What Does It Mean to Be Charged With Felony Conspiracy?

In school, many teachers assign group projects for students to learn how to work together. This is often done to prepare them for the workforce, as many jobs rely on teamwork and cooperation for success. However, in a criminal context, working together with another person to commit a crime is a crime in and of itself. Known as conspiracy, this can carry intense penalties for those convicted, especially when it’s charged as a felony offense. If you have been accused of conspiring with someone to commit a crime, understanding your legal rights is critical. The following blog explores the importance of connecting with an Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer to help you explore potential defenses for this charge.

What Is a Conspiracy Charge?

Conspiracy is a crime that occurs when two people agree to commit a criminal offense and take a step to commit said crime. While individuals are often at the center of conspiracy charges, corporations or groups can work with other entities to commit conspiracy.

You must know that the crime does not need to occur for you to face charges. So long as the prosecution can show that you were in agreement with another person to commit a crime and took actionable steps to commit that crime, you can face this charge.

It’s also important to understand that this does not have to be a formal agreement. Generally, as long as there is some form of understanding between the parties of the crime they will commit and the steps necessary to do so, it can warrant a conspiracy charge.

What Penalties Can Someone Face if Convicted?

If you are accused of conspiring with another person or group of people to commit a felony crime, it’s important to understand that this is a felony offense under Oklahoma law. As such, you will be charged with felony conspiracy, which carries up to ten years in prison and a potential fine of up to $5,000.

However, if you do commit the crime and are caught and charged for that offense, you will face the penalties for that crime on top of a conspiracy charge. As such, the penalties you can face are incredibly intense, especially for felony offenses.

What Should I Do if I’m Accused of Conspiracy?

If you are accused of committing a conspiracy offense, it is critical to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Even if you did not commit the crime, this can still result in a felony charge, so it’s in your best interest to obtain legal guidance as soon as possible.

Your attorney can work with you to explore all potential defenses for these charges. For example, you may find that you can prove that there was no intent to commit the crime, you withdrew your involvement from the group, or you were coerced into participating in planning the criminal act.

Regardless, working with an attorney can help you the best possible chance at receiving a favorable outcome for your circumstances. At the Jones Firm, PLLC, we understand that facing a felony charge can be incredibly intimidating. That’s why we are committed to exploring all potential avenues to help you fight for the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances. Connect with our team today to learn how we can help you through these challenging times.