The crime of conspiracy involves two or more people working or acting together to commit a crime. Depending on the circumstances of the conspiracy and the reason the conspiracy was formed, a person may be charged with either a felony or a misdemeanor and subject to a wide range of penalties.
Conspiracy is a crime on its own, but it may also be filed as an additional charge with another intended crime. Conspiracy is most often associated with other white collar crimes like credit card fraud or securities fraud, although conspiracy may involve violence, such as murder or assault. Conspiracy charges may be filed even if the intended crime was never committed, as long as there is evidence that the crime was planned and certain steps toward committing the crime, called overt acts, were taken.
Conspiracies may be investigated by local law enforcement, or by federal agencies like the FBI or SEC. If the conspiracy involves the use of the Internet, postal mail, the telephone, or involves a large-scale scheme, it may likely be charged in federal court.
Conspiracy Penalties
Conspiracy in California state court is punishable to the same degree as the maximum sentence for the crime that the conspirators intended to commit. For a misdemeanor crime that typically means a sentence ranging from probation to a year in jail. If the intended crime was a felony, the sentence may range from a maximum of three years in custody, up to a life sentence in prison for the most serious conspiracy crimes. If the conspiracy is prosecuted in federal court, the penalties are wide ranging.
How Our Law Offices Can Help You
If you are under investigation or have been charged with conspiracy, you need to seek experienced legal representation. The aggressive conspiracy defense lawyers at The Law Offices of David A. Stein in Irvine are completely dedicated to protecting the legal rights of their clients and getting the best possible outcome for them.
Our highly experienced lawyers will evaluate the strength of the case against you and will advise you about the entire defense process. Conspiracy laws can be highly complicated, especially when the conspiracy charge may overlap between state and federal jurisdictions. Our practice specializes in the defense of white collar crimes with outstanding expertise in handling matters in both state and federal courts.
If you believe you are under investigation or have been charged with a conspiracy crime in California, contact us immediately to ensure you are taking the best course of action for a successful defense. Protect your rights and understand all your options. Call 949) 445-0040 for an immediate and free evaluation of your case today.
