A criminal charge of aiding and abetting is known as an accomplice crime, and may be brought against anyone who helps with the commission of a crime. Aiding and abetting charges vary from state to state (and under federal law), but generally require that the defendant knowingly and intentionally aided and abetted the principal(s) in each essential element of the underlying crime. A person charged with aiding and abetting is often not present when the underlying crime is committed, but has knowledge of the crime before the crime is committed, and assists with the commission of the crime by providing information, action, or financial support. If the person aiding and abetting has a sufficient degree of involvement in the crime, the participation may rise to the level of being a conspiracy to commit the underlying crime.

In Alabama, aiding and abetting is recognized as a form of accomplice liability. Under Alabama law, a person can be charged with aiding and abetting if they intentionally assist, encourage, or facilitate the commission of a crime. This assistance can be through actions, advice, or financial support. The individual charged does not need to be present at the crime scene but must have knowledge of the crime and a connection to it before or during its commission. Alabama Code § 13A-2-23 establishes that a person is legally accountable for the behavior of another constituting a criminal offense if, with the intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense, they aid or abet the principal offender. The degree of involvement required for a charge of aiding and abetting can vary, but if it is substantial, it may also lead to charges of conspiracy, which is a separate offense under Alabama Code § 13A-4-3. Both aiding and abetting and conspiracy carry serious penalties and are treated with the same severity as the underlying offense.