In New York, withdrawal from accomplice liability requires:

• A. Voluntary and complete withdrawal
• B. Merely avoiding participation
• C. Informing the authorities
• D. There is no withdrawal in New York

Answer: (A)

In New York, ending liability as an accomplice hinges on a voluntary and complete withdrawal before the crime is committed. The idea is that you must actively sever your participation in the plan and prevent the offense from occurring; mere avoidance or silence isn’t enough. A voluntary and complete withdrawal reflects a real break from the criminal venture, and it can be shown by taking steps to deter the principal, or by informing authorities in a timely manner so the crime is prevented. Because of that, the best answer is that withdrawal must be voluntary and complete. Merely avoiding participation isn’t sufficient, and while informing authorities can help accomplish withdrawal, it isn’t by itself the full requirement unless it constitutes a voluntary and complete step to prevent the crime. There is withdrawal in New York, so the option stating there is no withdrawal is incorrect.