Defending Against Federal Conspiracy Charges: A Guide for Lawyers

Federal conspiracy charges can seem intimidating for defendants. However, skilled criminal defense lawyers have a variety of strategies they can use to mount an aggressive defense. This guide will walk through some of the key aspects of federal conspiracy laws and charges, as well as effective defense techniques lawyers employ.

Why are Federal Conspiracy Charges Used?

Federal prosecutors often bring conspiracy charges for strategic reasons. Adding a conspiracy charge allows the prosecution to introduce a wider range of evidence at trial compared to only charging the underlying crime[5]. This makes it easier for them to secure convictions.

Prosecutors can allege conspiracy in many different types of federal cases, including[4]:

• Drug trafficking
• Fraud
• Violent crimes
• Obstruction of justice
• Firearm sales

Conspiracy charges also allow the prosecution to pull in defendants who may have played minor roles in an underlying crime. Unfortunately, minor players often face the same harsh mandatory minimum sentences as major players in federal drug cases, for example[5].

Mounting an Effective Defense Strategy

Defending against federal conspiracy charges takes creativity and hard work from criminal defense attorneys. Key aspects of an effective defense include:

Analyze the Evidence

The defense must understand what evidence the prosecution has against the defendant and what role they believe the defendant played[5]. This allows the defense to look for weaknesses.

Withdrawal Defense

If the defendant withdrew from the conspiracy before any crime was committed, they may not be guilty of conspiracy[2]. The defense can argue the defendant withdrew before any overt act.

Lack of Intent

The prosecution must prove the defendant knowingly and intentionally agreed to participate in the conspiracy[2]. The defense can argue the defendant did not have the requisite intent.

Entrapment

If an undercover agent or informant induced the defendant to join a fake conspiracy, an entrapment defense may succeed[4].

Constitutional Violations

The defense should look for any constitutional violations like illegal searches or lack of Miranda warnings. These can lead to evidence being suppressed.

Burden of Proof

The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt – a very high bar for conspiracy cases[1]. The defense can highlight lack of direct evidence.

Sentencing Mitigation

Even if a conviction occurs, the defense can gather evidence and letters to argue for a lighter sentence[3].

Sentencing and Penalties

Penalties for federal conspiracy convictions can be harsh:

• Conspiracy to defraud the U.S. can lead to up to 5 years in prison and significant fines[2].
• Drug conspiracy penalties are tied to drug amounts and can trigger lengthy mandatory minimums[5].
• Even minor players often face the same sentences as major players[5].

However, skilled federal defense lawyers know how to navigate complex sentencing guidelines and may help secure reduced sentences through strategies like:

• Negotiating plea bargains with lesser charges
• Pursuing downward departures
• Gathering evidence to argue for variances