What constitutes an accessory after the fact?

An accessory after the fact is defined as an individual who offers assistance to someone who has committed a felony, knowing that the crime has already been committed, with the intention of helping the perpetrator evade arrest, trial, or conviction. This means that the focus is primarily on the actions taken after the crime has occurred and the intent to help the criminal avoid consequences of their actions.

In this context, the correct option highlights that an accessory after the fact does not engage in the crime itself but rather provides aid or support to the offender afterward. This distinguishes their role from those who directly participate in the crime or have no involvement at all.

Other options do not accurately reflect the definition of an accessory after the fact. For instance, involvement in the crime itself or being a bystander does not fit the criteria, as those individuals are either committing the act or simply witnessing it without providing assistance afterward. Reporting a crime to authorities is also not related to aiding a felon post-crime and can even be seen as an action that promotes justice rather than obstructing it.