Conspiracy Defense Attorney Serving Ventura County
Defending Against Ventura County Conspiracy Charges
Conspiracy is not just an abstract idea of people planning to do something bad. California law specifically defines “conspiracy” as a legal term of art. When that conspiracy concerns a criminal act, the conspiracy itself is a separate, chargeable offense. Police and prosecutors often use conspiracy charges to tie groups of suspects and defendants together in order to connect the dots of a criminal enterprise or to intimidate some defendants into helping the prosecution prove their case against other suspects or defendants.
If you are facing investigation for or charges of conspiracy, it is vital to reach out to a knowledgeable Ventura County conspiracy defense attorney as soon as possible. Ventura criminal defense lawyer Paul Tyler has years of experience defending clients against serious criminal charges, including conspiracy. He will help you through the investigation and charging process, work to get charges reduced or dropped, negotiate with prosecutors to secure a plea deal, or fight your case through trial where necessary and appropriate. Criminal defense attorney Paul Tyler fights for you and your rights.
What is a Conspiracy?
Both federal and California state laws criminalize conspiracy. In California, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons with the specific intent to agree to commit a particular crime. In addition to the agreement, to convict a defendant on charges of conspiracy, the prosecution must prove there was an overt act committed for the purpose of accomplishing the object of the agreement.
Conspiracy is often charged along with the committed offense if there are multiple defendants and if the police obtain confessions concerning the conspiracy. Conspiracy can be charged along with an underlying crime or even standalone without separate charges for the underlying offense.
Defending Against Conspiracy Charges
To defend against conspiracy charges, a defendant will typically need to show either that there was no actual agreement to commit a crime or that no one took any actual steps to further the conspiracy. For example, if a group of people plans a bank robbery, but no one actually gets any equipment, obtains any maps, or otherwise makes any moves beyond the abstract discussion of a plan, then likely no “overt act” sufficient to prove a conspiracy occurred.
Liability For Co-Conspirators’ Actions
One of the most dangerous things about conspiracy charges, as well as one of the most unfair in the eyes of many defense lawyers and criminal justice advocates, is that members of a conspiracy can be charged with the acts of other conspirators, so long as those acts were committed in carrying out the common purpose of the conspiracy.
That means that the getaway driver for a burglary can be charged with murder if another conspirator killed someone during the commission of the burglary, even if the driver never agreed to harm anyone, did not know anyone would be harmed, and stayed in the car for the duration of the burglary. For this reason, it is extremely important to secure representation from a knowledgeable and dedicated conspiracy defense lawyer as soon as possible in order to mitigate any possible repercussions of a conspiracy charge.
Years of Dedicated Service to Ventura County Clients
Southern California criminal defense attorney Paul Tyler practices almost exclusively in Ventura County, California. Through his years of experience defending the people of Ventura, he knows all the prosecutors and all of the judges who may handle your case in the County. He is well‑versed in all aspects of fighting conspiracy charges and will thoroughly review all of the evidence in your case to develop the strongest possible defense. Sometimes it is best to fight the case, while other times, it is best to work out a favorable disposition and secure the minimum potential penalties. As your attorney, Mr. Tyler will discuss your options and help you make the decision that is best for you and your family.
Call for Help With Ventura County Conspiracy Charges
If you are facing conspiracy or other criminal charges in Southern California, please call conspiracy defense attorney Paul Tyler at 805-889-9000. He will answer your call personally. You will not be required to go through a secretary, paralegal or associate attorney. As always, the consultation is free.