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 South Carolina, aiding and abetting is recognized as a form of criminal liability under the state's accomplice liability laws. An individual can be charged with aiding and abetting if they intentionally provide assistance or support to the principal offender(s) in committing a crime. This support can be in the form of information, action, or financial assistance. The individual charged does not need to be present at the scene of the crime but must have knowledge of the crime either before or during its commission. South Carolina law requires that the aider and abettor share the criminal intent with the principal offender. The level of involvement in the crime can be significant enough to constitute a conspiracy charge 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 the same as those for the principal offense, meaning that an accomplice can face the same charges and sentencing as the person who directly committed the crime.