Los Angeles Criminal Conspiracy Charges – What You Need to Know

| by Max Soni

Last Updated on: 4th October 2025, 07:45 pm

Los Angeles Criminal Conspiracy Charges – What You Need to Know

Usually, if the District Attorney wants a conviction against a defendant, they need to prove the defendant actually committed a crime. But here’s the thing with criminal conspiracy – it’s different. With these cases, you can get convicted just for making plans to commit a crime, as long as some other elements are met.

Whether you’ve been charged with criminal conspiracy in California, or you suspect the police might come knocking soon – now’s the time to get a lawyer. And not just any lawyer – you need someone who gets it.

Never Talk to Police Without an Attorney

Look, it’s never a good idea to speak with police without having an attorney present. Even if you think you’re completely innocent – hell, especially if you’re innocent – you still need a criminal defense attorney at your side.

Here’s why: the police zealously pursue charges, and they’re not above twisting anything you say to fit their interpretation of the evidence. They’ll make it seem like they’re your friend, that they just want to “clear things up.” Don’t fall for it.

Don’t jeopardize your future by talking to them without a defense attorney. Contact Spodek Law Group today about Los Angeles conspiracy charges – before speaking with police. We’re available 24/7, and unlike other firms who just want your money, we actually care about protecting you.

What Is a Conspiracy in California?

In California, you can be charged with conspiracy at either the federal or state level. Federal charges carry heavier penalties – trust me, we’ve handled both – but even if you’re being charged with violating Penal Code Section 182 (the state law regarding conspiracy), you need to vigilantly protect your rights.

Conspiracy is nearly always charged at the felony level. What does that mean? You could be looking at serious jail or prison time if convicted.

California law defines conspiracy as a plan between at least two individuals to carry out a crime. But here’s the important part – simply talking about an imagined crime isn’t enough to support a conspiracy arrest in Los Angeles. Instead, one of the parties to the conspiracy must perform what the law calls an “overt act” that’s intended to further the commission of the crime.

The “Overt Act” – This Is Where It Gets Tricky

This overt act can be almost anything – even something that seems totally innocuous:

• Making a phone call
• Buying a gun
• Ordering a large amount of fertilizer
• Writing a letter
• Renting a car

Notice something? None of these actions is inherently illegal. These are actions millions of people perform every day. The difference is – two or more individuals planned a crime, and then at least one of those people took a concrete step toward actually committing the crime.

At Spodek Law Group, we’ve seen prosecutors try to turn the most innocent actions into “overt acts.” That’s why you need attorneys like us who know how to fight back.

How Conspiracy Laws Have Evolved

Conspiracy laws were initially enacted as a means of bringing down the mafia and other organized crime syndicates. But here’s what’s happened – the application of the law has broadened in recent decades.

While conspiracy laws may still be used to bring down criminal organizations from top to bottom, they’re also used to convict a pair of friends or family members who plan any number of crimes. These crimes range from insurance fraud to murder – and include everything in between.

We’ve handled it all. Remember when Netflix made that show about our client Anna Delvey? Complex financial crimes, multiple parties involved – that’s the kind of experience you want on your side.

Who Can Be Charged With Conspiracy?

Here’s where it gets scary – charges can’t be brought against parties to a conspiracy unless an overt act is committed. But once a party to the conspiracy takes that step, EVERYONE who participated in planning the crime can be arrested.

This includes people who didn’t even know the overt act actually happened. You could be sitting at home, thinking nothing came of that conversation you had last week – and next thing you know, the police are at your door.

If you believe you may be under suspicion, you need an effective, seasoned Los Angeles criminal conspiracy defense attorney working for you. The sooner you call to set up an initial consultation, the sooner your rights will be protected. Don’t face the police alone – seriously, don’t.

Penalties for California Criminal Conspiracy – They’re Worse Than You Think

Anyone convicted of being involved in a criminal conspiracy in Los Angeles may be facing a lengthy prison term. The situation only gets worse if the planned crime actually occurred.

For instance – if two people plan to commit murder and then carry through with their plan, they can be charged with both conspiracy AND murder. Being charged with two crimes makes for an especially complicated situation. It also means longer sentencing guidelines. The defendant may be sentenced to a term in prison for the crime that was committed – and also for being involved in the conspiracy to commit the crime.

Even if the crime didn’t go forward, defendants will find themselves facing a sentence similar to the one they might’ve been given if they had successfully carried off the crime. Think about that – conspirators who discussed burglarizing a residence and completed an overt act toward that crime will be facing the usual two, four, or six years of imprisonment that might’ve been the penalty for actually burglarizing a home.

You get punished like you did it, even if you didn’t. That’s why these charges are so dangerous.

Why You Need Spodek Law Group

Remember – the police and the District Attorney are not on your side. It’s not unusual for them to use heavy-handed tactics and psychological games to lead you to implicate yourself, even if you believe you’re completely innocent.

Don’t let law enforcement and prosecutors railroad you. Stand up for yourself by working with a criminal defense attorney who actually knows what they’re doing.

The Los Angeles criminal conspiracy attorneys at Spodek Law Group have extensive experience when it comes to defending people against conspiracy charges. We’re not like those mill law firms that take every case – we’re selective because we only work with clients we can truly help.

Defense Strategies That Actually Work

A number of defense strategies are available to you, and our lawyers possess the skill, talent, and knowledge that’s required to preserve your rights:

• No Agreement – Proving there was never actually an agreement to commit a crime
• No Overt Act – Challenging whether any action taken was truly connected to a criminal plan
• Withdrawal – Showing you backed out before things went too far
• Entrapment – When law enforcement pushed you into something you wouldn’t have done otherwise

We know which defenses work and when to use them. That’s the difference between us and other firms – experience that matters.

Act Soon – Time Is Not On Your Side

Act soon so you can begin protecting yourself from an attack by the state or federal court system. Every day you wait, the government is building their case against you. They’re cutting deals with co-defendants, gathering evidence, and preparing to take you down.

At Spodek Law Group, we’re available 24/7. We’ve handled high-profile cases, been featured on major news outlets – Fox News, NY Post, USA Today. When Netflix needed someone to represent Anna Delvey in one of the most watched cases in recent history, they came to us.

We’re not just another law firm. We’re fighters who aren’t afraid to take on tough cases. Unlike other attorneys who care more about their relationships with prosecutors and judges – our loyalty is to YOU.

Call us now: 888-724-4815. The consultation is free, and it might just save your future.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. The police are building their case – shouldn’t you be building your defense?