# 18 U.S.C. § 3: Accessory after the fact

> Federal · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s3

## Section

- **Citation:** 18 U.S.C. § 3
- **Heading:** Accessory after the fact
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** May 4, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 18—CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE > PART I—CRIMES > CHAPTER 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS

## Text

Whoever, knowing that an offense against the United States has been committed, receives, relieves, comforts or assists the offender in order to hinder or prevent his apprehension, trial or punishment, is an accessory after the fact.

Except as otherwise expressly provided by any Act of Congress, an accessory after the fact shall be imprisoned not more than one-half the maximum term of imprisonment or (notwithstanding section 3571) fined not more than one-half the maximum fine prescribed for the punishment of the principal, or both; or if the principal is punishable by life imprisonment or death, the accessory shall be imprisoned not more than 15 years.

( June 25, 1948, ch. 645 , 62 Stat. 684 ; Pub. L. 99–646, § 43 , Nov. 10, 1986 , 100 Stat. 3601 ; Pub. L. 101–647, title XXXV, § 3502 , Nov. 29, 1990 , 104 Stat. 4921 ; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII , §§ 330011(h), 330016(2)(A), Sept. 13, 1994 , 108 Stat. 2145 , 2148.)

## Nearby sections

- [18 U.S.C. § 1 Repealed. Pub. L. 98–473, title II, § 218(a)(1) , Oct. 12, 1984 , 98 Stat. 2027 ]](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s1.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 3 Accessory after the fact](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s3.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 8 Obligation or other security of the United States defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s8.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 9 Vessel of the United States defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s9.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 10 Interstate commerce and foreign commerce defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s10.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 12 United States Postal Service defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s12.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 13 Laws of States adopted for areas within Federal jurisdiction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s13.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 14 Repealed. Pub. L. 107–273, div. B, title IV, § 4004(a) , Nov. 2, 2002 , 116 Stat. 1812 ]](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s14.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 15 Obligation or other security of foreign government defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s15.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 16 Crime of violence defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s16.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 17 Insanity defense](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s17.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 19 Petty offense defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s19.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 21 Stolen or counterfeit nature of property for certain crimes defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s21.md)
- [18 U.S.C. § 24 Definitions relating to Federal health care offense](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s24.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t18_s3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.