A criminal conspiracy arises when two or more people agree to commit a crime and take any significant step toward executing the plan. The crime in question does not need to have occurred. Instead, it is the intent and actions taken toward committing the crime that counts in a criminal conspiracy charge.
The underlying crime, or the target offense, is key in conspiracy cases. This is because the nature of the intended criminal activity influences the severity of the conspiracy charge and the potential consequences if you are found guilty.
The law in Georgia
You can be charged with criminal conspiracy to commit a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the underlying offense. If the target offense is a misdemeanor, the punishment would be similar to that of a regular misdemeanor. However, the stakes are higher for serious crimes.
For example, suppose you are found guilty of criminal conspiracy to commit a felony in Georgia. In that case, you can face imprisonment for at least one year but not more than half the maximum sentence for the intended crime. You could also be fined up to half the maximum fine associated with the intended crime or face both consequences.
For criminal conspiracy that involves a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment, Georgia law prescribes an imprisonment term of between one and ten years upon conviction.
Seek informed guidance to protect your interests
Every criminal case is unique and can be influenced by various factors, such as the presence of mitigating or aggravating factors and your criminal record. As such, it’s best to reach out for qualified legal assistance for a tailored defense strategy that will increase the chances of a favorable verdict and safeguard your rights.