This bill amends West Virginia Code §61-11-6, which pertains to the classification and punishment of accessories to crimes. Notably, it stipulates that individuals who are domestic partners of felony offenders cannot be classified as accessories after the fact. Additionally, the bill removes the previous prohibition that servants of offenders could not be considered accessories after the fact. It introduces new provisions that classify accessories to felonies who are immediate family members (siblings, parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren) of the principal offender as guilty of a misdemeanor. Furthermore, it establishes that being an accessory to a misdemeanor is also a misdemeanor.

The bill also outlines the penalties for being an accessory after the fact, stating that such individuals are guilty of a misdemeanor and may face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $500. For those who knowingly assist a principal felon after the commission of a felony, the bill classifies this as a felony, with potential imprisonment in a state correctional facility for up to five years or half the maximum penalty of the underlying felony, whichever is lesser. The bill aims to clarify the legal status and consequences for various individuals involved in criminal activities as accessories.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-11-6