The term “conspiracy” is used a lot when discussing criminal charges in Virginia. It is often used alongside drug, assault, robbery, and other charges. Conspiracy is defined as two or more individuals agreeing with each other to carry out a crime. Those individuals must take steps towards committing that crime and prosecutors must prove that each individual both knew of, and intended on committing, the crime. The unique thing about conspiracy charges is that Virginia residents can be charged with such offenses even if the criminal activity intended is not fully carried out. Conspiracy charges in Virginia can carry stiff punishment, including prolonged time behind bars. With so much at stake, it is important that those facing such charges contact a criminal defense lawyer who understands conspiracy crimes in Virginia. They will work with clients to form a strong defense against what many consider to be a very subjective area of Virginia law.

Conspiracy to commit a felony

Section 18.2-22 of the Virginia criminal code outlines the laws surrounding conspiracy to commit a felony. The section states that any individuals that conspire to commit a felony either inside or outside the Commonwealth could be found guilty on conspiracy charges. If the crime that the individuals conspired to commit is punishable by death, those individuals face a Class 3 felony conspiracy charge. If the crime that the individuals conspired to commit is a noncapital felony, the charge is knocked down to a Class 5 felony.

If the crime that individuals are conspiring to commit is punishable by less than five years in state prison, then the conspiracy charge carries with it a punishment of up to one year in prison, or in the court’s discretion up to twelve months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. A Virginia conspiracy lawyer can help eliminate conspiracy charges or work for a reduced sentence.

Committing, conspiring and aiding and abetting acts of terrorism

Section 18.2-46.5 of the Code of Virginia states that any individual that conspires to commit an act of terrorism is illegal and punishable under subsequent sentencing guidelines. This is also true for individuals that are successful in committing the crime or those that aid and abet acts of terrorism. Such offenses can result in a Class 2 or Class 3 felony, which are both punishable by up to life in prison.

A Virginia conspiracy lawyer will explain that aiding and abetting are separate charges that are often mistaken for conspiracy. While they are similar, conspiracy charges require an extra element of evidence that proves an individual or individuals were in agreement to commit a crime rather than to just aid or abet a crime.

Conspiring to trespass or commit larceny

Individuals that conspire with each other to enter, or stay on, the premises owned by another person when they are not legally permitted to do so face a Class 3 misdemeanor under §18.2-23 of the Code of Virginia.

The same section outlines conspiracy laws as they pertain to larceny. If individuals conspire, assist, aid or abet in the act of a larceny of goods or merchandise valued at more than $200, they face a felony charge, which is punishable by one to 20 years in state prison. The jurisdiction for such cases is determined by where the plans for the crime were hatched or the city and county in which they were actually executed. A knowledgeable Virginia conspiracy lawyer will be able to clearly explain these legal nuisances to clients.

According to the Virginia Uniform Crime Reporting Program, there were 144,491 instances of larceny in 2011, equating to 1,784.59 per 100,000 population. This is easily the most prevalent crime in the state. Of the larceny offenses, 28,013 were shoplifting arrests and 28,013 were for shoplifting. The most common form of larceny in 2011 was attributed to theft from motor vehicles, with 32,940 instances.

Conspiracy to commit crimes involving fraud2

Conspiracy charges often accompany various forms of fraud. Certain types of fraud may include a significant number of individuals. In 2011, Virginia saw 26,040 instances of fraud resulting in arrest This included 7,074 counterfeiting/forgery arrests and 2,838 embezzlement arrests.

Anyone tied in with this activity could be charged with conspiracy. It is a Virginia conspiracy lawyer’s job to defend those that may be swept up in such allegations. The following are just a few of the many forms of fraud that can involve conspiracy.

Credit card fraud

Under Section 18.2-195 of the Code of Virginia individuals that conspire or combine with another person in order to commit credit card fraud are deemed guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Credit card fraud is defined in that section as fraudulently using a credit card, or credit card number in order to obtain money, goods, services or anything else of value. This crime is often perpetrated without the consent of the cardholder. In other instances, the cardholder uses a card when he or she knows that the credit card number is expired or revoked.

