What Are Conspiracy Charges?

Conspiracy is a criminal charge that involves two or more people agreeing to commit a crime. You can be charged with conspiracy even if the crime itself was never completed. Prosecutors often use conspiracy charges to target groups of people suspected of planning or participating in illegal activities.

In both federal and state courts, conspiracy charges can carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences and hefty fines. Understanding the law and your legal options is crucial to building a strong defense.

Elements of a Conspiracy Charge

To convict someone of conspiracy, the prosecution must prove the following key elements:

1. Agreement Between Two or More Parties

There must be evidence that you and at least one other person agreed to commit a crime. This agreement can be verbal or implied through actions.

2. Intent to Commit the Crime

Prosecutors must show that you intended to participate in the criminal plan. Simply being aware of a crime is not enough to establish conspiracy.

3. An Overt Act

In many cases, at least one person involved must have taken a substantial step toward committing the crime, such as purchasing equipment or scouting a location. This overt act demonstrates that the plan was moving forward.

Common Types of Conspiracy Cases

Conspiracy charges can apply to various criminal activities. Common examples include:

• Drug Trafficking Conspiracy: Planning the transportation, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs.
• Fraud Conspiracy: Coordinating with others to commit fraud, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, or tax fraud.
• Racketeering: Conspiracy related to organized crime activities under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
• Cybercrime Conspiracy: Collaborating to commit cybercrimes like hacking, phishing, or data breaches.

Defenses Against Conspiracy Charges

Several legal defenses may apply to conspiracy charges, depending on the specifics of your case. Our attorneys at LibertyBell Law Group use the following strategies:

1. Lack of Agreement

If there is no clear evidence of an agreement between the accused parties, the prosecution’s case may fall apart. We challenge the evidence to prove that no formal or implied agreement existed.

2. Lack of Intent

The prosecution must prove that you knowingly intended to participate in the crime. If you were unaware of the full scope of the plan or had no criminal intent, we can use this to defend you.

3. No Overt Act

Without proof that an overt act was taken toward committing the crime, the conspiracy charge may not hold up in court.

4. Coercion or Duress

If you were forced or pressured to participate in the alleged conspiracy under threat, we can present evidence of coercion or duress to support your defense.

Penalties for Conspiracy Convictions

The penalties for a conspiracy conviction vary depending on the underlying crime and jurisdiction. In federal cases, conspiracy charges often carry penalties equal to those for the intended crime. Possible consequences include:

• Imprisonment, potentially for decades in serious cases
• Substantial fines and restitution
• A permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and professional opportunities

Our goal is to minimize or eliminate these penalties through strategic legal representation.

Real-World Success Stories

“I was facing federal conspiracy charges that could have ruined my life. LibertyBell Law Group fought hard for me, challenged the prosecution’s evidence, and ultimately got the charges dismissed. I can’t thank them enough.” – John D., Client

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be charged with conspiracy if the crime was never completed?

Yes. Conspiracy laws allow for charges even if the intended crime was not carried out, as long as there was an agreement and an overt act toward the crime.

Can I be charged with conspiracy for simply knowing about a crime?

No. Knowledge alone is not enough to establish conspiracy. The prosecution must prove that you agreed to participate in the criminal plan and intended to see it through.

How can a defense attorney help with conspiracy charges?

An experienced defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate plea deals, and present strong defenses to reduce or dismiss the charges.

Contact LibertyBell Law Group for Conspiracy Defense

If you are facing conspiracy charges, contact LibertyBell Law Group today. Our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Call us now: +1-818-273-5262