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Conspiracy is a federal or state crime in which two or more people agree to commit a criminal act. The crime does not need to be completed for prosecutors to charge you with conspiracy, and the charge stands on its own, separate from the underlying offense.
You should never assume the prosecutor lacks evidence simply because the planned crime was abandoned. If you are facing a conspiracy charge, you need a skilled defense attorney who can protect your rights from the start. A conspiracy conviction could send you to prison and leave you with a criminal record that affects your ability to work, secure housing, own a firearm, or vote. If you want top-tier representation in federal or state court, we encourage you to Pick Porter!™ as your Fleming Island conspiracy lawyer.
What Is the Difference Between State and Federal Conspiracy Charges?
Federal conspiracy charges apply when you allegedly take part in a plan that violates the U.S. Code or involves a federal interest. State conspiracy charges apply when the alleged conduct occurs within the state’s boundaries. For example, conspiring with someone to rob an ABC liquor store or hiring a hitman to kill someone are state-level crimes. Federal conspiracy cases often involve more complex or far-reaching conduct, such as:
- Conspiring under 18 United States Code § 371 to defraud the government of money or property, including welfare fraud
- Conspiring to rob a federally insured bank
- Conspiring to bomb a passenger plane mid-air
- Producing child pornography for online distribution
- Creating international scams designed to defraud U.S. citizens
Our Fleming Island conspiracy attorneys build strong, credible defenses to clear your name or reduce your charges. At Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., we bring more than 100 years of combined experience to your case, and we are fully committed to your outcome.
Defenses to Conspiracy Charges
Because prosecutors must prove that you and at least one other person agreed to commit a crime, any lack of evidence showing an actual agreement could justify dismissing your conspiracy charge. The law also requires that you and the alleged co-conspirator agree to the specific details of the planned offense.
You may also have strong defenses if you had no knowledge of any conspiracy and were simply present when others discussed a crime. Even if you helped someone who later turned out to be a conspirator, you may still defend yourself by showing you had no idea a conspiracy existed.
If you are in Fleming Island, our tenacious conspiracy lawyers could help you avoid the harshest penalties. We are available now for a free consultation.
Penalties for Criminal Conspiracy Charges
Florida Statutes § 777.04(3) classifies criminal conspiracy as one degree less severe than the underlying offense. Florida’s Offense Severity Ranking places felonies into 10 levels based on the harm the crime causes or could cause. Under this system, third-degree felonies fall at offense level one, second-degree felonies at level four, and first-degree felonies at level seven, or level nine if the offense is punishable by life in prison. Certain life felonies are ranked at level 10.
For example, if prosecutors accuse you of conspiring to commit a home-invasion robbery in which the homeowner is shot and killed, the underlying offense is a second-degree felony at offense level four. Your conspiracy charge would be ranked one level lower, at offense level three. If you are facing criminal collusion allegations in Fleming Island, our attorneys may use the Florida Punishment Code to pursue every possible reduction in your charges and penalties.
Contact Our Fleming Island Attorney Today for a Free Consultation if You Are Facing Conspiracy Charges
Even if you and someone else carefully plan a crime but never carry it out, prosecutors could still charge you with conspiracy. In that situation, you face penalties one level below the underlying offense.
If you do commit the crime, prosecutors could charge you with both the offense and conspiracy, which could significantly increase your potential prison time. You should never ignore this risk. Problems? Pick Porter!™ by calling our Fleming Island conspiracy lawyer now.