Fighting Charges of Conspiracy to Commit Postal Service Crime

Being accused of conspiracy to commit postal service crime can be scary. The charges sound really serious, and the penalties can be severe. But try not to panic. There are defenses, and experienced criminal defense lawyers who can help.

Let’s break this down into smaller pieces so it doesn’t seem so overwhelming. First, what exactly does “conspiracy to commit postal service crime” mean? Basically, it means the government thinks you agreed with someone else to commit a crime using the mail system or other interstate carrier like FedEx or UPS. Just agreeing to do it is enough – you don’t have to actually commit the crime.

Some examples of the type of crime they’re talking about could be mail fraud, identity theft, selling illegal things by mail, or even murder for hire if you planned to mail a payment. Yikes – but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Just being accused doesn’t mean you’re guilty.

Penalties for Conspiracy Charges

If convicted, the penalties can be just as serious as if you actually committed the crime yourself. For mail fraud, for example, you could face up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines [5]. But there are defenses that a good lawyer could use to get the charges dismissed or reduced.

Defenses Against Conspiracy Charges

Here are some common defenses against conspiracy charges:

• You didn’t actually agree to commit a crime – there was just a misunderstanding or you were joking around.
• There is no evidence you actually used the mail system or interstate carrier to further the “conspiracy.”
• The police obtained evidence against you illegally – through an improper search or interrogation. This can get evidence thrown out.
• You were entrapped by police who convinced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have done otherwise.

As you can see, it’s not an open and shut case just because you’ve been accused. An experienced lawyer will carefully examine the evidence and look for ways to challenge it.

Getting Legal Help

Don’t try to handle these serious charges alone. Get an attorney experienced with federal conspiracy crimes and the mail system. They’ll know all the defenses and how to negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissals. It’s worth investing in a lawyer now to avoid huge fines or years in prison later.

Some options for finding a lawyer include:

• Search online for criminal defense lawyers in your state who handle federal cases.
• Ask friends or family for referrals.
• Check with your local public defender’s office if you can’t afford a lawyer.
• Contact the American Bar Association to search their directory for qualified lawyers.

When meeting with lawyers, come prepared with documents related to your case. Take notes on their experience with similar cases and credentials. Compare fees and don’t be afraid to negotiate. This is a big decision, so make sure you feel confident in the lawyer you choose.

The Legal Process

If you do end up facing formal conspiracy charges, here’s a quick overview of what to expect in the legal process:

1. You’ll be arrested and read your Miranda rights if that hasn’t happened already.
2. Within 48 hours of arrest there will be a bail hearing to see if you can be released until trial.
3. Your lawyer will examine evidence and meet with prosecutors to negotiate or begin preparing your defense.
4. You’ll be formally charged via an indictment from a grand jury.
5. Arraignment where you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest.
6. More negotiations with prosecutors – your lawyer may get charges reduced or dismissed.
7. If no plea deal, a trial date will be set.
8. Your lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence or have your confession thrown out if applicable.
9. If found guilty at trial you’ll proceed to sentencing and appeal if you choose.

Having a lawyer guide you through this complicated process is crucial. Don’t wait to get representation.

Staying Out of Trouble

Hopefully your charges will get resolved and you’ll be able to move on with your life. Here are a few tips to avoid legal trouble in the future:

• Be very careful about agreements you make, even casually, to commit crimes. Don’t joke around about this stuff.
• Avoid shady get-rich-quick schemes that seem illegal – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Don’t use mail, email or other communications to discuss or further any criminal plans.
• Politely end conversations if someone starts proposing illegal activities.
• Don’t agree to help people commit crimes just because they are friends or family.

Staying completely clear of criminal conspiracies, even loosely, is the best way to avoid being charged. But if you do end up being wrongfully accused, fight the charges with an experienced lawyer on your side.