Yes! As it happens, federal prosecutors can charge someone with conspiracy if there is evidence that they agreed with another person to commit a crime or do something illegal. In many federal cases, prosecutors must also show that someone took a clear step toward carrying out the crime. However, in federal conspiracy cases, no such step is required.

Federal prosecutors often use conspiracy as a broad charge. Even if someone was not at the scene of a federal crime, they can still be punished if prosecutors claim they were part of a plan to commit it. Like any criminal charge, prosecutors must prove every part of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. If you would like to speak with a federal criminal defense attorney about a crime you have been charged with, call Ryan Willis Law today. 

Common North Carolina Conspiracy Charges

There are many types of conspiracy charges. Conspiracy is a broad charge because it can apply to many kinds of criminal activity. Some of the most common crimes that involve conspiracy charges include the following:

• Drug crimes: drug trafficking or plans to sell drugs
• Fraud crimes: scams, forgery, embezzlement, or credit card theft
• Violent crimes: murder or robbery
• Property crimes: burglary
• Sex crimes: prostitution or sex trafficking
• Gun crimes: illegal firearm sales
• Justice system crimes: interfering with an investigation or court case
• Financial schemes: pyramid or other white-collar schemes

What Are the Elements of Conspiracy to Commit a Crime?

To be charged with conspiracy, at least two people must agree to commit a crime or do something illegal. One of those people cannot be a government agent. For example, if an undercover officer pretends to be involved in a crime, that does not count as a real agreement. If a government investigator pushed or pressured you to agree to a crime with them, you cannot be charged with conspiracy.

Prosecutors must show that you knowingly took part in planning a crime. Simply knowing that other people might commit a crime is not enough. They must prove that you intentionally worked with others and agreed to help carry out the crime.

Even if you agreed to help plan a crime, you may still be able to back out. If you clearly stopped your involvement before the crime happened, this can be a strong defense. When you meet with a criminal defense lawyer, they will review the details of your case and decide the best way to defend you.

Penalties

In North Carolina, the punishment for a conspiracy charge depends on the crime involved. The same rule applies in federal cases. Conspiracy charges are treated very seriously. For example, conspiracy to defraud the United States can lead to up to five years in prison and large fines. The exact sentence depends on many factors, but in general, more serious crimes lead to harsher penalties.

For example, conspiracy to commit murder is punished much more harshly than conspiracy to commit a drug crime. State and federal conspiracy laws are also different. Federal conspiracy charges usually carry much tougher penalties. If you are charged with conspiracy, a lawyer can explain whether your case is in state or federal court and what penalties you could face if you are convicted.

Talk to a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Conspiracy charges can be complicated and hard to fight, especially under federal law. These cases are not simple. If you or a loved one has been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, it is important to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

The federal criminal defense attorneys at Ryan Willis Law PLLC in Raleigh can help you understand why you were charged with conspiracy. We can also start working on a plan to try to get the charges dropped or reduced. Call us today at (919) 341-6294 or reach out via our online form to schedule a confidential case review.