Joint Venture

A person can be found guilty of a criminal offense even if he did not personally commit the crime, but instead, aided and abetted its commission as part of a ‘joint venture’ with other persons. In a Joint Venture, a person is guilty if he intentionally participates with another in the commission of a crime as something he wishes to bring about and seeks by his actions to make it succeed.

Examples of crimes in which a theory of Joint Venture is brought forward can include Murder, Armed Robbery, Unarmed Robbery, Assault and Battery, and Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon.

The prosecutor can prove a criminal defendant’s participation in a joint venture by one of two different different theories. One theory requires the prosecutor to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant had knowledge that another person intended to commit the crime. In order to prove the defendant a joint venturer under this theory, the prosecutor must prove:

1. That the defendant was present at the scene of the crime;
2. The defendant had knowledge that another person intended to commit the crime and shared that person’s intent;
3. That the defendant aided or assisted the commission of the crime, or that by agreement, was willing and available to assist the other person in carrying out that crime if necessary.

The other theory by which the prosecutor may prove someone was a joint venturer does not require proof that the defendant was present at the scene of the crime. Under this alternate theory, the prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant actually aided in the commission of the crime or was an accessory before the fact of the crime by counseling, hiring or otherwise procuring the crime to be committed.

If you have been charged with a crime in Massachusetts as a joint venturer, you should immediately consult with an experienced Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney.

Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis has experience in defending persons accused of crimes as a Joint Venturer, and is available 24/7 to discuss your criminal case.

To schedule a Free Consultation, Contact Us Online or call 617-325-9500.