Facing conspiracy charges in West Chester, Pennsylvania, can be intimidating. These charges not only carry severe penalties, but the intricacies of developing a defense and establishing innocence require extensive legal knowledge.
This is where the expertise of a criminal defense lawyer becomes crucial. With more than a decade of experience handling criminal matters, our West Chester conspiracy attorney understands the intricate details of such cases, including what constitutes conspiracy, how intent plays a pivotal role, and the various defenses that exist.
If you need help after a conspiracy charge in West Chester, PA, we’re here to help. Contact DiCindio Law, LLC, to schedule a free consultation at (610) 430-3535.
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How DiCindio Law, LLC Can Help if You’re Arrested for Conspiracy in West Chester
Dealing with conspiracy charges in West Chester can prove complicated, but having a lawyer guiding you through the process can significantly alleviate stress and improve case outcomes.
Here’s how our experienced West Chester criminal defense lawyer can help you:
Initial Consultation
We provide an initial consultation where we have discussions about your case and what happened. Here, we will listen to your side of the story and answer any questions you have.
Investigation and Legal Analysis
Employing our vast knowledge of the criminal justice system, we will gather evidence and analyze all angles of your case. We will speak with witnesses, search for video footage, and review all of the prosecutor’s evidence.
Bail Hearing
If you are detained pending trial, we will represent you at a bail hearing and advocate for your release. We will try to have your bail reduced and ensure that your bail conditions are the least restrictive possible.
Negotiations
Skilled in negotiation tactics, we often manage to get charges reduced or penalties lessened by negotiating with prosecutors. In some cases, a plea deal is a better idea than taking your chances at trial.
Courtroom Representation
Perhaps the most crucial role your attorney plays is representing you in court. With expert command of the law and courtroom procedures, we skillfully defend you and try to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case against you.
Having a skilled lawyer by your side is essential when it comes to conspiracy charges. From understanding the complexities of the legal system to protecting your rights, our expertise is invaluable. Contact DiCindio Law, LLC, to schedule a free consultation with our trusted West Chester conspiracy lawyer.
Overview of Conspiracy Charges in Pennsylvania
The foundation of a conspiracy starts with intent. There must be an underlying desire and objective amongst two or more individuals to actively promote or engage in criminal activities.
There must be a mutual understanding between the involved parties that they will collectively execute a crime. It’s crucial here that all parties are aware of and have mutually agreed upon the unlawful act.
Conspiracy charges also hinge on action taken towards actualizing the planned crime. As long as any member of the agreed party performs an act that helps facilitate or pushes forward this collective unlawful objective – regardless if such action itself is criminal or not – conspiracy is established. This is known as an overt act.
Examples of an Overt Act
The following are a couple of examples of an overt action that furthers a conspiracy:
Staking Out a Bank
An act such as staking out a bank to identify security loopholes or determine the best times for a bank robbery isn’t automatically a crime per se. However, when performed in furtherance of a criminal action, it becomes part of the conspiracy and helps cement a conviction.
Arranging Getaway Vehicle
Arranging for transportation before executing an unlawful act like bank robbery could constitute an overt act. However, as with the staking out a bank example, the facts of the case will dictate whether this qualifies under the law.
Each action taken that contributes to another illegal act can help prove conspiracy, regardless of how insignificant it may seem on its own.
What Are the Penalties for Conspiracy in West Chester, Pennsylvania?
When you find yourself charged with conspiracy, it’s important to understand the gravity of the offense and the potential consequences. A conviction for conspiracy carries the same penalty as the underlying charge.
For example, if you are convicted of conspiracy of a violent crime – like robbery – which is a felony in Pennsylvania, you will face the same charge as if you were convicted of robbery. Depending on the circumstances, robbery can be a felony of the 1st degree or 3rd degree and could carry up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
The same holds true if the crime you conspire to commit is a misdemeanor; in that case, you will face penalties of up to 5 years and a fine of up to $10,000 – depending on what degree of misdemeanor you are charged with.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Conspiracy in West Chester?
When facing charges of conspiracy, understanding potential defenses available to you becomes essential. Some of the most common legal defenses include the following:
Lack of Intent
Conspiracy is a specific intent crime, meaning there must be an intent to commit a particular crime. It’s not enough that you and another party were together discussing the act of committing a crime in general. While this can be somewhat subtle, it makes a big difference in whether you can be convicted of conspiracy.
Renunciation
Renunciation refers to a complete and voluntary abandonment of the intended criminal enterprise by actively preventing its accomplishment and completely withdrawing from involvement. For this defense to be successful, you must have prevented the crime from occurring.
Entrapment
Entrapment as a defense against criminal conspiracy charges relies heavily on your attorney effectively showing that you were not inclined towards committing the alleged crime and only did so because law enforcement officials pushed you to do it.
For example, a person initially refused to engage with undercover agents’ temptations to engage in a particular crime. Undercover agents continue their attempts at persuasion until, eventually, under pressure or manipulation, the defendant succumbs and commits a crime.
Mere Presence or Knowledge of Criminal Activity
Another common defense is the mere presence or knowledge of a crime without participation. Just being in the vicinity of, or having knowledge about, criminal activity does not automatically make you part of that illegal enterprise unless there’s tangible evidence proving your involvement in planning and execution.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our West Chester Conspiracy Attorney
Understanding the specifics of conspiracy charges and their defenses is fundamental when faced with such accusations in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Managing these allegations can be difficult without expert assistance, but fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone.
For help with your charges, contact DiCindio Law, LLC, to schedule a free consultation with our West Chester conspiracy attorney.