Federal Conspiracy Charges Defense
Defending against conspiracy prosecutions • Held responsible for others' actions • Same penalties as the underlying crime
Federal Conspiracy Defense
Conspiracy charges are the federal government's favorite prosecution tool. You don't need to commit a crime - just agreeing with one other person is enough. You can be held responsible for everything your alleged co-conspirators did, even if you never met them or knew about their actions.
Agreement Only
No completed crime necessary - agreement alone is enough
Vicarious Liability
Responsible for all co-conspirators' foreseeable acts
Same Penalties
Face same sentence as if you committed the underlying crime
Why Conspiracy Charges Are So Dangerous
Conspiracy charges allow prosecutors to bring in evidence that wouldn't normally be admissible, including hearsay statements from co-conspirators. With lower burden of proof and expanded liability, these charges require immediate, experienced defense.
Federal Conspiracy Charges We Defend
Every federal crime has a corresponding conspiracy charge.
Fraud Conspiracy
Wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, securities fraud conspiracies carrying decades in prison.
Drug Conspiracy
21 U.S.C. § 846 drug conspiracies with mandatory minimums based on total conspiracy weight.
RICO Conspiracy
Racketeering conspiracies involving pattern of criminal activity with 20-year sentences.
Money Laundering
Conspiracy to launder proceeds of criminal activity, adding 20 years to underlying charges.
Tax Conspiracy
Conspiracy to defraud the IRS or evade taxes, including offshore schemes and false returns.
Violent Crime
Conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, robbery, or other violent federal crimes.
What Prosecutors Must Prove
Agreement
Two or more people agreed to commit a federal crime. The agreement can be implicit, and you don't need to know all co-conspirators or details.
Knowledge & Intent
You knowingly and willfully joined the conspiracy. Mere association or presence is not enough - active participation required.
Overt Act (Sometimes)
Some conspiracies require proof of an overt act in furtherance. Drug conspiracies don't require any overt act - agreement alone suffices.
Federal Jurisdiction
The conspiracy must violate federal law or affect interstate commerce. This element is broadly interpreted by courts.
Conspiracy Defense Strategies
Challenging the government's theory and protecting against expanded liability.
No Agreement
Proving you never agreed to commit a crime - mere presence, association, or knowledge isn't conspiracy.
Withdrawal
Proving complete withdrawal from conspiracy before crimes committed - requires affirmative acts to defeat conspiracy.
Single vs Multiple
Arguing single conspiracy charged as multiple, or multiple conspiracies improperly joined as one.
Statute of Limitations
5-year limitation period runs from last overt act in furtherance of conspiracy.
Variance
When proof at trial differs materially from indictment allegations, creating fatal variance.
Entrapment
Government agents inducing participation in conspiracy you wouldn't otherwise join.
Conspiracy Charges? You Need Defense Now
Conspiracy charges mean you're facing the same sentence as if you committed the crime yourself. With expanded liability and powerful prosecution tools, you need experienced federal defense immediately.
Available 24/7 • Free Consultation • Former Federal Prosecutors