Accessory After the Fact

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 274, Section 4 is the statute that criminalizes the crime of Accessory After the Fact

To be convicted for the crime of Accessory After the Fact, the prosecutor must prove three (3) elements:
  1. That the defendant harbored, concealed, maintained or in some way assisted the principal offender after the commission of a felony;
  2. That the defendant knew the principal offender had committed or was an accessory to a felony; and
  3. That the defendant aided the principal offender or the accessory to avoid or escape detention, arrest, trial or punishment.
Notably, the Massachusetts State Legislature has recognized the 'family predicament' in these types of situations, and has specifically recognized a defense for those criminal offenders who assist a husband, wife, parent or grandparent, child or grandchild, and brother or sister.  The statute further provides a limited safeguard if the defendant chooses to testify at trial on this issue, in that he/she shall not be subject to cross-examination on any other subject matter, nor shall his/her criminal record, if any, except for perjury or subornation of perjury, be admissible to impeach his/her credibility.

If you have been charged with the crime of Accessory After the Fact, it is critical that you immediately consult with an experienced Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer.

To schedule a Free Consultation with Massachusetts Criminal Attorney Lefteris K. Travayiakis, Click Here to Submit your Case or call him directly at 617-325-9500.