What is the legal consequence for someone who acts as an accessory after the fact?

The legal consequence for someone who acts as an accessory after the fact typically involves being liable for punishment, though less severe than that of the principal crime. In many jurisdictions, the penalty is often capped at a term that is a fraction of the original crime's sentence, commonly up to half of that sentence. This reflects the recognition that while the accessory played a role in aiding the perpetrator after the commission of the crime, their culpability is not as severe as the individual who committed the crime itself.

For example, if the original crime resulted in a ten-year sentence, the accessory after the fact might face a maximum of five years in prison. This legal framework serves both as a deterrent and a reflection of the accessory's slightly reduced moral culpability compared to the primary actor. Thus, the correct answer accurately represents the legal principles governing the consequences for an accessory after the fact.