What legal term is used for a person who has committed a crime but is not the main offender?

The legal term for a person who has committed a crime but is not the main offender is "Accessory." An accessory is someone who assists in the commission of a crime or helps the main offender, but they do not engage in the principal act of committing the crime. This can include providing support, resources, or information that contributes to the criminal act while not being directly involved in the execution of the crime itself.

Understanding the role of an accessory is important in the context of criminal law, as they can be held criminally liable for their participation, even if they did not carry out the primary illegal act. This distinction allows law enforcement and judicial systems to address and penalize those who contribute to criminal activity in varying degrees, ensuring accountability beyond just the primary perpetrators.