Caution: Punishment (Multiple Defendants, Single Count) is a legal term used in criminal proceedings when a group of defendants is charged with the same criminal offense. This is different from a single defendant case, where a single person is charged with a criminal offense. In a caution: punishment (multiple defendants, single count) case, all defendants are charged with the same criminal offense, and if found guilty, they will all be subject to the same punishment. Types of caution: punishment (multiple defendants, single count) cases include conspiracy, aiding and abetting, joint enterprise, and inchoate offenses. In a conspiracy case, two or more individuals agree to commit a crime and take steps toward its completion. In aiding and abetting cases, one defendant aids or encourages another defendant in the commission of a crime. Joint enterprise cases involve more than two people working together in an effort to commit a crime. Inchoate offenses involve actions taken by a defendant in preparation for a criminal act.