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 Oklahoma, aiding and abetting is addressed under the state's criminal laws. A person can be charged with aiding and abetting if they intentionally assist in the commission of a crime, even if they are not present during the actual criminal act. This assistance can take various forms, such as providing information, resources, or any other support that facilitates the commission of the crime. Oklahoma law requires that the individual charged with aiding and abetting had knowledge of the intended crime and acted with the intent to help in its execution. The level of involvement in the crime 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. The penalties for aiding and abetting are typically aligned with the penalties for the principal crime committed.