What term describes someone present at a crime but not directly involved?

The term that accurately describes someone present at a crime but not directly involved is "accessory." An accessory is typically considered a person who assists in the commission of a crime or helps the principal offender but does not participate in the actual criminal act. This can include individuals who provide assistance or information that aids the crime, without being involved in the core criminal behavior itself.

This distinction is important in legal terms because accessories can be charged with crimes related to their involvement, depending on the jurisdiction and their level of complicity. In contrast, an accomplice actively participates in the crime, and the accused refers to an individual who is formally charged with a crime. A witness is someone who observes the crime and may provide testimony, but does not have any role in the crime itself or its facilitation.