Pyramid schemes

Pyramid schemes are defined in §18.2-239 of the Virginia Code These schemes, which generally involve numerous individuals, generate money mostly from the introduction of new people rather than from the goods or services that they deal with. In addition to the criminal penalties, those involved with pyramid scheme also face potential civil liability, including violating of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.

Under that section, anyone who helps prepare or set up such an operation —in other words, anyone involved in the conspiracy— is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Fraudulent use of birth certificates

Under Section18.2-204.1 of the Virginia Code, any individuals that possess or obtain a fake birth certificate for the purpose of establishing a new identity faces a Class 1 misdemeanor. Those on the production end — the individuals that manufacture, sell or transfer such documents — face a Class 6 felony.

In all cases, a conspiracy lawyer in Virginia must be emphatic that prosecutors have substantial evidence that individuals caught up in these conspiracy charges did so knowingly and willingly.

Locations

A NoVa conspiracy lawyer is readily available through our firm. Conspiracy charges require knowledge and expertise to fight and our lawyers will do everything they can to emerge with a favorable outcome.

Alexandria

An independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Alexandria is home to 144,301 residents. The city is not immune from common crimes. Residents facing conspiracy charges would do themselves a favor by consulting a conspiracy lawyer for guidance.

Arlington

Arlington County, Virginia, saw 496 reported cases of larceny in 2011. One or more individuals likely conspired with one another to execute some of these crimes, leaving them in need of solid defense against the conspiracy charges that may accompany the larceny charges.

Brunswick

Founded in 1720, Brunswick County, Virginia is serious about crime. Residents facing criminal charges, including conspiracy, can fend off such charges or receive a reduced sentence when seeking the aid of a credibly criminal defense attorney.

Fairfax

Fairfax is located in a county after its own namesake. Here, crime is heavy, including 518 drug arrests, 569 larceny and 337 simple assault/intimidating offenses in 2011. When police arrest those they think contributed to the planning of such crimes, defendants need to vigorously fight the claims.

Fauquier

Despite a modest population of around 65,203, crime is still prevalent in Fauquier County, which saw 523 drug offenses during 2011. Law enforcement often breaks up drug rings and operations, levying out conspiracy charges to those connected. Defendants must be prepared to fight those allegations.

Hanover County

In 2011, Hanover County saw 96 instances of fraud. That is not an unusually high number, which shows how prevalent fraud is both in Virginia and throughout the country. The authorities often trace the path of elaborate fraud schemes and hold everyone involved accountable. Even if a Hanover County resident did not contribute to fraud, they still might find themselves in a courtroom defending themselves.

Loudoun County

One of our Virginia conspiracy lawyers is available to consult with any of the 312,311 residents of Loudoun County, Virginia. A qualified attorney’s knowledge can be the difference between a ‘guilty’ and ‘not-guilty’ verdict.

Prince William County

Crime is bound to breakout in a county with 402,002 residents. There is no wonder the county saw 11,902 general offenses in 2011 alone. However, not everyone arrested and tried for a crime is guilty.

Richmond

Richmond, Virginia is not included in any county — it stands as its own independent city. The city’s law enforcement has had to fight against an estimated 1,963 per 100,000 population larceny rate, among other crimes. Those that plan out their crimes with another individual can be susceptible to conspiracy charges, which are best handled by a qualified conspiracy lawyer.

Spotsylvania County

Drug offenses are the most prevalent of crimes in Spotsylvania County. Even if an individual is not the one directly buying or selling drugs, they could still be implicated with the crimes via conspiracy charges. They must be ready to defend themselves in such cases.

Tidewater

Those facing conspiracy charges in the Tidewater region need a solid Virginia conspiracy lawyer to adequately explain their charges while fighting them in the process.

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