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Federal Conspiracy Laws

Under federal criminal law, there are three general forms of conspiracy. This conspiracy statutes are not exclusive. There are other conspiracy offenses and other statutes.

The general conspiracy statute is set forth in 18 USC section 371. In relevant part, it provides that "if two or more persons conspire either to commit any offense against the United States, or to defraud the United States, or any agency thereof in any manner or for any purpose, and one or more of such persons do any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, each shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both."

Other conspiracy statutes in this chapter of the federal criminal code are 18 USC section 372 which prohibits conspiracies to impede or injure a person from holding an official office, or trust, or place of confidence, in the United States, and under 18 USC 373, which prohibits two or more persons to conspire to solicit the commission of a crime of violence.

The gravamen of a conspiracy offense is the agreement itself between two persons, and proof of the agreement is key to the government's case. Not every licensed attorney has the experience to provide a person charged with conspiracy the best defense possible. A successful defense to a conspiracy charge in Virginia should begin with the retention of a federal criminal defense lawyer with experience in the investigation, prosecution, and defense of federal conspiracy cases.

If you need more information, or want to schedule a free consultation with a Virginia federal criminal defense lawyer about your case, or a charge involving a loved one, complete and send the "contact us" form on this page, or call 804-726-4778.

Mr. Stelly regularly appears in the courts of the City of Richmond, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Goochland County, and Hanover County.

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