Which of the following best defines criminal facilitation?

Criminal facilitation is best defined as assisting or helping someone in the commission of a crime. This means that a person who provides support, resources, or guidance to another individual with the intent for them to engage in criminal behavior is committing an act of criminal facilitation. It focuses on the act of enabling the crime to occur, regardless of whether the facilitator participates directly in the criminal act.

Helping someone to commit a crime can involve various actions, such as providing tools, offering knowledge about how to commit the crime, or even being present during the commission of the crime in a supportive role. This aligns with the legal understanding of facilitating criminal acts and highlights the culpability of those who assist others in engaging in unlawful activities.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of criminal behavior and participation, such as encouraging without direct involvement or withholding information, which do not fully encapsulate the act of helping someone directly commit a crime in the same manner as the correct choice.