Conspiracy Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA Offering Vigorous Legal Representation in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and Throughout Southern California
If you’ve been charged with conspiracy, it doesn’t matter if the crime you are accused of having planned ever moved forward. If any one party took any overt step in furtherance of the alleged plan, you could face years of jail time and potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines simply for being part of an agreement to intentionally violate the law. Conspiracy charges are harshly prosecuted violations of federal law, and they need to be taken seriously. That means retaining a dedicated Los Angeles conspiracy lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney to provide an unflinching defense.
Defending against conspiracy charges requires the knowledge and resources to conduct an extensive investigation and the determination to stand up to federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. As a conspiracy defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, we’re not afraid to challenge the evidence against you, stand up for your rights, and fight for you in court. Contact us today to get started with a free initial consultation.
What Is Criminal Conspiracy?
Under Section 371 of Title 18 of the United States Code, the crime of conspiracy occurs when two or more individuals come to an agreement to intentionally violate U.S. law or achieve an illegal goal, and at least one of these conspirators takes any action that furthers the conspiracy.
Generally, the parties involved must have knowledge of the conspiracy—not having been unwitting pawns tricked into violating the law but rather knowing participants.
Understanding Federal Conspiracy Charges
Numerous sections of the United States Code address conspiracy and related offenses. As an experienced conspiracy defense attorney, The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney provide comprehensive legal representation for clients accused of any form of conspiracy.
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States Government
Section 371 of Title 18 of the United States Code concerns conspiracies against the federal government. If you have been charged with this violation, you are generally accused of involvement in a conspiracy that aims to defraud or commit a criminal offense against the federal government or any agency of it. The severity of this offense depends on the crime you are accused of conspiring to commit.
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud
You can also face serious charges over attempts to defraud other alleged victims, including banks, health benefits programs, and the public. Section 1349 of Title 18 of the United States Code addresses conspiracies to commit any of the crimes established under Chapter 63 of the U.S.C., which encompass:
- Fraud, including mail fraud and tax fraud, under Section 1341 of Title 18 of the United States Code
- Fraud perpetrated by wire, radio, or television, under Section 1343 of Title 18 of the United States Code
- Bank fraud, under Section 1344 of Title 18 of the United States Code
- Health care fraud, under Section 1347 of Title 18 of the United States Code
- Securities and commodities fraud, under Section 1348 of Title 18 of the United States Code
- Fraud in foreign labor contracting, under Section 1351 of Title 18 of the United States Code
- The use of a fictitious name or address to carry out any fraud or bribery scheme, under Section 1342 of Title 18 of the United States Code
- Knowing failures by corporate officers to certify financial reports filed with the Securities Exchange Commission as required, under Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code
- Bribes offered to foreign officials, under Section 1352 of Title 18 of the United States Code
Again, if you are accused of having agreed to intentionally participate in committing fraud of any kind and one of your alleged co-conspirators took any step to advance this plan, you may be criminally charged, regardless of whether such a scheme was ever fully implemented.
Conspiracy to Commit Drug Trafficking Crimes
Conspiring to commit any federal drug offense is a violation of Section 846 of Title 21 of the United States Code. Examples of these offenses include manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing illegal drugs and controlled substances or counterfeit substances. This subchapter of federal law also prohibits acquiring any controlled substance through fraud, misrepresentation, forgery, or deception of any kind.
Again, you may be charged with conspiracy to violate this law even if you never fully put such a plan into action, if the prosecutor can establish that the agreement to participate in such a conspiracy existed.
Conspiracy to Interfere With Commerce Through Threats or Violence
Interfering with legal commerce through threats, extortion, robbery, or acts of violence is a criminal offense under Section 1951 of Title 18 of the United States Code. This statute also establishes conspiring to do so as a violation of federal law.
Conspiracy to Deprive Citizens of Their Rights
Section 241 of Title 18 of the United States Code prohibits individuals from conspiring to interfere in the free exercise and enjoyment of others’ legal rights. You could face criminal charges for allegedly conspiring with one or more other people to threaten, intimidate, or oppress another person.
