Elements To Proving Conspiracy
A conspiracy charge is a criminal charge that alleges that two or more people agreed to commit a crime, and after they had that discussion the individuals took steps to carry out that agreement. The crime does not need to have been completed for a conspiracy charge to be filed, and charges can also include actions taken to cover up a crime or to obstruct an investigation.
Examples of crimes that can lead to conspiracy charges include drug trafficking, fraud, and organized crime, and if you or someone you love has been charged with conspiracy, it’s crucial to understand what the charges mean and how they could be proven in court. Share the facts of your case with a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer so a seasoned attorney can begin to build a defense for you if you’re facing these charges.
How Prosecution Teams Work to Prove Conspiracy
In order to prove conspiracy, state prosecution teams must demonstrate the following elements:
- There must be evidence of an agreement between people to commit a crime or engage in illegal activity.
- Parties involved in the conspiracy must have demonstrated the intent to commit the crime or engage in the illegal activity.
- Overt act. There must be evidence of an overt act taken to further the conspiracy, and this act doesn’t need to be illegal in and of itself, but it must be related to the conspiracy.
How your attorney will build your defense will, of course, depend on the details of the charges you are facing. Connecting with a lawyer as soon as possible and honestly sharing your story is crucial to protecting your interests.
One common defense strategy is to argue there was no agreement and the charges are therefore not valid. After all, state prosecution teams must show that two or more people agreed to commit a crime. If there was no agreement, then there can be no conspiracy.
Similarly, if there is no evidence that the parties involved intended to commit the crime, then there can be no conspiracy and the charges can be dropped. An attorney can help you argue that there was no intent to commit the crime or that there was no overt act that was related to the conspiracy. If this is possible, there can be no conspiracy charge.
Penalties for Conspiracy Can Be Severe
Working with a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer is essential when facing conspiracy charges as the penalties can be life-altering, including fines, probation, and prison time. And beyond the legal penalties, there could be serious consequences for your personal and professional life. Shielding yourself with legal support is possible, reach out and hire legal counsel.
Is there a conspiracy charge in your life? An attorney can help you build a strong defense and fight for your rights in court. Contact the attorneys at the King Law Group today to discuss your case and learn about possible defense against the charges. To connect with years of criminal law expertise, schedule your free consultation.
