With most criminal charges, you’re being charged for actions that you’ve already taken. If you’re accused of embezzling money from your company or transporting illegal drugs, you were likely caught in the act or the police found evidence that this had already occurred.
But with conspiracy charges, you could face charges simply for planning to break the law. You may never have actually done so. Your plans did not come to fruition. But you could still be charged with the conspiracy anyway.
How does this work?
There are still a few elements to these cases that have to be met. For instance, there need to be at least two people involved for it to be a conspiracy. Those two people need to have discussions about a distinct illegal act.
Next, those involved in the conspiracy need to take a step toward its completion. They don’t need to finish the conspiracy, and the “step” itself may be fully legal.
For example, perhaps you know someone who manufactures illegal drugs and wants to sell them in another state. You agree to drive a vehicle transporting those goods over state lines, even though it’s a felony. You then rent the vehicle that you’re going to use.
Of course, renting a vehicle is not illegal on its own. But in the context of the conspiracy, this counts as taking one step toward its completion. That act could result in legal charges, even though you haven’t transported any illegal drugs yet.
Legal defense options
You can see how complicated a case like this may become. It’s very important for you to understand exactly what defense options you have.