Any person who has been involved in

any way in committing a crime may

become a party to the crime.

The level of punishment for the party is
usually determined by that persons level
of involvement in the crime.
Principal in the first degree this is the
principal offender (the person who
actually commits the act).

The principal offender will be directly
responsible for the crime being carried
out and is likely to receive the highest
sentence.
Principal in the second degree this is a
person who was present at the crime
and assisted or encouraged the
principal offender to perform the
offence.

The presence need not be immediate
physical presence but assisting the
principal may be sufficient

May be given a lesser sentence
depending on circumstances
Accessory before the fact an
accessory will be someone who has
helped the principal to plan or carry out
the crime.

An accessory before the fact is a person
who has helped in planning or
preparation before the actual act is
carried out


Accessory after the fact this is someone
who has assisted the principal after the
actual act is committed e.g. Driving the
getaway car