Conspiracy to Overthrow the Government
You could face charges of seditious conspiracy if you are accused of plotting to overthrow the government, declare war against it, or destroy it by force under Section 2384 of Title 18 of the United States Code. This statute also addresses less drastic acts of sedition, including seizing government property without authorization or making efforts to delay or hinder the execution of U.S. laws by force.
Conspiracy to Commit RICO Act Violations and Acts of Violence
In addition to the other federal statutes that address conspiracy charges, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, established under Chapter 96 of the of Title 18 of the United States Code (sections 1961-1968), encompasses offenses of conspiring to engage in racketeering activities. It’s illegal, for example, to be part of a conspiracy to receive income through organized criminal activities such as unlawful debt collection, gambling, bribery, extortion, kidnapping, arson, robbery, murder, or dealing in unlawful controlled substances or obscene matter.
Additionally, Section 1959 of Title 18 of the United States Code addresses conspiracies that specifically involve committing violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity.
If any violent act involved in an alleged plot included plans to injure an officer of the United States, you could be charged with a violation of Section 372, conspiracy to impede or injure an officer.
The Consequences of a Federal Conspiracy Conviction
The penalties federal law prescribes for a criminal conspiracy conviction depend on the nature of the offense. Some statutes specify a maximum prison term, which can be as high as 20 years (for seditious conspiracy), 30 years (for certain fraud and swindle offenses), or even a life sentence (for conspiring to deprive a person of their rights through kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, or attempt to kill).
Violations of Section 371 of Title 18 can result in a prison sentence of up to five years for all conspirators, even ones who took no action to further the offense, although conspiracies to commit misdemeanor offenses may result in less harsh penalties. In many cases, including violations of Section 1349 and Section 846, the penalty for conspiring to commit a crime is as harsh as the penalty for actually committing the offense.
In addition to lengthy prison sentences, a conviction for a federal conspiracy charge can result in steep fines which, for example, can amount to $250,000 or even, for certain violations, up to $1,000,000.
Your focus now needs to be on developing the most effective defense possible to minimize the impact of these charges. You’re going to need a Los Angeles conspiracy lawyer with the experience to fight back against federal charges and protect you from the harshest penalties you could face.
What to Do If You’re Under Investigation or Charged With Conspiracy in California
Whether you have learned that you’re under investigation for conspiracy related offenses or you have already been criminally charged, you need to handle this situation strategically. As alarming as the accusations against you are, becoming angry or uncooperative could exacerbate the legal trouble you’re already in. On the other hand, trying to explain or clarify the situation for law enforcement could significantly impact your case in a negative way, as any statement you make could be used against you.
Cooperate with law enforcement officers to the extent required by law, but decline to provide a statement or answer any questions without an attorney present. You have the right to remain silent, and you should make full use of that right. Politely inform officers that you need to speak to a Los Angeles conspiracy lawyer before answering any questions or giving any statements, and stick to that decision no matter what. The strength of your defense depends on it.
Reach out to The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure prompt legal intervention in your case. We can begin investigating the issue and building your defense even before charges have been formally filed against you. Gather all evidence that pertains to your case and provide it to your attorney for analysis. Don’t attempt to destroy any potential evidence, even if you’re concerned that it could work against you. Instead, inform your lawyer of this evidence, and allow us to advise you on the best course of action.
How to Beat a Federal Conspiracy Charge
Federal conspiracy charges are prosecuted vigorously and punished harshly. Your best hope for minimizing the impact of these charges is through a compelling defense backed by evidence and solid legal arguments. Potential defenses against a conspiracy charge include:
- Challenging whether an agreement between you and your alleged co-conspirators actually existed
- Establishing a lack of knowledge of the conspiracy or a lack of intent to violate the law, allowing for the argument that any involvement in the plot was unintentional or without knowledge of the illegal goal
- Establishing that any actions the prosecution alleges as furthering the conspiracy were, in fact, innocent actions taken for legitimate purposes rather than efforts to break the law
- Challenging evidence against you by exposing weaknesses, calling into question discrepancies and inaccuracies, and seeking to have improperly obtained evidence suppressed
Defending against federal conspiracy charges is challenging. Prosecutors pursue these cases relentlessly, especially when the alleged conspiracy involved the planning of particularly severe offenses. Throughout the court process, our firm is prepared to stand up to the prosecution and ensure you receive every protection afforded to you under the law.
