Conspiracy Charges and Hiring a DC Criminal Defense Attorney

Conspiracy Charges and Hiring a DC Criminal Defense Attorney

Penalties for Conspiracy Charges

The penalties for conspiracy can be just as severe as if you’d committed the actual crime:

• Up to life in prison for serious felonies like murder conspiracies
• 20 years or more for drug trafficking conspiracies
• 10 years for fraud conspiracies
• 5 years for bribery conspiracies

In addition to jail time, you may face heavy fines, forfeiture of assets, and probation or parole. Conspiracy convictions stay on your record for life and can prevent you from owning a firearm, voting, working in certain careers, and more.

Choosing the Best DC Criminal Defense Attorney for Conspiracy Charges

Picking the right lawyer is crucial. Look for an attorney with extensive experience defending conspiracy cases in DC. It’s also important to choose someone you feel comfortable with. Ask candidates:

• How much of your practice is devoted to criminal defense?
• What’s your track record getting conspiracy charges reduced or dismissed?
• Will you personally handle my case or hand it off to an associate?
• How often can I expect you to communicate with me?

A dedicated DC conspiracy defense lawyer will be honest about the challenges but also explain how they can build the strongest case for you. Go with someone who listens and makes you feel hopeful.

Fighting Federal Conspiracy Charges

Many conspiracy cases are prosecuted at the federal level, which can mean even harsher penalties. Common federal conspiracy charges include:

• Drug trafficking conspiracies
• Financial and investment fraud conspiracies
• Public corruption conspiracies
• Terrorism conspiracies

Federal prosecutors have huge budgets and resources. But skilled federal defense attorneys know how to get charges dismissed before indictment, exclude unreliable evidence, and negotiate better plea deals. An experienced federal criminal defense lawyer is a must.

Possible Defenses Against Conspiracy Charges

While conspiracy cases can be hard to beat, possible defenses include:

• You didn’t actually agree to commit any crime
• You were entrapped by police into discussing an illegal act
• Your alleged co-conspirators are unreliable or making false claims
• There is no hard evidence you planned or intended to commit the crime

An aggressive defense lawyer will look at every angle to get charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial. They may also be able to negotiate a favorable plea bargain even if the evidence is strong. But don’t wait – get experienced legal help immediately if charged with any conspiracy crime.

The Sooner You Get a Lawyer, the Better

Meeting with a criminal defense attorney should be your first call after being charged with conspiracy. The police and prosecution are already gathering evidence and building a case against you. Early intervention by a lawyer experienced with conspiracy charges is critical. They can start working right away to protect your rights and future. Don’t go through this alone. Schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced DC criminal defense attorney now.