Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Accountability Law

Is there a difference between accountability and accessory. A relative was convicted on accountability due to the recanted testimony of a witness on my relatives co-offender case. My relative first turned state on the co-offender. The witness was discredited on the co-offenders case. The co-offender was released, my relative was sentenced to 38 years. The judge said that ''he takes into consideration that he(my relative)was not the murderer, but he will be held accountable for the co- offender's crime''. So how can you be held accountable for someone who's not being held accountable? And it was the same witness. Did his attorney do a bad job? Is it pressure to convict someone even if it's not actually the one who pulls the trigger? And what kind of consideration is 38 years? Thank You


Asked on 12/19/05, 5:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: Accountability Law

Unfortunately, in Illinois a person can be found guilty through accountability even if the shooter is found not guilty. I can't tell you what happened and offer advice because you haven't given me enough information about the trial and evidence. Please call me for an appointment to discuss an appeal.

Read more
Answered on 12/20/05, 9:42 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Illinois