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 Arkansas, aiding and abetting is addressed under the state's criminal law as an accomplice liability. According to Arkansas law, a person acts as an accomplice in the commission of an offense if, with the purpose of promoting or facilitating the commission of the offense, they solicit, advise, encourage, or assist the principal offender in planning or committing the offense. The accomplice must have the intent to promote or facilitate the crime, and mere knowledge of the crime is not sufficient for conviction. The state does not require the accomplice to be present at the scene of the crime to be charged. If convicted, an accomplice can face the same penalties as the principal offender. This reflects the general principle that aiding and abetting involves intentional and knowing participation in the crime, which can include providing information, action, or financial support to help commit the crime. The degree of involvement can also lead to charges of conspiracy if it meets the threshold of an agreement to commit the crime and an overt act in furtherance of the crime.