class D felony has a sentence of one to five years. A Class A felony carries a sentence of 20 to 50 years in prison.
In addition to jail or prison time, penalties for aiding and abetting may also include fines and probation. You may also face collateral consequences.
Defenses Against Aiding and Abetting Charges
You have the right to present evidence and testimony in court for your defense. The law recognizes several defenses when someone is charged with being an accomplice to a crime.
These include:
- Alibi: You were not present at the scene of a crime or could not have participated in any way.
- Lack of Evidence: The evidence must convince the judge or jury that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney can challenge circumstantial evidence, witness credibility, and forensic evidence.
- Duress: You were forced to aid in the commission of a crime because you reasonably believed you were in danger.
- No Knowledge: You were unaware of the primary actor’s criminal intent, including that you were misinformed, misled, or did not understand.
- Withdrawal: You withdrew from the crime before it was completed by taking affirmative steps to disassociate yourself.
- Lack of Intent: Your actions were unintentional, accidental, or committed without the purpose of aiding another party.
Accomplice liability cases are incredibly complex. Our Lexington criminal defense attorneys can investigate the facts, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and help protect your rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Lexington Aiding and Abetting Attorneys Today
Aiding and abetting charges can result in the same punishment as the underlying crime. At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our attorneys have 100+ years of combined experience defending clients against serious criminal charges in Kentucky. Let us put that experience to work for you.
Call us today to secure your free case review with a Lexington aiding and abetting lawyer.
