Key Difference – Accomplice vs Conspirator
Accomplice and conspirator are two legal terms that refer to individuals who have aided in the commission of a crime. The main difference between the two is that an accomplice is a person who willingly and knowingly assists in a crime, while a conspirator is a person who enters into a plot with one or more other individuals to commit an illegal act.
Key Takeaways
- An accomplice is someone who assists, attempts to assist, or encourages a crime willingly and knowingly.
- A conspirator is someone who enters into a plot with one or more other people to commit an illegal act.
- A person can be charged as an accomplice after committing an actual crime, whereas a person can be charged with conspiracy before committing the actual crime.
Who is an Accomplice?
An accomplice is an individual who knowingly and voluntarily assists in a crime. This assistance can take various forms, such as encouraging the crime, knowing about the crime beforehand, or directly assisting in its planning and execution. An accomplice does not necessarily have to be present at the scene of the crime but is still considered guilty of the crime. As a result, an accomplice may share the same charge and punishment as the principal criminal.
Who is a Conspirator?
To understand the meaning of conspirator, it is essential to know the definition of conspiracy. A conspiracy occurs when two or more parties knowingly agree to commit a criminal act. Each party in this conspiracy is called a co-conspirator. A person can be charged with conspiracy and the execution of the actual crime. A conspirator is someone who enters into a plot with one or more other people to commit illegal acts, legal acts with an illegal object, or using illegal methods, to the harm of others. A person can be charged with conspiracy even if the actual crime is not committed.
What is the difference between Accomplice and Conspirator?
The primary difference between accomplice and conspirator lies in their definitions and roles in a crime. An accomplice is someone who willingly and knowingly assists, attempts to assist, or encourages a crime, while a conspirator is a person who enters into a plot with one or more other individuals to commit an illegal act.
Examples of an accomplice include someone who distracts people or security while their partner commits the crime. Although they did not directly commit the crime, they are still considered guilty of the crime. A conspirator, on the other hand, might hire someone to commit a crime. Though they do not commit the actual crime themselves, they are directly responsible for the crime.
Another significant difference between accomplice and conspirator is when charges can be filed. A person can be charged as an accomplice after committing an actual crime, whereas a person can be charged with conspiracy before committing the actual crime.
