CAN I BE CHARGED IF I DIDN’T ACTUALLY COMMIT THE CRIME?

Understanding Missouri Law on Criminal Liability, Guilt by Association, and “Wrong Place, Wrong Time” Charges

Many people believe that if they didn’t commit the crime themselves, they can’t be charged. Unfortunately, that’s a dangerous myth and it’s one that gets people into serious legal trouble every day in Missouri.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Missouri criminal defense attorneys near you regularly represent clients who are shocked to find themselves facing criminal charges simply for being present, knowing someone involved, or being accused as an accessory. If you’re wondering,

“Can I really be charged if I didn’t actually do it?”

— the answer is yes, and here’s why.

GUILT BY ASSOCIATION IS REAL BUT THERE ARE LIMITS

Under Missouri law, you can be charged with a crime even if you didn’t directly commit the illegal act, as long as the prosecution believes you were involved in planning, aiding, or encouraging it. This is known as accomplice liability, and it’s built into Missouri’s criminal code.

Examples Where You Can Be Charged Without “Doing It” Yourself:

You drove the getaway car in a robbery, even if you never entered the building.
You handed your friend a weapon, knowing they intended to hurt someone.
You were present during an assault, didn’t participate, but didn’t leave or call for help.
You helped hide stolen property, even though you didn’t steal it yourself.

UNDERSTANDING MISSOURI’S “ACTING WITH ANOTHER” STATUTE

Under RSMo 562.041 of the Missouri Revised Statutes explains that a person is criminally responsible for the conduct of another if:

“…he acts with the other person with the purpose of promoting the commission of the offense.”

This means that even if you weren’t the person who pulled the trigger, sold the drugs, or broke into the building, you can still be charged, tried, and convicted as if you did, if the prosecution believes you intended to help make it happen.

WHAT IF I DIDN’T KNOW A CRIME WAS HAPPENING?

This is where things get legally tricky. Knowledge and intent are key.

You cannot be convicted of a crime you truly didn’t know about or didn’t intentionally assist with, but you can absolutely be charged while the facts are being sorted out. Prosecutors often err on the side of charging everyone involved, leaving it to your defense attorney to prove otherwise.

Let’s say:

You gave a friend a ride, not knowing they were planning to commit a burglary.
You were at a party where someone brought drugs, and the police raided it.
You lent someone your car and they used it in a hit-and-run.

You may be completely innocent, but that won’t necessarily stop police from arresting you, or prosecutors from trying to build a case against you.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU’RE CHARGED FOR SOMEONE ELSE’S CRIME?

Do not assume it’s just a misunderstanding that will go away. These cases often rely on circumstantial evidence or statements from other suspects trying to reduce their own sentences by implicating others.

At KC Defense Counsel, we’ve seen innocent people face charges just because:

Someone lied to the police to shift blame
They didn’t speak up early enough to explain their side
They didn’t realize they had the right to remain silent and ended up incriminating themselves

HOW KC DEFENSE COUNSEL CAN HELP YOUR CASE?

If you’re facing charges for a crime you didn’t commit in Missouri, you need a defense team that understands how to dismantle the prosecution’s theory of shared responsibility. Our team of skilled Kansas City criminal defense attorneys can:

Analyze police reports and charging documents for weak links
Challenge the evidence of intent or knowledge
Negotiate for dismissals or reduced charges
Suppress improper statements or coerced confessions
Show the jury your lack of involvement or knowledge

HIRE THE RIGHT MISSOURI CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR YOU

Don’t Wait—Protect Yourself Today

If you’re being charged for a crime you didn’t commit in the state of Missouri, the worst thing you can do is nothing. These cases move fast, and even one wrong word to law enforcement could haunt you in court.

Call KC Defense Counsel today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable and affordable Kansas City defense lawyers near me. We’ll help you protect your rights, tell your side of the story—and fight to clear your name.