Dallas Criminal Conspiracy Lawyer
HAVE YOU BEEN Charged with a Federal conspiracy?
Are you facing charges of federal conspiracy and are looking for a criminal conspiracy lawyer in Dallas? You’ve come to the right place.
The law defines criminal conspiracy as an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime. You could be convicted on federal conspiracy charges even if you didn’t plan to commit the crime or only had a minor role in it.
A conviction on federal conspiracy charges could result in years behind bars. Oftentimes, federal prosecutors pursue federal conspiracy charges in an attempt to force coconspirators into revealing insider information.
Your freedom is at stake. You need an experienced Dallas criminal conspiracy lawyer to advise you of your options and work to build a strong and effective defense strategy for you.
Choose an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows federal conspiracy law and has the tools and the resources to take on a federal court system. Reach out to Gallian Firm immediately if you are facing allegations of federal conspiracy, or any other serious criminal charge. Our experienced defense lawyers have fought and won for clients facing conspiracy charges in Dallas and throughout Texas. We can help you protect your rights and future and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
WHAT IS Federal Conspiracy Law?
Federal conspiracy law is a category of federal crimes in the United States that involves an agreement between two or more people to commit an illegal act, along with an overt act to commit a crime.
Key points about federal conspiracy law:
- Agreement: The central component of a conspiracy is the agreement between two or more people to commit felony criminal acts. This agreement does not need to be formal or in writing.
- Overt Act: In most cases, prosecutors must also prove that a member of the conspiracy committed an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy. This could be a very minor act.
- Specific Federal Crimes: Conspiracies are often charged in connection with specific federal crimes, such as conspiracy to commit fraud, conspiracy to distribute drugs, or conspiracy to commit racketeering.
- Pinkerton Liability: Under the Pinkerton rule, a member of a conspiracy can be held criminally liable for the foreseeable crimes committed by other members of the conspiracy in furtherance of the conspiracy, even if they did not directly participate in those crimes.
- Penalties: Conspiracy charges can carry significant penalties, often comparable to the penalties for the underlying crime that was the object of the conspiracy.
Federal prosecutors often use conspiracy charges in complex criminal cases because they allow for the prosecution of individuals who may not have directly committed a crime but who were involved in planning or assisting it. Conspiracy laws are controversial to some because of their broad scope and potential for abuse.
WHAT ARE THE EXAMPLES OF Federal Conspiracy Crimes?
There are many types of federal conspiracy crimes, as conspiracy charges can be attached to a wide variety of underlying criminal offenses. Some common examples include:
- Drug conspiracy charges: Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute illegal drugs is one of the most common federal conspiracy charges. Federal drug laws are complex and carry harsh penalties. You must have an experienced drug conspiracy attorney on your side to advise you of your rights and fight for you.
- Fraud Conspiracies and White Collar Crimes: This can include conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, or healthcare fraud. It can also include embezzlement, SBA loan fraud, and counterfeiting, among others.
- Money Laundering Conspiracies: Conspiracy to engage in money laundering, which is the process of disguising the proceeds of illegal activity, is a serious federal offense.
- Racketeering Conspiracies: The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act allows for conspiracy charges against individuals involved in organized crime.
- Tax Conspiracies: Conspiracy to defraud the United States by impeding the lawful functions of the IRS is a federal offense.
- Bribery Conspiracies: Conspiracy to bribe public officials, including federal, state, or local officials, is a federal crime.
- Espionage Conspiracies: Conspiracy to gather or deliver defense information to aid a foreign government is a serious federal offense.
- Terrorism Conspiracies: Conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, provide material support to terrorists, or use weapons of mass destruction are federal crimes.
- Computer Crime Conspiracies: Conspiracy to commit computer crimes, such as hacking, cyberstalking, or spreading computer viruses, can be a federal offense.
- Immigration Conspiracies: Conspiracy to bring in and harbor aliens, or to induce aliens to enter the United States illegally, is a federal crime.
Federal conspiracy statutes are broad, and these are just a few examples. Prosecutors can add conspiracy charges to many other federal crimes as well, including violent crimes, crimes against children, and environmental crimes, among others. That’s why it’s crucial you hire an experienced conspiracy defense lawyer as soon as you learn of an impending investigation or authorities arrest you.
HOW ARE Conspiracy Crimes Assessed in Texas?
Conspiracy crimes are assessed based on several factors, including the crime conspired and your role in the scheme. Penalties for conspiring to commit a crime typically reflect the same penalties as the crime itself.
