Individuals who are responsible for criminal activity are not the only individuals who may face criminal charges. Any individual who is involved in any aspect or part of a crime may face criminal charges. Participatory offenses occur when an individual is associated with some aspect of a criminal endeavor. He or she may not have necessarily taken part in the carrying out of criminal activities, but he or she may have offered assistance to the criminal in some way. Aiding and abetting are two examples of participatory offenses.
An individual may also face criminal charges for taking part in creating a conspiracy or for attempting to carry out a criminal plot. Participatory offenses are very serious crimes and may result in severe punishment. Many people who are taking part in participatory offenses do not understand the consequences of their actions and they do not understand the extent of the criminal charges that they may face.
As noted, individuals who are taking part in participatory offenses are often responsible for aiding and abetting a crime. Any individual who assists in creating or carrying out a criminal endeavor may face criminal charges. He or she does not have to be the main actor in the venture.
Individuals who are caught planning a conspiracy may also face criminal charges. A conspiracy occurs when two or more individuals devise a plan to take part in criminal activities. It is not necessary for any portion of the conspiracy to be enacted in order for the participants to face criminal charges. They may face legal repercussions for their actions just for their plotting.
Individuals who have attempted to break the law but who did not succeed in doing so may also be subject to punishment under the law. It is very important for individuals to become familiar with the law behind participatory offenses so that they are aware of the consequences of their actions, even if they are not the primary actor in a criminal venture.
