Withdrawal as a defense to substantive offenses committed by others is a legal concept in which the accused can attempt to absolve themselves of guilt or responsibility for the criminal act of another by demonstrating that they have taken steps to not only distance themselves from the other person’s criminal act, but also actively discouraged it. This defense can be used in cases of aiders and abettors, accessories before the fact, and principals in the first degree. There are two types of withdrawal as a defense to substantive offenses committed by others: affirmative withdrawal and passive withdrawal. Affirmative withdrawal occurs when the defendant takes positive steps to actively discourage, prevent, or terminate the commission of the criminal act. This can include notifying law enforcement, attempting to dissuade the perpetrator, or leaving the scene of the crime. Passive withdrawal, on the other hand, involves the defendant ceasing their involvement in the criminal activity, but failing to take steps to actively discourage it from being committed. To be successful, the defendant must be able to demonstrate that their withdrawal was voluntary, and that it occurred prior to the criminal act being committed.