Can you be prosecuted for being at the scene of the crime with an equal punishment to the offender?
2006-06-26 06:00:46 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Depends if you had anything to do with described crime. If you were an innocent bystander, than no. But if you were helping the criminal out, i.e preparing to drive him away from the scene of a crime before he got caught, then yes, its aiding and abetting a criminal
2006-06-26 06:03:22 · answer #1 · answered by MSUSpartan117 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No -- but yes.
No -- you can only be prosecuted by being charged with a crime, and being on the scene of a crime is not a crime in and of itself.
But yes -- just because you didn't do something doesn't mean you can't be charged, or even convicted, of doing it. So you may say you were just at the scene, but you could be charged with the crime, conspiracy to do the crime, trespassing, aiding and abetting the crime, etc.
And if you knew about the crime and participated in any way (say, drove a car, loaned a tool or money) you are guilty of the above.
As for the punishment. It depends on the charge. But only to a degree. Lots of factors go into a sentence, including agreeing to plead guilty, so it could be as much as the person who actually did the crime.
2006-06-26 13:22:51 · answer #2 · answered by C_Bar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. One should try to stop a crime or leave the scene and call police that is what is expected of you under the law!!!
2006-06-26 13:07:47 · answer #3 · answered by marie l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if they have some evidence that you knew of the crime and either aided the criminals or did not report them when reasonably possible.
2006-06-26 13:05:42 · answer #4 · answered by James 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
heh, hehe. There's an old saying in police work sport. "He who talks first...wins". Better start yakking now if it isn't too late and distance yourself. Especially if you were the wheel man for an armed robbery. The next thing you know that gunmen will be saying it was all you're idea and planned it. they were pawns because you threatened to kill them and their junkies so they're sick and easily influenced. plus their mothers didn't breast feed them when they were babies and this caused them to lead a criminal life.
2006-06-26 13:06:54 · answer #5 · answered by Quasimodo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well.. you saw the crime and don't tell anything, then you're covering the criminal action what's mean you are also participating on the crime too.
2006-06-26 13:05:54 · answer #6 · answered by ricardocobar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you aided in the crime committed, yes
2006-06-26 13:05:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you helped or participated in anyway, yes. If you were a bystander, or got there after, no. Unless you just walked away and didnt call the police.
2006-06-26 13:04:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if you are participating in the crime or for withholding information. If you withhold information, then you are an accomplice to the criminal.
2006-06-26 13:05:08 · answer #9 · answered by mikey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-06-26 13:04:18 · answer #10 · answered by takers dreamcatcher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