What Should I Do if I Am Facing Federal Conspiracy Charges?

 Posted on January 13, 2020 in Federal Crimes

Most people are aware that acts such as fraud, drug trafficking, and certain weapons violations can be prosecuted by the federal government. However, you may not realize that a person can face federal charges even if he or she never actually committed a federal crime. Simply conspiring or planning to commit certain crimes with one or more other individuals can constitute a criminal act under federal law. Crimes prosecuted under federal law are often punished more severely than crimes prosecuted under state law. If you are being investigated for conspiring to commit federal crimes, it is imperative that you consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately.

Conspiring to Commit a Federal Offense

The United States Code states that it is against federal law for two or more people to conspire to commit a federal crime or to defraud the United States or a U.S. agency. Even if the actual offense or fraud never occurred, the individuals involved in discussions about the planned offense can face federal prosecution. In order for a U.S. prosecuting attorney to obtain a conviction for federal conspiracy, he or she must prove several elements, including the following:

• Two or more individuals agreed to the criminal or deceitful act.

• The defendant was aware of the goal of the intended crime or fraudulent act.

• The defendant participated in the conspiracy to commit a federal offense voluntarily, and he or she was not forced or coerced into participation.

In certain cases, at least one individual involved in the conspiracy must have taken some type of affirmative step toward the commission of the intended crime in order for prosecutors to secure a conspiracy conviction. In other cases, no overt act in the continuance of the conspiracy needs to be committed in order for the defendant to be convicted. For example, a person can be convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering even if he or she never took a definite step to carry out the plan to launder money.

Contact a Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyer

The act of planning to commit a federal offense or to defraud a federal agency is a criminal offense in itself. If you have been charged with federal conspiracy to defraud the United States or another federal offense, you need a lawyer who has extensive experience handling these types of complex cases. Attorney Darlina Crowder has obtained more than 300 acquittals and not guilty verdicts for her clients. She and the rest of the knowledgeable team at The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. can help you build a strong defense against federal charges. Call our office at 214-544-0061 for a free, confidential consultation with one of our diligent Plano, Texas federal conspiracy attorneys.

Sources:
https://www.justice.gov/jm/criminal-resource-manual-923-18-usc-371-conspiracy-defraud-us
https://openjurist.org/543/us/209/03/1293