Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: A person who, after the commission of a felony, aids or assists the offender to avoid arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment. An accessory after the fact is guilty of a felony of the third degree.
Category: Criminal Offenses · Statute: F.S. 777.03 · Source: Florida Legislature
Florida Statute 777.03"Whoever, not standing in the relation of husband or wife... maintains or assists the principal or an accessory before the fact... knowing that such person committed a felony, shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree."
Accessory Before vs. After the Fact
- Accessory before the fact — Helped plan or encouraged the crime but was not present (charged as a principal in FL)
- Accessory after the fact — Helped the offender avoid capture after the crime
Penalties
Accessory after the fact is a 3rd degree felony: up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine. Bail typically ranges from $5,000–$25,000.