Being charged as an accessory after the fact in Florida can be confusing and frightening. You may not have committed the original crime, but the law still holds you criminally liable for allegedly helping someone who did. These cases often involve emotionally complex situations—helping a family member, partner, or friend during a moment of panic—and do not always reflect true criminal intent.

At Bozanic Law, we believe your intentions matter. Our goal is to ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are defended. If you’re being accused of assisting someone after they committed a felony, it’s critical that you secure legal representation right away to avoid harsh and unnecessary punishment.

What Is Accessory After the Fact Under Florida Law?

According to Florida Statute §777.03, a person may be charged as an accessory after the fact if they:

“Assist someone who has committed a felony, with knowledge of the felony, and with the intent to help them avoid arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment.”

This offense applies after a crime has been committed and may include actions such as:

• Hiding or helping the suspect flee
• Providing false information to law enforcement
• Tampering with or hiding evidence
• Allowing the suspect to stay at your home
• Lying to protect a friend or loved one from arrest

Important note: You cannot be charged as an accessory after the fact if the person you helped is your spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, or adopted relative (exceptions may apply if the crime was particularly violent or involved other criminal elements).

What Are the Penalties?

The severity of an accessory charge depends on the original crime committed:

• If the underlying crime was a capital felony (e.g., first-degree murder), accessory after the fact is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison
• If the underlying crime was a life felony, accessory becomes a second-degree felony (up to 15 years)
• For second-degree or third-degree felonies, the accessory charge is typically one level below

This means you can face substantial prison time even if you didn’t participate in or witness the original crime.

Common Scenarios That Lead to Charges

Accessory after the fact charges often arise from:

• Panicked actions after learning about a crime, such as deleting messages or hiding someone
• Lying to investigators out of loyalty or fear
• Being present when a suspect hides evidence
• Giving a ride or money to someone trying to flee the state
• Being manipulated by the person who committed the crime, especially in cases involving domestic abuse

In many situations, people are coerced, unaware of the full situation, or simply trying to help someone they care about. Our job is to make sure the court understands your true role and intent.

What to Do If You’re Accused of Being an Accessory

If law enforcement suspects you of helping someone after a felony, you may feel tempted to explain your actions or “clear things up.” But anything you say can be used against you—even if your motives were innocent.

Here’s what to do:

• Do not speak with police without an attorney present
• Do not delete texts, social media, or emails—this can be interpreted as obstruction
• Write down a timeline of what you knew, when you knew it, and what you did
• Contact Bozanic Law immediately for strategic legal advice

We will intervene on your behalf, stop further questioning, and begin crafting your defense right away.

How Bozanic Law Builds Your Defense

At Bozanic Law, we understand that these cases are nuanced. Attorney Zeljka will build a defense that reflects the full truth and challenges any claims of criminal intent. Our strategies may include:

• Demonstrating lack of knowledge that a crime was committed
• Showing your actions were not intended to hinder justice
• Arguing that any assistance was minimal, involuntary, or coerced
• Highlighting your legal protections based on familial relationship exemptions
• Challenging the prosecution’s interpretation of texts, actions, or phone records

In some cases, we may be able to reduce the charge, negotiate a non-criminal resolution, or win a full acquittal at trial.

Your Future Deserves Protection

Facing felony charges as an accessory is overwhelming, especially when you didn’t commit the underlying crime. But you still have rights—and we’re here to protect them. Whether you acted out of fear, confusion, or loyalty, you don’t deserve to face the justice system alone.

📞 Call Bozanic Law at 954-800-2864 today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you tell your story and fight for your freedom.