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 Arizona, aiding and abetting is covered under the state's accomplice liability laws. According to Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-301, a person may be charged with a crime if they intentionally aid, facilitate, counsel, or encourage another person in the planning or commission of the offense. The law does not require the accomplice to be physically present at the scene of the crime to be charged. The degree of assistance provided must be substantial and with the intent to promote or facilitate the commission of the crime. If the involvement reaches a level of planning and intent to commit the crime, it could also be considered a conspiracy under ARS § 13-1003. The penalties for aiding and abetting are generally the same as those for the principal offender of the underlying crime.