Steps to Take if You Are Charged with Conspiracy
Criminal conspiracy in South Carolina relates to coming together with one or more others in order to either engage in an unlawful practice or to employ unlawful means to engage in something lawful, and the legal consequences can be dire. If you are facing a conspiracy charge, one of the most important steps you can take is to reach out and consult with an experienced Columbia conspiracy defense attorney early in the process.
Understanding the Charge of Conspiracy
To protect yourself in the face of a conspiracy charge, it’s important to understand what you’re up against. The elements necessary to bring a successful charge against you include the following:
- At least two people were involved.
- The participants combined with one another, which means they each had at least a general understanding of the illegal plan.
- The participants came together in order to commit an unlawful act or to commit a lawful act via unlawful means.
Common Examples of Conspiracy
Conspiracy charges are often based on basic examples like the following:
- Two people conspiring to rob a business together, including purchasing the necessary clothing and weapons and formulating a get-away plan
- Employees at a medical office conspiring to commit billing fraud, such as when a doctor falsely reports services and a medical biller fraudulently submits falsified invoices for payment
- One person sharing information about a victim’s comings and goings with a conspirator who uses the information to commit a crime against them
- An employee who steals personal customer information then shares it with someone who uses it to make fraudulent credit card transactions
If You’re Charged with Conspiracy
If you’re charged with conspiracy, the first order of business is retaining a trusted conspiracy defense lawyer who will take the actions necessary to protect your legal rights and to effect a favorable case resolution on your behalf. This involves skillfully guiding you through the legal process, which begins with invoking your right to remain silent.
Additionally, your focused attorney will compile the evidence necessary to build your strongest defense. This will focus on facts that speak to your innocence, which may include any one of the following:
- You had no involvement in the underlying crime or didn’t know anything about it.
- There was no crime planned.
- Before the plan was put into motion, you withdrew from it.
- The case is a matter of mistaken identity.
Know that Conspiracy Is a Felony
In South Carolina, conspiracy is a Class F felony, which means that a conviction carries up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. A conspiracy conviction, however, can’t carry harsher penalties than those related to the underlying crime. For example, if the charge relates to helping someone else snatch a purse, the sentence is limited to the three-year maximum associated with purse snatching.
Consult with an Experienced Columbia Conspiracy Defense Lawyer Today
Jonathan Harvey at the Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey is a determined Columbia conspiracy defense attorney who welcomes the opportunity to unleash the full force of his proven legal insight and skill in pursuit of an optimal case outcome for you. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 803-779-3363 today.