Federal conspiracy defense lawyer in St. Louis

If you or a loved one is facing federal conspiracy charges, you need superior legal representation to protect your rights and defend your freedom. Conspiracy charges allow federal prosecutors to introduce evidence that might otherwise be dismissed, and these cases can sweep up unsuspecting individuals.

You could be facing harsh penalties for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you have been arrested for conspiracy, you need our accomplished St. Louis conspiracy defense lawyers. A JCS Law federal criminal defense lawyer will fight fiercely to present the strongest defense available for your case.

Why you can trust JCS Law

Our team treats each client with compassion, experience, and integrity. The Sixth Amendment guarantees every individual the right to a fair trial, which includes representation by someone who stands by your side throughout the process.

We pride ourselves on providing each client with outstanding services:

• Diligence
• Persistence
• Experience
• Skill
• Honesty
• Tenacity

The government bears the burden of proof to show beyond a reasonable doubt that you should be convicted. At JCS Law, our St. Louis conspiracy defense lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and maintaining your innocence in the minds of the judge and jury.

What does it takes for a crime to be considered conspiracy?

Conspiracy covers a wide range of offenses, but the simplest definition is planning to commit a crime and acting on that plan. There are five elements that prosecutors must prove:

1. It involved two or more people.
2. There was an intention to commit a crime.
3. All participants agreed to the crime.
4. The crime violated federal law or defrauded the United States.
5. The defendant committed some overt act in furtherance of the crime.

This leaves much room for interpretation and applying this charge to many situations. Prosecutors will frequently invoke a conspiracy charge along with other offenses since it allows them to introduce evidence that might not apply in another type of trial. They can also use it to charge anyone and everyone who has any connection to the crimes.

What and who you’re up against

As mentioned, federal prosecutors will use conspiracy charges to inflict heavy penalties on anyone who is even remotely associated with a crime. The element of agreement does not mean a formal written contract.

For example, suppose one person provides a ride to a friend or acquaintance, during which the friend discusses the crime. The driver could be charged with conspiracy for knowing about the crime and providing transport, which potentially furthered the crime.

Prison sentences for conspiracy, especially involving drugs, can range up to 40 years. If a violent crime is part of the case, you could face life behind bars. The legal system is designed to benefit prosecutors, not defendants. You need St. Louis conspiracy defense lawyers who will not back down against their intimidation tactics. At JCS Law, our St. Louis conspiracy defense lawyers know how they work and what techniques they will use so that we can prepare the most robust defense case possible.

Federal conspiracy charges we fight every day

Each St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer at JCS Law is skilled in defending clients against a number of charges, including conspiracy. Charges that fall under this umbrella offense include:

• Conspiracy to defraud two or more people
• Conspiracy to commit a federal crime or engage in a criminal enterprise
• Conspiracy to defraud the United States
• Drug conspiracy cases
• Drug possession with intent to distribute
• Interstate commerce cases

Drug crimes

A drug conspiracy is an agreement between two or more parties to violate drug laws knowingly. These cases are usually made through confidential informants (CIs), undercover agents, police, or wiretapping. The potential success and strength of your case are in the details.

Attorney John Schleiffarth combs through the evidence and materials with the help of his team, working to find every detail that could help your case. There are many common defenses to a conspiracy allegation that may be used to reduce your penalties or have charges dismissed.

Federal drug laws differ for each offense. It is imperative that we ensure you are not being overcharged or railroaded into a bad deal. Different charges hold different sentencing guidelines, and missing one factor could result in you or your loved one serving more time in a plea than they should. Our St. Louis conspiracy defense lawyers have the experience and knowledge you can count on to fighting federal conspiracy charges.

Defrauding a bank or business

Bank fraud can fall under conspiracy when it meets the five elements. This could be an electronic scheme to embezzle money from financial institutions or multiple people involved in a bank robbery. On top of theft charges, federal prosecutors can introduce conspiracy charges to obtain more severe penalties.

