Summerville Conspiracy Lawyer

Like other “inchoate” offenses such as attempt and solicitation, conspiracy arises in the process of committing another violation. Unlike attempt and solicitation, however, it constitutes an independent offense. A person can be convicted of conspiracy even if the planned event never takes place.

Someone convicted of conspiracy may also be held responsible for both the intended crime and any additional offenses associated with it, even if they did not participate in them. If you are charged with conspiracy, therefore, you may be confronting one or more related charges as well. Speaking with a Summerville conspiracy lawyer about your case may help mitigate any damaging effects that could result. Reach out to a knowledgeable criminal lawyer as soon as possible.

Conspiracy Offenses under State Law

Under the most conspiracy offenses carry maximum prison sentences. Conspiring to commit kidnapping is a Class A felony, which carries a sentence of up to 30 years, as per South Carolina Code of Laws §16-3-920. Additionally, knowingly conspiring to dispose of waste from the production of amphetamine is a Class E felony, which can carry a sentence of up to 10 years.

Class F felonies, which impose sentences of up to five years, include:

• Common Law Conspiracy
• Conspiring against Civil Rights,
• Conspiracy to violate the Motor Vehicle Chop Shop, Stolen, and Altered Property Act
• Conspiracy with Intent to Commit an Offense Related to the South Carolina Education Lottery Act

Conspiring to commit one of the crimes related to narcotics and controlled substances listed in Article 3 of §44-53 qualifies as a classification-exempt misdemeanor, for which the sentence may not exceed one year. Someone charged with conspiracy, as a misdemeanor or a felony, could construct a useful defense with the assistance of a Summerville conspiracy lawyer.

Conspiracy at Common Law

Conspiracy at common law, as explained in S.C. Code §16-17-410, occurs when two or more people join together for the purpose of either doing something unlawful or doing something lawful by unlawful means. Someone convicted of common-law conspiracy, a felony, faces a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to five years.

State law prevents anyone convicted of conspiracy from receiving a fine or sentence greater than they would receive for conviction of either the offense to which the conspiracy led or the offense that served as the means of implementing the conspiracy. Someone in Summerville facing a conspiracy charge could consult with a conspiracy attorney to determine whether state law justifies the charge itself or the eventual penalty.

Conspiracy against Civil Rights

Under S.C. Code §16-5-10, conspiracy against civil rights occurs when two or more people band together, or go in disguise on a public highway or on the premises of another, with intent to injure, oppress, or violate a citizen’s property or person. They engage in these actions (a) because of the citizen’s political opinion or the expression or exercise of it or (b) to attempt to hinder the citizen’s free exercise and enjoyment of a right or privilege under the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of South Carolina.

Someone convicted of conspiracy against civil rights, a felony, faces a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. They also become ineligible to hold any state office of honor, trust, or profit. Under S.C. Code §16-5-20, someone who violates another crime while violating any provisions faces harsher penalties for the additional offense.

Schedule a Consultation With a Summerville Conspiracy Lawyer

Many things can work to your disadvantage in a conspiracy case. This uncertainty makes it important to have an attorney you trust by your side, someone who tries to alert you to any expected or unexpected hazards before they occur.

Do what you need to do to mitigate the risk and adverse consequences of a conspiracy charge. Schedule a consultation with a Summerville conspiracy lawyer to get started building your defense.