Could please somebody explain to me what's the difference between being an accessory to murder before the fact and taking part in a conspiracy to commit murder (when the murder has been in fact committed, not when the plan was stopped)? For example, I read Raymond Patriarca got 10 years for conspiracy to murder Willie Marfeo (if memory serves me right), but could have gotten a life sentence if convicted of being an accessory before the fact.
I mean, both cases are about people who plan or order murders, but don't pull the trigger themselves. So, what's the difference between the 2 ?

Willie Marfeo to Henry Tameleo:

1) "You people want a loaf of bread and you throw the crumbs back. Well, fuck you. I ain't closing down."

2) "Get out of here, old man. Go tell Raymond to go shit in his hat. We're not giving you anything."