Charged With Party To A Crime Or Accomplice In Georgia?
Last updated on November 20, 2025
Georgia law includes a comprehensive statute known as a party to a crime. It addresses individuals who assist in or encourage a criminal act, even if they didn’t commit the offense themselves. Some people refer to this concept as aiding and abetting or being an accessory to a crime.
If you or a loved one is charged with being a party to a crime in the Atlanta area, the complexities and potential penalties demand experienced legal defense. I am, Kyle H. Jarzmik, a former prosecutor who defends clients across the state. At Kyle H. Jarzmik Law, I can help you stand up against accusations of being party to a crime or an accomplice.
The Severity Of Georgia’s Party To A Crime Statute
Georgia’s complicity laws, outlined in O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20, are very strict. A person convicted of being a party to a crime can face the exact same penalties and sentencing as the individual who directly committed the offense.
To charge someone with being party to a crime or an accomplice, the prosecution must show that the underlying crime actually occurred. However, the state can still prosecute an individual for being a party to that crime even if the primary perpetrator is never arrested, charged or convicted. This emphasizes the gravity of your associations and actions within a group context. Who you hang out with and what actions you support can have devastating, lifelong consequences.
How Can Someone Become A Party To A Crime In Georgia?
Georgia law states how an individual can be involved in the commission of a crime and, therefore, charged as a party to it. Under the state’s criminal statutes, a person is a party to a crime if they:
- Directly commit the crime (the primary actor).
- Deliberately cause another person to commit the crime, particularly in situations where the other person is not guilty of any crime due to a legal incapacity or factual innocence.
- Deliberately aid or abet the commission of the crime.
- Deliberately advise, encourage, hire, counsel or procure another person to commit the crime.
If you are facing accusations under this powerful statute, obtaining immediate legal counsel from a party to a crime lawyer is critical.
What Is At Stake If You Are Convicted
Are you charged with being a party to misdemeanor shoplifting? You face the same sentence as the person who actually did the shoplifting. Charged with being a party to felony drug trafficking? Your sentence could be the same as the person who actually committed felony drug trafficking.
This underscores the importance of having a criminal defense attorney who can fight your charges. With extensive trial experience, I counteract the prosecution’s case using strategic methods. Your results are of utmost importance to me, so I never stop fighting for you.
Seek Legal Representation: Consult A Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are charged with being a party to a crime, contact me at Kyle H. Jarzmik Law. You can reach me through email or you can call me toll-free at 770-676-3565.