CONSPIRACY

Federal criminal conspiracy charge lawyer

Conspiracy is called the "prosecutors darling" because it is easier to prove than almost any other crime.

 

Conspiracy is an agreement

A conspiracy may be charged where two or more people agree to commit any offense against the Untied States, or to defraud the Untied States and at least one person does some act in furtherance of the conspiracy. Conspiracy is addressed by Title 18 of the United States Code. Penalties for federal conspiracy generally include up to five years under 18 USC 371. However, there are exceptions, like drug cases, where the potential penalty is the same as the drug offense.

 

Conspiracy charge examples

Conspiracy was charged in the 1970's Watergate cases. Also, Martha Stewart was convicted of conspiracy to lie about stock transactions. However, Martha was not charged with insider trading. The Miami defendants in the alleged terrorist plot to blow up the Sears building and a Federal Building were charged with four counts of conspiracy. Conspiracy is one of the most commonly filed charges in terrorism cases. Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison and three years' probation for his role in a dog fighting conspiracy.

 

Drug conspiracy

If conspiracy is charged in relation to a drug case, no act in furtherance of the conspiracy is required. So, with drug conspiracies, the government has the burden of proving only an agreement. Also, conspiracy for drug charges is punishable by the same amount of prison time as the substantive offense. For instance, if you were charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine over 50 grams and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine over 50 grams, you are looking at 10 years to life in prison on each separate count.

 

Agencies like the FBI, DEA or another federal agency, may prosecute conspiracies. The particular agency which prosecutes is determined by the type of conspiracy involved. Because of the serious nature of the crime of conspiracy, as well as the types of penalties one convicted of conspiracy may face, it is important to hire an experienced Federal criminal defense lawyer to assist with your conspiracy case, as soon as possible.

 

Mere Presence is not enough

Just hanging out with co-conspirators is not enough to convict. However, the jury can consider that evidence and weigh it along with other evidence.

 

If you are facing conspiracy charges and need a Federal criminal conspiracy charge attorney,