Facing federal accessory after the fact charges in Arlington County? Under 18 U.S.C. § 3, you face up to half the maximum sentence of the underlying felony. An Accessory After the Fact lawyer Arlington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. Our team has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Call (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Understanding Accessory After the Fact Charges in Arlington County
Federal law defines an accessory after the fact as someone who, knowing a federal felony has been committed, assists the offender to hinder or prevent their apprehension, trial, or punishment. Under 18 U.S.C. § 3, the penalty is up to half the maximum sentence of the underlying felony. This charge often arises in cases involving harboring, hiding, or providing false information to law enforcement. If you are accused of helping someone avoid arrest after a federal crime, you need an Accessory After the Fact lawyer Arlington County who understands federal procedure.
Statutory Definition and Federal Law
The federal statute governing accessory after the fact charges is 18 U.S.C. § 3. It states: “Whoever, knowing that an offense against the United States has been committed, receives, relieves, comforts or assists the offender in order to hinder or prevent his apprehension, trial or punishment, is an accessory after the fact.” This charge is distinct from the underlying crime and requires proof that you knew a felony had occurred and intentionally acted to help the offender avoid justice. A harboring fugitive defense lawyer Arlington County can explain the specific elements the government must prove.
For more details, see the 18 U.S.C. § 3 (official U.S. Code) and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Step 1: Initial Appearance — You will appear before a federal magistrate judge at the Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse in Alexandria. The judge will advise you of the charges and set conditions of release.
- Step 2: Detention Hearing — Within 72 hours, a detention hearing determines if you will be held pending trial. The government must prove you are a flight risk or danger to the community.
- Step 3: Indictment — A federal grand jury must return an indictment within 30 days if you are detained, or 60 days if released. The indictment will specify the underlying felony and your alleged assistance.
- Step 4: Discovery and Motions — Your attorney will review the government’s evidence, including witness statements, phone records, and surveillance. Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the indictment may be filed.
- Step 5: Trial or Plea — The Speedy Trial Act requires trial within 70 days of indictment. Your attorney will negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or prepare for trial before a federal jury.
In Arlington County, federal accessory after the fact charges under 18 U.S.C. § 3 carry up to half the maximum sentence of the underlying felony, with no mandatory minimum.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory After the Fact (18 U.S.C. § 3) | Federal Felony | Up to half the max sentence of underlying felony | Up to $250,000 or more | N/A (federal) | Federal supervised release, loss of federal benefits, immigration consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results and Firm Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the government builds accessory after the fact cases. While specific locality results for this charge are limited, our firm-wide experience in federal criminal defense is extensive. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need an Accessory After the Fact lawyer Arlington County, call 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accessory After the Fact Charges
Q: Can I be charged as an accessory after the fact if I only gave the person a ride?
Yes. If you knew a federal felony had been committed and gave the person a ride to avoid arrest, you can be charged under 18 U.S.C. § 3. The government must prove you knew about the crime and intended to help them escape.
Q: What is the difference between accessory after the fact and harboring a fugitive?
Harboring a fugitive is a specific form of accessory after the fact. While both involve helping someone avoid law enforcement, harboring typically involves hiding the person or providing shelter. A harboring fugitive defense lawyer Arlington County can explain the nuances.
Q: How long do federal prosecutors have to charge me with accessory after the fact?
The statute of limitations for most federal felonies is 5 years from the date of the offense. However, some underlying crimes have longer statutes, and the accessory charge follows the same timeline. Consult a post-crime assistance charge lawyer Arlington County for your specific situation.
Q: Can I be charged with both the underlying crime and accessory after the fact?
No. You cannot be convicted of both the underlying felony and being an accessory after the fact for the same crime. The accessory charge applies only to someone who was not a principal in the original offense.
Q: What defenses are available for accessory after the fact charges?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that a crime had been committed, lack of intent to hinder prosecution, duress, or that the assistance was minimal and did not actually hinder law enforcement. An Accessory After the Fact lawyer Arlington County can evaluate which defense applies.
Q: Will I go to jail if convicted of accessory after the fact?
It depends. Federal sentencing guidelines consider the underlying felony’s severity, your criminal history, and the nature of your assistance. While incarceration is possible, alternatives like probation or home confinement may be available for first-time offenders.
Internal Resources
- Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer — Hub page for all federal criminal matters in Virginia.
- Alexandria Federal Criminal Lawyer — Serving the neighboring jurisdiction.
- Arlington County Business Lawyer — Related practice area in the same locality.