How The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Can Help Fight Charges of Violating Federal Conspiracy Laws
The sooner you bring on skilled legal counsel to defend you against conspiracy charges, the better.
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney have achieved a record of success using a proven combination of custom-tailed legal strategies and aggressive advocacy in even the most high-stakes legal matters.
Personalized Defense Strategies Against Federal Conspiracy Charges
The most effective strategy for your legal defense depends on the specific facts of your situation and the evidence the prosecution has against you. Every defense strategy we develop is based on diligent investigation and detailed analysis of your unique circumstances. We know that the most successful strategies are the ones that fit the facts of your situation perfectly, making use of all evidence in your favor and all mitigating factors while skillfully exploiting the weaknesses in the case against you.
An Experienced Conspiracy Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA, Advocating for You
The evidence and arguments in your defense lay the groundwork for the most favorable outcome possible, but implementing this strategy requires a commitment to unwavering advocacy. Throughout every stage of your case, we’re here to answer your questions, guide you in the right direction, and uphold your rights. Your attorney will be right by your side throughout all legal proceedings, standing up against improper procedures and rights violations.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney as Your Los Angeles Conspiracy Lawyer?
Throughout Southern California, clients turn to The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for trusted guidance and skilled legal representation in the face of serious criminal charges. Our firm provides comprehensive legal assistance, the advantages of having experienced counsel on your side, and a personalized approach to client service.
Comprehensive Solutions for Complex Conspiracy Charges
Federal conspiracy allegations can be particularly complex issues, especially if the prosecutor is arguing that you conspired to commit a crime but you personally haven’t taken any steps to do so. You need legal counsel prepared to address your case from every angle, exploring all avenues of defense.
Our firm represents defendants accused of all forms of conspiracy violations. We use our in-depth knowledge of the nuances of these different types of legal issues to identify strategies that can help us get charges dropped or reduced, present strong defense arguments in court, or push for lesser penalties.
A Team of Attorneys With 100+ Years of Combined Experience
Fighting back against conspiracy charges requires more than just theoretical knowledge of what constitutes this crime. You want an experienced attorney who has confronted these challenging legal matters firsthand and knows how to present the most effective defense possible.
The legal team at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney has more than a century of combined legal practice and a long history of getting results through both high-stakes negotiations and aggressive courtroom showdowns.
Personalized, Conscientious Service for Every Client
How your attorney approaches your case matters. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we’re committed to an approach that both strengthens your defense and alleviates some of the immense stress that can accompany facing federal charges.
We begin each case with a diligent investigation that allows us to craft a personalized defense strategy. Through our evidence and arguments, we aim to show the court who you are as a real person, not just a defendant accused of a crime, and to introduce all information that could work in your favor. Our client-centered firm is committed to providing clear, reliable communications throughout the legal process and always being here when you need us.
Contact a Los Angeles Conspiracy Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Today for a Free Case Review
While you’re questioning what the future is going to hold, federal prosecutors are building the case against you. You need to take action as soon as possible to protect your freedom. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we know how daunting the legal process can be and how difficult it is to even determine how to begin building your defense. That’s why our firm offers a free initial consultation that allows anyone accused of a crime in California to get their questions answered by trusted professionals.
During a confidential consultation, we will evaluate the full facts of your unique situation, make you aware of your rights when facing federal charges, and help you explore your options for defending against these accusations. We’re committed to ensuring that you can make informed decisions about your case and how to put up the strongest legal defense possible.
For help from a conspiracy defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney online or call 818-330-5198 today.
