When two or more people are accused of the same crime, they are called codefendants. If the defendants went through the same or similar criminal proceedings and were tried in the same court, they would be referred to as codefendants. Generally, codefendants are on the same side and part of an alleged criminal conspiracy.
Modern Examples of Codefendants
Recent news headlines include codefendant-related stories, such as the allegations made against Paul Manafort and Rick Gates in the Russia investigation. In this case, the two were accused of money laundering and other offenses. Another example is the case involving Michael Cohen and President Trump. Both were accused of financial crimes, and Cohen pleaded guilty.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Codefendant
The advantages and disadvantages of being a codefendant depend on the specifics of the situation. Generally, the advantages include shared legal costs and team representation. The disadvantages can include limited presence by all parties in court, as well as shared punishment if found guilty.
What to Do if You Are a Codefendant
If you are a codefendant, the most important thing you should do is seek competent legal counsel. Codefendants should also take steps to protect their legal rights, such as refraining from attempting to obstruct justice. Codefendants should remember to rely on their attorneys and keep a positive outlook during the proceedings, as this can help manage the stress of a criminal trial.