Conspiracy to commit a crime is a felony charge that can be prosecuted regardless of whether or not the crime being planned is actually carried out. The major factor that makes these charges so serious is that individuals found guilty of conspiracy face the same punishment as individuals who succeed in committing the types of crimes being plotted.

Conspiracy charges are often brought by prosecutors with a goal of cracking down on street gangs and organized crime, because this allows them to prosecute all members of the group for knowing about, planning, or benefiting from a crime rather than only those with evidence of the crime against them. This is often the result of mass arrest “net” operations, and it’s frighteningly easy to be caught up in one due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In these situations, a strong and compelling case in your defense is crucial. Karine Basmadjian is a former prosecutor with almost two decades of experience as an attorney defending clients against serious state and federal charges. The law regarding these matters is complex, and concerns like the difference in classes of felony have a drastic effect on the severity of charges, sentencing, and likelihood of dismissal.