Abet means to criminally assist someone in committing a crime. Abetting may occur in planning a crime or escape from apprehension, as well as actually committing the crime. Abetting may occur through encouraging, counseling, or ordering another to commit a crime.
A person guilty of abetting is called an abettor. An abettor may be either a principal or, an accessory to the crime. When the abettor is present and aids in committing a felony, he is guilty as principal in the second degree, when absent he is merely an accessory.
