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 Minnesota, aiding and abetting a crime is addressed under Minnesota Statutes Section 609.05. According to this statute, a person is criminally liable for a crime committed by another if they intentionally aid, advise, hire, counsel, or conspire with or otherwise procure the other to commit the crime. The aider and abettor need not be physically present at the scene of the crime to be held liable. The key elements are that the defendant knew about the crime and took some action to aid, promote, or encourage it. The punishment for aiding and abetting is generally the same as for the principal offender. This means that someone convicted of aiding and abetting can face the same penalties as if they had committed the underlying crime themselves. It's important to note that Minnesota law also recognizes the concept of 'liability for crimes of another' which can extend legal responsibility to individuals involved in a criminal act in various capacities.