Crimes which attach to other crimes are known as Inchoate crimes (not complete by themselves). In Fort Collins courts, one of these is Complicity and another is Accessory. Complicity involves conduct before a crime occurs, while Accessory is conduct after a crime occurs. In most cases, the actual crime is completed by a separate person. These crimes should be known as “assist” crimes, because the relate to charging someone who assisted another in committing or planning a crime. In some cases, people are charged with these crimes even though they do not know they are assisting with a crime at the time of their conduct. Let’s study Complicity closer and learn how it works. Accessory is the subject of another blog.
The Definition of Complicity in Larimer County, Colorado and Jury Instruction
The Larimer County definition of Complicity is: “a person is legally accountable as principal for the behavior of another constituting a criminal offense if, with the intent to promote or facilitate the commission of the offense, he or she aids, abets, advises, or encourages the other person in planning or committing the offense.” This is the definition which a court would use to instruct a jury during a trial. It is also known as a jury instruction.
Complicity Example for Fort Collins Courts
Complicity for Fort Collins courts can be found at C.R.S. 18-1-603, and only attaches to other crimes. It really can’t stand by itself. A quick example is that person #2 can be charged the same as person #1 who commits an underlying crime, if person #2 helps them plan or commit the crime in any way. A person might help another plan an offense by taking pictures, informing them where a potential victim hangs out, or by dropping them off to rob a store or bank. Any of these actions could support a charge of Complicity. Examples of the full name of the crime charged would be Complicity to Commit Robbery or Complicity to Commit Assault. And, person #2 would be charged with the same serious crime as person #1, who actually committed the crime.
Larimer County Complicity Criminal Charge – No Need to be Present
The person accused of Complicity to commit another criminal offense in Larimer County does not have to ever be at the scene where or when the crime occurs. Complicity involves helping another crime breaker in any way BEFORE the base crime is committed. Interestingly, with the broad definition of Complicity, you can be charged if you help out months or years in advance of the crime. You don’t even have to be sure that the person you are offering to help will actually commit the crime.
Crimes Involving Complicity in Larimer County and Loveland: Robbery, Assault, and Many Others
Complicity can attach to any Colorado crime. Here are some crime names which join with the name Complicity, in order to form a new crime for helping someone out in their commission of another, separate crime.
- Complicity to Commit Robbery, C.R.S. 18-1-603; C.R.S. 18-4-301
- Complicity to Commit Assault, C.R.S. 18-1-603; C.R.S. 18-3-202
- Complicity to Commit Arson, C.R.S. 18-1-603; C.R.S. 18-4-101
- Complicity to Commit Kidnapping, C.R.S. 18-1-603; C.R.S. 18-3-301
- Complicity to Commit Homicide, C.R.S. 18-1-603; C.R.S. 18-3-101
If you have been charged with Complicity in the commission of a crime, call our criminal defense lawyers at 970-658-0007. We’d enjoy a chance to get to know you and the real story of what happened. Together, we can protect your future.
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