An accessory to burglary is any person who has been charged with aiding in a burglary in some way. An accessory is not the prime criminal in the event, but rather is a person who has helped the prime criminal in some way to commit the burglary. This person may have provided an alibi, proved a weapon, providing access to the property, provided transportation to or from the scene or assisted in the planning of the crime. The accessory is not necessary present during the actual burglary, but this person has knowledge of the crime in some way. Hiding a criminal after knowing they have committed a crime is also an accessory to burglary charge. State laws differ on the prosecution of burglary.