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 Louisiana, aiding and abetting is covered under the state's laws regarding principals and accessories to crimes. According to Louisiana law, all persons involved in the commission of a crime, whether present or absent, and whether they directly commit the act constituting the offense, aid and abet in its commission, or directly or indirectly counsel or procure another to commit the crime, are considered principals. This means that someone who aids and abets in the commission of a crime can be charged and prosecuted as if they had committed the underlying offense themselves. The individual must have knowingly and intentionally participated in the crime, which can include providing assistance, information, or resources before or during the commission of the crime. The level of involvement can determine whether the charge is for aiding and abetting or for conspiracy, which involves an agreement to commit a crime and an overt act in furtherance of that crime. Louisiana's approach to accomplice liability is consistent with the general principles of aiding and abetting, requiring active participation or assistance in the crime with the requisite criminal intent.