What is a Conspiracy Charge?
Under criminal law, a conspiracy is any two or more people making an agreement and planning to commit a crime. For example, two people arranging to traffic drugs to another state. However, the criminal act does not need to be completed in order for the defendants to be charged with conspiracy. Conspiracy is the step before the crime and is a criminal offense in and of itself. If the defendants agree to commit a crime, they may be arrested before taking any additional steps.
Conspiracy Charges and Fraud Crimes
You may not know this, but conspiracy charges are relatively common in regard to fraud crimes. You may face charges for conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, or any other type of fraud.
All that prosecutors need to prove to convict someone on conspiracy charges is:
- Two or more parties made a plan to commit a crime
- At least one of those parties took an action to further the plan
Therefore, if you and a co-conspirator plan to set up an online fraud crime, you can be charged with conspiracy.
You may be concerned that innocent jokes with your friends could lead to conspiracy charges. This is not the case. Simple jokes about doing something illegal are not enough to warrant criminal conspiracy. However, if you take the joke a step further, it could become a more serious case.
Penalties for Conspiracy Charges
If you are accused of conspiracy to commit a fraud crime, there is a strong chance that you could face felony or even federal charges. Penalties then involve lengthy periods of incarceration, fines, probation, and the loss of rights for many years after the offense.
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Defense
If you have been accused of entering a conspiracy to commit fraud, you need to contact a defense attorney as soon as possible. Our team at Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A. can help you through these serious charges and stand by your side to fight for the best possible outcome. Reach out to our defense attorneys today, click here or call (305) 985-6640.