California Penal Code 32PC states that the act of knowingly harboring, concealing, or aiding a person who has committed a felony in order to protect him or her from arrest, trial, conviction and/or sentencing is a crime called an Accessory After the Fact.

This charge may be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony in California, depending on the facts of the case and the criminal record of the defendant, if any. If convicted, punishment can include a fine and county jail time for a misdemeanor, or state imprisonment for a felony.

Some common legal defenses that can be applied to an AATF charge include that the defendant had no knowledge of the felony, the defendant was under duress when he or she acted, the defendant was falsely accused, the defendant was mistakenly identified, or the defendant was no more than a bystander, having no connection to the crime or its outcome.

The law office of H. Charles Gorian is experienced at fighting accessory charges. We know the California laws that affect this situation and we are prepared to stand in your corner and battle for your legal rights. Our law firm has helped men and women throughout Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, and San Diego County, and we may be able to help you.

One phone call could be the difference between harsh criminal penalties and freedom. Call our lawyer today for a free, no-risk, no-obligation case evaluation.