A coconspirator is an individual who collaborates with one or more people to plan or commit a crime. This person actively participates in the conspiracy, sharing ideas, resources, or actions that contribute to the illegal activity. Coconspirators can be held legally accountable for their involvement, even if they do not directly carry out the criminal act. In legal terms, a coconspirator is often considered part of a larger group, known as a conspiracy. The law treats coconspirators as equally responsible for the crime, which means they can face similar penalties as the primary offenders. This concept is important in criminal law to deter group criminal behavior.