When someone is charged with a conspiracy charge, they are being accused of planning to commit a crime. A conviction could result in time in jail, which could ruin any prospects you may have in terms of employment and obtaining a loan.
If you are facing conspiracy charges, you need to reach out to one of our experienced Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert for sound legal advice as soon as possible. Call for an appointment with a Sunrise conspiracy Lawyer to see if they can get the charges against you dismissed or at least reduced.
What is Conspiracy?
Under Florida law, any person who agrees, combines, or conspires with another person to commit a crime commits the crime of criminal conspiracy, as outlined in Florida Statute § 777.04. To obtain a conviction, a prosecutor would need to prove that two or more individuals joined together in an agreement to commit an illegal or unlawful act, and that the individuals actually intended to commit that criminal act.
People can simultaneously face charges of conspiracy and charges for the crime that actually occurred. Thus, in a drug case, an individual and their partner can face charges of selling drugs, while simultaneously facing charges of conspiring to sell drugs. The conspiracy and its underlying crime are both separate offenses.
Also, to be charged with conspiracy, it does not matter if the intended criminal act actually occurs. It only matters that the individuals intended for it to happen and agreed to proceed with the criminal act. For example, in a drug case, a person could face conspiracy to sell drugs charges even if they never actually had possession of any drugs. Even though the drugs that make up the conspiracy charge are non-existent, the offender could face real jail time.
Common Types of Conspiracy Cases
In Florida, conspiracy cases often involve the following:
- Conspiracies involving the manufacturing or distribution of drugs
- Conspiracies involving burglaries or robberies
- Conspiracies involving identify theft
- Conspiracies involving business fraud
The penalties for conspiracy depend upon the severity of the underlying crime. A local conspiracy Attorney could explain all of the possible scenarios to those facing charges.
Possible Defenses Against Conspiracy
Some of the possible defenses that they could proceed with would be the following:
- The defendant convinced their co-conspirator not to commit the crime that they had agreed to commit together
- The defendant did not have enough of a relationship with the other people charged in the conspiracy to conspire with them
- That the witnesses testifying against the defendant are not reliable witnesses or that the witnesses had only agreed to testify due to police coercion
- That the police unlawfully obtained the information and evidence used by the prosecution against the defendant
Contact a Sunrise Conspiracy Attorney Today
Facing a conspiracy charge can be intimidating, and a conviction can result in a long prison term and large fines. It is essential to work with one of our dedicated and compassionate Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert who will stick by your side throughout every step of the complicated legal process. Reach out to a Sunrise conspiracy Lawyer today for professional assistance.
