You can get fast help to handle a charge for conspiracy in Torrance. Conspiracy charges should be taken seriously, as a conviction can lead to incredibly high fines and time in jail or prison. Fortunately, the Simmrin Law Group can provide the assistance you need.
Our conspiracy lawyers in Torrance are prepared to focus on your defense right now. We can help you handle both state and federal charges for conspiracy. Learn more about your options for constructing a strong defense by calling us.
Basic Facts About Conspiracy Charges in Torrance
Per the legal codes used throughout the country, you can be charged with conspiracy any time you:
- Work with at least one other person and
- Agree that you will commit a crime
Note that you do not have to successfully carry out the crime to be convicted of conspiracy. However, someone involved in the conspiracy must make an overt act that would be necessary to carry out the crime.
You should be aware that conspiracy can be prosecuted in either the state or the federal court system. Conspiracy can be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony in California. If a conspiracy is successful, individuals can be charged with conspiracy to commit a crime as well as the crime they committed.
State Charges for a Conspiracy in California
The state of California uses Penal Code Section 182 to prosecute individuals accused of conspiracy. Generally, if you are accused of conspiring to commit a crime that would be prosecuted in the state court system, you will face charges under PC 182.
PC 182 can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Prosecutors usually charge individuals with misdemeanor conspiracy if they were planning to commit a misdemeanor. Felony charges apply if someone planned to carry out a felony.
You can get fast help to handle a PC 182 accusation from a criminal defense lawyer in Torrance. Find out more by calling us.
Penalties for a PC 182 Conviction in Torrance
As we mentioned, PC 182 can be treated as either a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor conviction for conspiracy may result in:
- Up to one year in jail
- Up to $10,000 in fines
Felony convictions are generally treated more seriously by the court system. Convictions for a felony may result in:
- Up to three years in jail
- Fines of up to $10,000
The above penalties are used in many conspiracy cases, but not all of them. For example, you could face much higher penalties if you are convicted of conspiracy murder. This charge could lead to decades of time in prison or even the death penalty in some cases.
Federal Charges for Conspiracy in California
There are a number of federal charges used to prosecute conspiracy. Basic federal conspiracy charges are handled under 18 U.S.C. Section 371. A conviction for basic conspiracy in the federal court system can result in fines and up to five years of time in prison.
Other federal conspiracy charges can lead to harsher penalties. For example, you could be sentenced to 20 years in federal prison if you are convicted of conspiracy to commit racketeering, or 10 years for conspiracy to monopolize or restrain trade.
Additionally, the fines for federal conspiracy charges are much higher than those used in state courts. It is not unusual to face fines of $1 million for a federal conspiracy conviction. For this reason, it’s very important that you reach out to a federal crimes lawyer in Torrance as soon as you are arrested.
Defend Yourself from Conspiracy Charges in Torrance
A conspiracy lawyer in Torrance can help you build a defense to the charges you face in either the state or federal court system. Your lawyer may be able to demonstrate that you never agreed to carry out a criminal act with other people.
In some cases, your lawyer could argue that, while you agreed to commit a crime, you never took any steps necessary to carry out a criminal act. Go over all the facts of your case with a criminal defense lawyer in Torrance today.
Get the Help You Need from a Torrance Conspiracy Lawyer
You can take charge of your future if you are accused of conspiracy in Torrance. The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can begin working on your defense right now. We’re prepared to defend you in both the state and the federal court systems. Get additional information with a FREE case evaluation.
Speak to our conspiracy lawyers in Torrance by filling out our online contact form or by calling.