What is the best defense to conspiracy charges?
A conspiracy is an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime. Every member of a conspiracy, even one with a minor role, is equally responsible. Is there a defense?
A savvy, experienced defense lawyer can help with conspiracy charges.
A conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime. A conspiracy requires that each person has the specific intent to achieve some criminal objective. Each person in the conspiracy doesn’t need to have the same criminal objective; some commonality is enough. For example, if John agrees to deliver drugs for Larry, John and Larry have conspired to sell drugs. If Steve is Larry’s drug supplier, then John, Larry, and Steve are part of the same conspiracy. They are all part of the same conspiracy, even if Steve and John haven’t agreed to anything with one another. Few lawyers have a track record of successfully providing an aggressive, effective defense to felony conspiracy charges.
Some states require an overt act to further the conspiracy; however, Michigan law does not require that an overt act be done. Conspiracy is a separate offense and does not merge into the completed crime. For example, Michigan requires an overt act for some other offenses, like an attempted crime.
There must be two “guilty minds” for a conspiracy.
For a criminal defendant to be convicted of conspiracy, two or more “guilty” minds must intend to achieve the criminal objective at issue. Therefore, if a criminal defendant “conspires” with an undercover police officer to achieve a criminal objective, there is no conspiracy chargeable under law. There is no conspiracy because the undercover police officer does not agree with anything; they pretend.
A person found guilty of conspiracy can be held liable for a crime committed by other co-conspirators if the offenders committed the crimes in furtherance of the conspiracy objective and if they were foreseeable.
If you are charged with or under investigation for being part of a state or federal conspiracy, you immediately need a top defense lawyer. These charges are severe and regularly result in jail and prison sentences. Call us today for a free consultation and confidential case evaluation. Do not get sold out by the lowest bidder! The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. are experienced with providing the most vigorous possible defense to felony conspiracy charges. We will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and address each of your concerns. Together, we will develop a winning strategy.
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
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