abettor

In one sentence

A person who helps, encourages, or supports someone else in committing a crime.

Plain English

An abettor is someone who aids and abets a crime—meaning they help the actual perpetrator commit it or encourage them to do so. The abettor doesn't have to be the one who physically commits the crime; they can be guilty by helping plan it, providing tools, standing watch, or even just cheering the perpetrator on. An abettor faces the same criminal liability as the person who actually commits the crime.

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Example

During a robbery, one person enters the store and takes the money while another person waits outside in a running car as a getaway driver. Both are guilty—the person inside as the primary perpetrator and the driver as an abettor.

Used in a sentence

“The court found that the defendant was an abettor to the theft because she knowingly provided the keys to the warehouse.”

Related terms

accomplice liability

Legal responsibility for a crime based on helping or encouraging someone else to commit it.

intent

The defendant's conscious purpose or knowledge that their actions would cause a particular result.

Duress

Forcing someone to sign a contract through threats or coercion.

Conspiracy

An agreement between two or more people to commit a crime, plus an overt act in furtherance of that agreement.

criminal court

A court that handles cases involving alleged violations of criminal law and determines guilt or innocence.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.