Were you arrested for criminal conspiracy in Lexington, KY? This offense could be pursued on both the federal and state levels; a conviction can result in significant jail time, among other serious consequences.
It’s crucial that you act promptly in forming your defense if you’re up against these charges. The Lexington criminal conspiracy attorneys with Suhre & Associates, LLC, have 100 years of combined experience practicing law. Members of our legal team are former prosecutors and police officers, giving us the background and expertise necessary to help you in an effective manner.
Call our law office in Lexington today at (859) 569-4014 to speak with our criminal defense team or contact us online to discuss your legal options. We offer a free initial consultation to go over your case.
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How Suhre & Associates, LLC, Can Help If You’ve Been Charged With Criminal Conspiracy in Lexington
The prosecution has discretion in how to pursue criminal conspiracy charges. That means that if you defend yourself against them or are represented by an ill-equipped lawyer, the other side may be able to take advantage of you and seek a harsher penalty than what is fair. Or, worse yet, an unfounded conviction.
Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty and that every element of your charges must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. In order to effectively fight back against such a severe criminal offense, it is important that you are represented by an experienced Lexington criminal defense attorney.
The award-winning lawyers with Suhre & Associates, LLC, can help you every step of the way. To that end, we can:
- Investigate the charges and prosecution’s case and evidence against you
- Evaluate your best course of action and determine which defenses are suited to your case’s facts and circumstances
- Protect your constitutional and statutory rights throughout the entire process
- Negotiate to have your charges dismissed or reduced, if possible
- Defend you at trial if the circumstances call for it
Contact our criminal defense law firm today in Lexington, Kentucky, to begin forming an attorney-client relationship or for further information.
An Overview of Criminal Conspiracy Law
Briefly stated, conspiracy is an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime. As noted above, conspiracy can be charged on either the state or federal level, depending on the nature of the alleged offense.
The primary law that governs criminal conspiracy in Lexington is Kentucky Revised Statute Section 506.640. Under this law, the prosecution must prove the following:
- The accused had the intention of promoting or facilitating the commission of a crime; AND
- There was an agreement between the accused and at least one other person that at least one of them would engage in conduct constituting that crime, or an attempt or solicitation to commit the crime; OR
- The accused agreed to aid one or more people in the commission of the crime or an attempt or solicitation to commit the crime
The prosecution must prove each of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt in order to convict. Conspiracy is what is referred to as a “wobbler” offense, which means that it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
In most cases, the exact charge will depend on the nature of the underlying crime that the alleged conspiracy was in service of. If the underlying crime is itself a felony, in the majority of (but not all) cases, the conspiracy charge will also be a felony. If the underlying crime is instead a misdemeanor, the conspiracy charge will generally be a misdemeanor as well.
On the federal level, 18 U.S. Code § 371 is the primary law that applies to criminal conspiracy. This law may apply if the conspiracy involves the United States government. In some cases, both sets of charges – those on the state level as well as the federal level – may be pursued at the same time. The facts and circumstances of the case will, in large part, dictate the charges that are pursued.
What Are the Penalties of a Conspiracy Conviction in Lexington, KY?
There are many factors that determine the penalties of a criminal conspiracy conviction in Lexington. Among these are whether the accused has a prior criminal history as well as whether any aggravating circumstances are present.
On the state level, a misdemeanor conspiracy conviction can result in no more than one year in jail, as well as potential fines. There are four classes of felony convictions, and the classification depends on the severity of the underlying offense. The potential penalties break down as follows:
- Class A Felony: 20 years to life imprisonment
- Class B Felony: 10 to 20 years imprisonment
- Class C Felony: 5 to 10 years imprisonment
- Class D Felony: up to 5 years imprisonment
Regarding the federal level, a conviction under 18 U.S. Code § 371 can result in up to 5 years of imprisonment and fines. For any of the above felony charges, there may be other penalties as well, such as fines as well as probation.
Collateral Consequences of a Conspiracy Conviction
In addition to the penalties listed above, there may be other consequences of a criminal conspiracy conviction. These may include things like:
- A criminal record, which can make it more difficult to obtain housing or employment
- Loss of certain rights, such as gun possession
- Immigration issues, if applicable
- Decreased personal and professional reputations
- Loss of professional licenses
Because these potential penalties and consequences vary substantially, it is important to have a strong advocate on your side who can protect your interests and assert your rights. Contact Suhre & Associates, LLC, today to speak with a trusted Lexington criminal defense lawyer.
Possible Defenses Against Conspiracy Charges in Kentucky
There are a significant number of potential defenses against criminal conspiracy charges. The exact defenses we will be able to utilize in your case will depend on the nature of your case, but possibilities include:
- Your constitutional rights were violated, for example, during an illegal search and seizure
- Some or all of the prosecution’s evidence against you is impermissible
- You did not, in fact, make an agreement with another person
- The prosecution has failed to prove every element of your charges to a sufficient degree
- You have an alibi for the alleged conspiracy, or it was a case of mistaken identity
It can take time to form an effective defense against conspiracy charges in Lexington, KY. Contact us as soon as you can to discuss your case and your options going forward.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Lexington Criminal Conspiracy Lawyer
Conspiracy is a serious charge that can impact you for the rest of your life. However, there may still be time to fight back against the prosecution and secure a favorable outcome.
Reach out to Suhre & Associates, LLC, today to speak with an experienced Lexington criminal conspiracy lawyer about your case. Our attorneys have over a century of combined experience and have helped our clients overcome some of the most serious criminal charges in that time.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to go over your situation. You can reach us by phone at 859-407-7846 to get started.
Visit our Law Office
Suhre & Associates, LLC
333 West Vine Street #212
Lexington, KY 40507
United States
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