Aiding and Abetting timing: before or during the crime.

• A. never
• B. before the crime
• C. before or during the commission of a crime
• D. during the crime

Answer: (C)

Aiding and abetting liability attaches when you provide real assistance to the crime either before it happens or while it’s being carried out. You’re responsible if you help plan, facilitate, or actively participate as the crime occurs.

That’s why the best choice is the one that includes both timing windows: before or during the commission of a crime. If you help beforehand, you’re liable for aiding or abetting; if you help during, you’re liable as well. For example, giving the robber a gun before the act, or acting as a lookout or driving the getaway car during the act, both qualify.

Helping after the crime, like disposing of evidence or hiding the culprit, is usually treated as an accessory after the fact, which is a different offense and not the same as aiding and abetting.

So the option that covers both pre-crime and during-the-crime assistance best explains when aiding and abetting can occur.