Orangeburg County Conspiracy Lawyer

Conspiracy charges often baffle defendants. They may feel that they were at the wrong place at the wrong time, had no involvement in the ultimate crime, or did not know the other players. So, they cannot understand how the State alleges that they acted unlawfully.

Even a minor role in planning a criminal scheme can expose you to lengthy jail times, substantial fines, and profoundly disrupt your life. If you are under suspicion for or already charged with this offense, you should not try to resolve the matter on your own. Contact an Orangeburg County conspiracy lawyer as soon as you can to review your options and protect your future.

Conspiracy Takes More than One Person

The South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-17-410 explains that this offense involves two or more people agreeing to commit a crime or achieve a legal objective through illegal means. The focal point of this offense is the agreement.

The prosecutor must show that the involved parties consented to move the unlawful activity forward, but a formal, written agreement is unnecessary. The consent does need to be verbal or express, unspoken understanding works. Actions taken in support of a common purpose are sufficient. For example, if three individuals talk about robbing a bank, and without each other’s knowledge, one person rents a getaway car, another looks into security measures at local banks, and the third purchases a gun. They have all taken steps that may support conspiracy charges.

Even if this group never actually robs the bank, or the heist is interrupted by the police and unsuccessful, the individuals could face conspiracy charges. A completed, underlying crime is not necessary.

Crimes Associated with Conspiracy

By definition, conspiracy involves another illegal deed, so a person charged with conspiracy almost always faces counts for the related offense – completed or attempted. Criminal activity often linked with conspiracy includes:

• Drug offenses – trafficking, manufacturing, etc.
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Fraud
• Kidnapping
• Murder

To fully combat these allegations and those of conspiracy, defendants need knowledgeable counsel who can devise a comprehensive defense strategy.

Penalties for Committing Conspiracy in Orangeburg County

Conspiracy is a felony in South Carolina, and S.C. Code § 16-17-410 allows judges to sentence defendants to both incarceration and the payment of fines. Time behind bars ranges from zero to five years – probation is an option, in the court’s discretion – but imprisonment may not surpass the maximum time allotted for the planned offense. Fines may not exceed $5,000.

Conspiracy sentences might significantly increase a person’s time in detention and deepen the financial impact because they add to the related offense’s punishment. By retaining conspiracy defense counsel familiar with the local criminal justice system, suspects may have better opportunities to secure fair plea deals and acceptable resolutions of their cases.

Conspiracy Is Also a Federal Offense

Federal law prohibits criminal conspiracies at 18 United States Code § 371. In some instances, a person starts out facing charges in State court but ultimately ends up before a federal judge. This transfer is not a welcome development, as defendants usually face stiffer punishments under federal law. Well-trained conspiracy lawyers understand the interplay of these two legal schemes and may help those accused defend themselves in either jurisdiction.

Partner with an Experienced Conspiracy Attorney

Prosecutors frequently add conspiracy to indictments when there is more than one defendant. To protect yourself, you should consider retaining an experienced Orangeburg County conspiracy lawyer who will provide you with the attention and dedication your case deserves. Call us today to schedule your first meeting.