Where there is no principal, there can be no accessory.

Explanation

Without a principal act or offense, no accessory liability can exist — the accessory charge is entirely dependent on the commission of the primary act.

Where this applies

• A man is charged as an accessory to a robbery, but the alleged principal is acquitted — with no underlying crime established, the accessory charge must also fall.
• Police arrest someone for 'aiding and abetting' a protest, but the protest itself was lawful and no principal offense occurred, so there is nothing to be an accessory to.
• A getaway driver is charged as an accessory to burglary, but the principal was never charged and no burglary was ever proven — the accessory charge cannot stand alone.