Under 18 USC § 3, what is the role of an accessory after the fact?

The role of an accessory after the fact, according to 18 USC § 3, is specifically to assist an offender to hinder their apprehension after the commission of a crime. An accessory after the fact is a person who, knowing that a crime has been committed, offers assistance to the perpetrator in order to help them evade arrest, trial, or conviction. This can include actions such as providing shelter or aid, destroying evidence, or otherwise facilitating the offender's efforts to avoid legal consequences.

The focus of this role is on the actions taken post-crime that directly support the offender's ability to escape the justice system. It is crucial to understand that an accessory after the fact does not play any role in the commission of the crime itself; their involvement begins after the crime has already occurred. This distinction is essential in legal contexts as it differentiates between the various levels of culpability and involvement in criminal activities.