Criminal Facilitation Law & Legal Definition

Criminal facilitation generally refers to knowingly assisting another in the commission of a crime. Criminal facilitation is governed by state laws, which vary by state. Local laws should be consulted for specific requirements in your area. The following is an example of the criminal facilitation statute of one state:

"12.1-06-02. Criminal facilitation.

1. A person is guilty of criminal facilitation if he knowingly provides substantial assistance to a person intending to commit a felony and that person, in fact, commits the crime contemplated, or a like or related felony, employing the assistance so provided. The ready lawful availability from others of the goods or services provided by a defendant is a factor to be considered in determining whether or not his assistance was substantial. This section does not apply to a person who is either expressly or by implication made not accountable by the statute defining the felony facilitated or related statutes.

2. Except as otherwise provided, it is no defense to a prosecution under this section that the person whose conduct the defendant facilitated has been acquitted, has not been prosecuted or convicted, has been convicted of a different offense, is immune rom prosecution, or is otherwise not subject to justice.

3. Facilitation of a class A felony is a class C felony. Facilitation of a class B or class C felony is a class A misdemeanor."