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 Connecticut, an accessory after the fact is someone who assists another person who has committed a crime, with the knowledge of the crime, and with the intent to help the person evade law enforcement or punishment. This is distinct from being an accomplice, who is someone involved in the commission of the crime itself. Under Connecticut law, an accessory after the fact may face charges separate from the principal offender's charges. The crime of being an accessory after the fact is often associated with obstruction of justice, which involves acts that impede the investigation, arrest, or prosecution of a criminal. The specific statutes and penalties can vary depending on the nature of the underlying crime and the actions taken by the accessory after the fact. It is important for individuals facing such charges to consult with an attorney to understand the specific implications under Connecticut law and federal statutes.