Persons charged with committing conspiracy in Los Angeles may face very serious charges, even if they did not take part in the underlying crime. Or an acquaintance may accuse you or a loved one of being part of a conspiracy.
The accuser may do that because they are facing conspiracy charges and is trying to cut a deal with the prosecutor. In either scenario, experienced Los Angeles conspiracy attorneys can dig into the facts of the particular case and create your defense. They will also protect your rights.
California Penal Code §182 PC defines the crime of conspiracy. According to that statute, conspiracy occurs when a person agrees with one or more people to commit a crime. In addition, one person of that group then takes an overt act in furtherance of the agreement.
There are several elements to the crime of conspiracy that experienced Los Angeles conspiracy attorneys know the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt-but could pose stumbling blocks to a successful prosecution:
If the underlying crime the conspirators are planning is a felony, conviction of conspiring to commit that felony carries with it the same penalties as the underlying crime. Therefore, if the jury convicts a person of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder (Penal Code §187 PC), the penalty is 25 years to life in state prison.
If the defendant was involved with a conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, the crime becomes a “wobbler.” A wobbler in California is a crime that the prosecutor charges as a felony or a misdemeanor at their discretion.
Whether they will charge a felony or misdemeanor will depend on the seriousness of the underlying crime and the extent of the defendant’s participation in the conspiracy. Additionally, they will review the defendant’s criminal history, if any.
A conviction of conspiracy can be expunged once the defendant has completed their jail term and/or term of probation.
Conviction of conspiracy can have a [negative impact on a person’s immigration status]. A conspiracy conviction could result in deportation or a person being declared “inadmissible.”
There are several defenses experienced Los Angeles conspiracy attorneys can raise defending against conspiracy charges:
Persons facing charges of conspiracy charges may get sentenced to years in state prison if convicted. They need knowledgeable Los Angeles conspiracy attorneys to investigate the charges, poke holes in the prosecutor’s case and protect their constitutional rights.
Daniel Perlman and Matthew Cohen are experienced Los Angeles criminal lawyers at Perlman & Cohen. They have represented numerous persons in Los Angeles courtrooms facing conspiracy and other felony charges. Perlman & Cohen will stand by anyone facing conspiracy charges.
We will negotiate a plea to lesser charges if appropriate. Otherwise, we will prepare the case for trial and make prosecutors prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Call us at (310) 557-1700 to set up a free consultation.