An accessory after the fact is a person who (1) assists someone who has committed a crime, (2) after the commission of the crime, (3) with knowledge that the person committed the crime, and (4) with the intent to help the person who committed the crime avoid arrest or punishment. The United States Code defines an accessory after the fact has someone who knows a crime has been committed and receives the offender (harbors them), or relieves, comforts, or assists the offender in order to hinder or prevent the offender’s apprehension, trial, or punishment.

An accessory after the fact is different that an accomplice to a crime, who helps with the commission of the crime. An accessory after the fact is treated as a criminal offense separate from the criminal offense of the offender being assisted, and may be prosecuted as the criminal offense of obstruction of justice.

In Wyoming, an accessory after the fact is defined under state law as someone who assists a criminal after the commission of a crime, knowing that the person has committed the crime, with the intention to help them evade arrest or punishment. This is distinct from being an accomplice, which involves aiding in the commission of the crime itself. Being an accessory after the fact is a separate criminal offense and can be prosecuted as such. It may also fall under the broader category of obstruction of justice, depending on the actions taken to assist the offender. The penalties for being an accessory after the fact vary depending on the severity of the original crime committed and other specific circumstances of the case.