New York City Conspiracy Defense Lawyer
The conspiracy statute has been described by Judge Learned Hand as “that darling of the modern prosecutor’s nursery.” The law allows federal prosecutors to prosecute two or more individuals who have agreed to commit a crime or defraud the government. Prosecutors like the charge because it is usually easier to convict defendants for conspiracy than for other federal crimes.
If you or a member of your family has been charged with conspiracy, it is important to speak to a federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Call Attorney Craig Trainor at The Trainor Law Firm, P.C., in Manhattan at 212-300-6557 or contact us online.
The Clock Is Ticking
Conspiracy, by definition, involves other people. Other people tend to look out for themselves when facing criminal charges. Federal prosecutors may offer a deal to the first person who agrees to talk with them. If you want to be that person — the person with more options — be the first person to retain a conspiracy lawyer who puts your best interests first.
What Is Conspiracy?
Federal law states 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.”
This means that if you and a friend talk about a criminal act and at least one of you takes some initial steps to explore or further that idea, you can both be charged with conspiracy. Let’s say you and your friend talk about starting a fire in your neighbor’s garage: arson. Then your friend buys two containers of gasoline and gives you one. Even if neither of you pursue the plan, you can both be charged with conspiracy.
Conspiracy, like mail fraud and wire fraud, is often added to other charges, such as Federal weapons charges or Federal drug offenses.
Aggressive Defense of Conspiracy Charges
Our legal team will work to get the charges against you reduced or dropped and the case dismissed. We will explore all possible defenses to the conspiracy charges, including:
- You were just an observer in the wrong place at the wrong time.
- You did not know the planned action was illegal.
- You withdrew from the conspiracy.
- You withdraw before the other(s) committed the crime.
We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome in your case. For example, your case may involve both state and federal charges. Because we practice in both court systems, we understand how pleading guilty to a state crime may affect your options in federal court.
We will not waive your right to a probable cause hearing or a detention hearing. These are opportunities to gather insight into the prosecution’s case that we may later be able to use against them. A former clerk to a federal judge, Craig Trainor is well versed in federal court procedure and how to use it to protect his clients.
You Are in Charge of Your Case
Attorney Craig Trainor will explain each and every step of your case and discuss your legal options. Based on his legal knowledge and years of experience, he will advise you of the option he recommends. You will, however, remain in charge of your case. You will decide whether to take a plea or go to trial.
To learn more about how we can help, please call attorney Craig Trainor today at 212-300-6557 or contact us online for a free consultation. We represent clients facing conspiracy charges in Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, and Westchester County.