The prosecution will often file multiple charges in a federal conspiracy case. Each type of charge will be assessed separately and combined during sentencing.
HOW IS Texas Criminal Conspiracy Law DIFFERENT THAN FEDERAL LAW?
Texas defines conspiracy law as two or more people planning to commit a felony offense. The state definition of a conspiracy relates to the same provisions outlined in federal law. However, the state differs in how the case is handled during the judicial process. Texas is especially harsh in pursuing conspiracy law. The state has deemed certain defense strategies to be prohibited in these cases. The defendant is still considered responsible for a crime, regardless of whether other circumstances exist, including:
- One or more parties are not found criminally responsible.
- The crime was committed.
- One or more parties are acquitted.
- The crime would require more than only 1 party (defendant).
These situations would be applicable means of defense under the federal court system. Unfortunately, Texas law makes defending these cases exceedingly difficult by deeming these situations exempt from defense application. Misdemeanor conspiracy charges may be handled by the Texas State Judicial Court System. These convictions generally carry a sentence relative to the crime committed.
HOW SERIOUS ARE Federal Conspiracy Charges?
Federal conspiracy charges are very serious and can carry severe penalties, even if the underlying crime was not ultimately committed. Here are some reasons why:
- Felony Offense: Conspiracies are almost always felony offenses under federal law, which means they carry a potential sentence of more than one year in prison.
- Same Penalties as Underlying Felony: In many cases, the penalties for conspiracy are the same as the penalties for the underlying offense that was the object of the conspiracy. For example, conspiracy to distribute drugs carries the same penalties as actually distributing drugs.
- Broad Scope: Conspiracy laws are broad in scope, allowing prosecutors to charge individuals who may have played relatively minor roles in the planning or execution of a crime.
- Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Some conspiracy charges, particularly those related to drug crimes, carry mandatory minimum sentences, which limit a judge’s discretion in sentencing.
- Impact on Criminal Record: A conviction for a federal conspiracy charge will result in a felony criminal record, which can have serious, long-term consequences for employment, housing, and other aspects of life.
Given the seriousness of these charges, it is crucial for anyone facing a federal conspiracy charge to seek experienced legal counsel. Defending against these charges often requires a thorough investigation and a strategic legal approach. Reach out to the conspiracy lawyers Gallian Firm if you are facing these serious allegations.
WHAT STRATEGIES COULD A Federal Defense Lawyer USE FOR CONSPIRACY CHARGES?
A federal defense lawyer can use several strategies to defend a client facing conspiracy charges, depending on the specific facts of the case. Some common strategies include:
Challenging the Existence of an Agreement
The core of a conspiracy charge is the agreement to commit an illegal act. A defense lawyer may argue that there was no actual agreement, or that the client was not a party to the agreement.
Arguing Lack of Intent
To be convicted of conspiracy, a defendant must have intended to agree and intended that the underlying crime be committed. A lawyer may argue that the client did not have the necessary intent.
Asserting Mere Presence
If a client was merely present when a conspiracy was discussed but did not actively participate, a lawyer may argue that mere presence is not enough to prove participation in a conspiracy.
Challenging the Evidence
A defense lawyer will closely scrutinize all the evidence, looking for weaknesses, inconsistencies, or evidence that was obtained illegally. They may seek to have certain evidence excluded.
Negotiating a Plea Deal
If the evidence against the client is strong, a lawyer may seek to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors. This could involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge or providing information in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Asserting Withdrawal
If a client withdrew from the conspiracy before the overt act was committed and took affirmative steps to disavow or defeat the conspiracy, a lawyer may assert this as a defense.
Challenging the Credibility of Witnesses
If the prosecution’s case relies heavily on witness testimony, a defense lawyer will look for ways to challenge the credibility of those witnesses.
Arguing Entrapment
If a government agent induced the client to commit a crime that they otherwise would not have committed, a lawyer may argue entrapment.
The specific strategy will depend on the unique circumstances of each case. An experienced federal defense lawyer will evaluate all the options and choose the strategy that offers the best chance of success for their client.
WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT STEPS IF CHARGED WITH Federal Conspiracy Crimes?
Federal conspiracy crimes are complex and can be terrifying Protect your legal rights and your freedom by reaching out to a federal conspiracy lawyer today.
Gallian Firm understands that the stakes are high and will fight to have the charges dropped or lessened in your case. It is never too late to get the best legal representation available, even if you have already chosen another lawyer. Contact Gallian Firm today at 214-432-8860.
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