Legal Definitions - Principal in the first degree

Principal in the first degree

A principal in the first degree is a person who commits a crime.

John robbed a bank. He is a principal in the first degree.

Samantha sold drugs to an undercover police officer. She is a principal in the first degree.

A principal in the first degree is the person who actually commits the crime. In the examples given, John robbed a bank and Samantha sold drugs, making them both principals in the first degree. They are the ones who directly committed the illegal act.