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 Connecticut, aiding and abetting is addressed under the state's complicity laws. According to Connecticut General Statutes, a person is criminally liable for the actions of another when, 'with the intent to promote or assist the commission of an offense, he solicits, requests, commands, importunes or intentionally aids such person to engage in conduct which constitutes an offense.' This means that if someone intentionally helps another person commit a crime, they can be charged as an accomplice to that crime. The individual charged with aiding and abetting must have had the intent to assist in the crime and taken some action that helped in its commission. This can include providing information, materials, or any form of support that facilitates the crime, even if they were not physically present when the crime occurred. The level of involvement can also lead to a charge of conspiracy if it is determined that there was an agreement to commit the crime and an overt act in furtherance of that crime. Penalties for aiding and abetting are typically the same as for the principal offender.