Defrauding a bank or business can also include making false statements or using other tactics to secure money, securities, or property. This could be in the form of overvaluing a property or assets to obtain a loan with no intention of honoring the debt.

Treason

Treason and sedition involve conspiracy to wage war against the United States or give aid and comfort to its enemies. These are among some of the most heinous crimes in the federal register and carry duly harsh penalties. These charges are extremely rare and require substantial evidence.

What should you do if you’ve been charged with a federal conspiracy charge in St. Louis?

Conspiracy is a wide-ranging offense but in some instances, can be challenging to prove. If you have been arrested for this crime in Missouri, you must immediately contact a reputable St. Louis federal conspiracy defense lawyer. At JCS Law, our St. Louis conspiracy defense lawyers will meet with you anywhere you need us to discuss your case and advise you on your options.

Your best action is to comply with law enforcement requests but do not answer any questions about the charges. Allow your lawyer to speak on your behalf and protect your rights. We can listen to your story and prepare a targeted defense strategy to push back against overblown and false charges.

Above all, avoid contact with anyone who may have been involved in a crime. You should also limit discussion about your case to your professional legal team. Conversations with family or friends may be used against you, and your social media presence will be thoroughly examined by federal prosecutors for any evidence.

How our St. Louis conspiracy defense lawyers can help?

Conspiracy cases require active participation by the alleged defendant. The government must prove that the elements of the alleged offense were met beyond a reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury. Investigators are increasingly aggressive in these cases, and JCS Law holds them accountable by ensuring none of your rights have been violated along the way.

It is not uncommon for property, cash, or assets to be seized through civil forfeiture. This can be frustrating and stressful, but our experienced St. Louis conspiracy defense lawyers can assist you in determining your options to contest the forfeiture if possible.

What are possible defenses to a federal conspiracy charge?

While conspiracy can be used to unfairly gather in individuals who were only marginally attached to a crime, the fact that it has five elements to prove can work in your favor.

No intention of committing a crime

Your St. Louis conspiracy defense lawyers can present evidence that you were not part of the conversations or agreements, that you did not act to further the crime, and did not intend to commit a crime. Proving intent is notoriously difficult, and we have many years of experience in rebutting prosecutor’s claims about a client’s state of mind. We can also look for information or testimony that indicates you had no knowledge of the conspiracy or that you voluntarily withdrew from it.

Improper police procedures and violations of your rights

We will file appropriate pre-trial motions to address issues such as improper police procedures, illegally obtained evidence, and violations of your Constitutional rights.

In all instances, you must be completely honest with your federal conspiracy defense attorney. Although we will review the government’s evidence prior to the trial, the longer we have to prepare for your case, the better your defense will be. Only when we know all the details can we provide solid advice so you can make the wisest decision.

What is the cost of hiring a St. Louis conspiracy defense lawyer?

The truth is that a cheap defense is not good, and a good defense is not cheap. Federal conspiracy charges, particularly involving drugs, are very difficult to beat if the evidence is strong. Even if you are innocent and were not involved, prosecutors want to convict as many people as they can to boost their records.

All the preparation, research, investigation, and negotiation that goes into a federal conspiracy defense takes thousands of hours by skilled attorneys and staff members. We are devoted to presenting the most vigorous case we can, which is an investment in your freedom and your future against wrongful prosecution.

When you meet with us for your free initial consultation, we can often provide an approximate idea of your fees before you decide. We give you our best recommendations so you can make an informed choice.

Charged with a federal conspiracy crime? Don’t wait – Call JCS Law today

If you or a loved one is facing a charge for federal drug conspiracy or another conspiracy-related charge in Federal Court, you need a bold and aggressive law firm that provides trustworthy St. Louis conspiracy defense lawyers. In St. Louis, that firm is JCS Law. Contact us online or call (314) 561-9690 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.