Conspiracy charges are likely not the most common criminal charges that you can think of, but they are more common than you may think. You don’t have to commit any crime to commit conspiracy, which means it’s difficult for someone to be charged unjustly. If you are facing charges, you may have no idea why, which makes it all the more important to contact an attorney as soon as possible for help.
The criminal defense attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC have years of experience defending clients who have been charged with conspiracy. We understand that these charges can be complicated and confusing and feel unfair. We are ready to help you navigate the legal process and protect your freedom against these charges.
What is a Conspiracy Charge?
A conspiracy charge is brought against anyone who is believed to have agreed to or planned to commit a crime with another person. This crime is separate from someone who attempts to commit a crime on their own, and can even go on top of a criminal charge for attempting another crime.
In Pennsylvania law, conspiracy is defined as one of two things:
- Having the intent of promoting or facilitating the commission of a crime with another person or persons
- Agreeing to aid another person or persons in the planning or solicitation of a crime.
Key Elements
The key element of a conspiracy charge is that there must be some form of agreement between at least two people. It’s important to note that an actual crime does not have to be committed for a charge to be brought. Conspiracy in itself, is to agree to commit another crime and take some action or step towards committing that crime.
The penalties for these charges can vary widely, depending on factors such as the nature of the planned crime, how much preparation for the crime had been carried out before someone was caught, and the jurisdiction in which the charge is brought.
What are the Punishments for Conspiracy Charges?
In Pennsylvania, the degrees of conspiracy charges are not explicitly categorized like they are in some other states. Instead, the severity of a conspiracy charge typically depends on the nature of the underlying crime that was planned. For example, if two individuals conspire to commit a felony of the first degree, their charge could also be a felony of the first degree.
Examples of Punishments
In the case of drug-related conspiracy charges, the penalties are severe and dependent on the type and amount of drugs involved. A leader of a drug conspiracy, for instance, may face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $25,000 if the drug involved was heroin. Typically, controlled substance conspiracy cases are graded as felonies, and the penalties are dependent on the drug, weight, and incidents.
Conspiracy to commit murder, even lower grades of murder, can carry a first-degree felony charge, with a possible sentence of 20 years and a $25,000 fine.
Given the seriousness of these potential penalties, it is crucial for anyone facing such charges in Pennsylvania to seek legal advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC Immediately
If you or a loved one is facing a conspiracy charge in Pennsylvania, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. The seasoned criminal defense attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC can handle such cases and are committed to protecting your rights and freedom.
We will work tirelessly to build a robust defense strategy and advocate for the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Don’t let a conspiracy charge dictate your future. We can help.
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