Conspiracy charges are given when two or more people agree to commit a crime together. It doesn’t matter if the crime was carried out. Making a plan to commit a crime is a crime in itself. Law enforcement wants to prevent crimes before they happen. Conspiracy charges make it easier to do that.
But why does this matter? Because anyone can find themselves facing these charges for merely agreeing to a bad idea, or because someone said they did. When you understand the ins and outs of conspiracy charges, you recognize how easily you can be linked to illegal activities you had no part in. If you are facing a conspiracy charge, it’s important to understand what kind. The attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC can explain.
A Deep Dive into the Types of Conspiracy Charges
Need more insight? Let’s dive into the different types of conspiracy charges and their examples.
1. Conspiracy to Defraud
Conspiracy to defraud involves plotting with others to illegally obtain money, property, or services by deception. This type of conspiracy is often linked with white-collar crimes, which are financially motivated and non-violent in nature. The difference between this type and others lies in the use of deceit rather than force.
For example, conspirators might create a plan to lie about a company's success and get people to invest, committing financial fraud. They might do this by creating fake documents about profits that don't exist to lure in investors.
Ponzi schemes are another straightforward example. In these scams, money from new investors pays off the earlier ones, making it seem like the investment is paying off. The whole thing depends on constantly getting new people to join. Once people stop joining or too many try to cash out, the scheme falls apart.
2. Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs
Planning to sell illegal drugs – such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines – earns a conspiracy to distribute drugs charge. This conspiracy charge doesn't just apply to those caught selling. It also targets anyone involved in the planning and producing phase.
Consider a group plotting to distribute cocaine as a conspiracy charge example. They might divide tasks, decide on pricing, and choose locations for sales. This preparation alone qualifies for conspiracy charges, regardless of whether the drugs hit the street. The same principle applies to heroin or meth operations, where discussions on production, distribution, and sales strategies can lead to significant legal consequences.
3. Conspiracy to Commit Fraudulent Activities
Setting up scams or schemes to make money illegally is aptly named “conspiracy to commit fraudulent activities.” The charge is closely linked to financial crimes, where the aim is to get rich quickly and illegally, but it isn’t limited to financial fraud.
Identity theft is a prime example. If a group gathers personal information to create fake identities or take over existing ones, they're conspiring to commit a fraudulent activity. They might plan to open credit cards, take out loans, or buy things in someone else's name. The conspiracy charge applies as soon as the plan is made.
Insurance fraud works the same way. Say you plan with others to fake a car crash or a home break-in to get insurance money. Once you've made that plan, you’ve committed a crime.
4. Conspiracy to Commit Terrorism
Plotting terrorist acts or supporting terror groups is a conspiracy to commit terrorism. Government agencies target these conspiracies to prevent terror plots in their earliest stages, safeguarding public safety and national interests.
If a group plans a bombing or a cyber-attack against important services, they're already breaking the law. The same goes for helping terror organizations through funding, recruitment, or spreading their messages. Helping these groups in any way falls under conspiracy to commit terrorism.
Legal Defenses
Facing conspiracy charges? Your
best defense might be to show that you were never a part of the planning or that once the planning started, you removed yourself from the situation.
This way, you can show a lack of intent. This means proving you never actually planned to commit the crime or weren't aware of the conspiracy's illegal goals. Another defense is withdrawal from the conspiracy. If you can establish that you decided to leave the conspiracy upon realizing its illegal intentions and made a clear effort to disassociate yourself from the criminal plan before it was found out, you might avoid charges.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC
Having a skilled
conspiracy charges lawyer is crucial in these situations. Our attorneys can navigate the complex legal system, understand the specifics of your case, and present the best possible defense. A good conspiracy charges lawyer can mean the difference between a conviction and walking free. We have the experience and support needed to tackle all types of conspiracy charges, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Don't let a conspiracy charge dictate your future. Contact Lermitte & Lubin LLC today and secure the aggressive, knowledgeable legal representation you need.
