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 Vermont, aiding and abetting is addressed under the state's criminal laws and is considered a form of accomplice liability. According to Vermont statutes, a person may be charged with aiding and abetting if they intentionally help, encourage, or support the principal offender in the commission of a crime. The individual charged with aiding and abetting must have knowledge of the criminal intent of the principal and must take some action that assists in the commission of the crime. This can include providing information, resources, or any form of support that facilitates the crime. The presence of the aider and abettor at the scene of the crime is not necessary for them to be charged. If the involvement is significant enough, the charge can escalate to conspiracy, which implies an agreement to commit the crime and an overt act in furtherance of that crime. Vermont law treats accomplices with the same severity as the principal offenders, meaning that someone convicted of aiding and abetting can face the same penalties as if they had committed the underlying offense themselves.