Under Georgia law, what does it mean to be an "accessory before the fact"?

Being an "accessory before the fact" under Georgia law refers to an individual who assists in the planning or preparation of a crime but is not present at the crime when it is committed. This assistance can involve helping to devise the criminal act, providing resources, or facilitating a plan, even if the accessory does not physically participate in the crime itself.

The role of an accessory before the fact is significant because it highlights the concept of complicity in criminal acts. By aiding in the planning, the accessory contributes to the commission of the crime, establishing legal accountability. In contrast, actions such as observing a crime without intervention, taking action after a crime has occurred, or merely reporting a crime do not fit the definition of being an accessory before the fact, as these actions do not involve participation in the orchestration or planning stages of the criminal act.