Los Angeles Federal Conspiracy Attorney

Were you charged with federal conspiracy in Los Angeles, California? Contact Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers for a consultation at (747) 373-0477. Our experienced Los Angeles federal conspiracy lawyers know how these cases work and will do everything in our power to defend you against the charges. 

Our federal criminal defense law firm has more than 25 years of experience and has helped clients across the country successfully fight all types of federal charges. We're confident that we can protect your rights throughout the process and will represent you all the way through trial if necessary. 

Get in touch today to learn more about your best course of action; we can advise you on what to do next during your initial consultation. 

Why Choose Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers if I'm Facing Conspiracy Charges in Los Angeles, California?

Federal conspiracy cases are some of the most aggressive prosecutions the government brings. By the time you learn you're a target, the government may already have a mountain of evidence lined up against you. These circumstances practically demand that you hire a Los Angeles federal criminal defense lawyer like Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers as soon as possible. 

Some of the reasons to consider hiring our legal team for your case in Los Angeles, CA, include:

• Our founding attorney, Daniel Perlman, is a former prosecutor who knows firsthand how the government builds conspiracy cases and where those cases fall apart
• We are a boutique firm that takes on a select number of cases, so every client gets dedicated, hands-on attention from start to finish
• Mr. Perlman has handled thousands of criminal cases in federal courts across all 50 states, not just here in Los Angeles
• Our firm has earned recognition from organizations like Avvo, The National Trial Lawyers, and more
• We are available around the clock, and Mr. Perlman makes himself directly accessible to every client by phone

Contact our Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorneys today to get started with a free case review. We're confident we can help you present an effective response to what you’re up against. 

A Brief Overview of Federal Conspiracy Law

Federal conspiracy is one of the most commonly charged offenses in the federal court system. Prosecutors use it frequently because the charge is broad and allows them to sweep multiple people into a single case.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 371, a person commits conspiracy when two or more people agree to commit a federal crime or to defraud the United States, and at least one of them takes some action to move the plan forward. That action is called an "overt act," and it does not need to be illegal on its own. Something as simple as making a phone call or purchasing supplies can be enough.

To convict you, the prosecution must prove three things beyond a reasonable doubt:

• An agreement existed between you and at least one other person to commit a federal offense or defraud the United States
• You knowingly and willingly joined that agreement
• At least one member of the conspiracy committed an overt act in furtherance of the plan

One of the most important things to understand about conspiracy charges is that the underlying crime does not need to actually happen. The agreement itself is the offense. That means you can be charged with conspiracy even if the planned crime was never carried out.

Types of Federal Conspiracy Charges

Not all conspiracy charges fall under the same statute. Several federal laws address conspiracy tied to specific types of criminal conduct, and each one carries its own set of penalties.

Some of the most common federal charges under the umbrella of conspiracy that our attorneys handle include:

• General conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 371, which covers agreements to commit any federal offense or defraud the government
• Drug conspiracy under 21 U.S.C. § 846, which applies to agreements to manufacture, distribute, or import controlled substances
• RICO conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d), which targets organized criminal enterprises and racketeering activity
• Conspiracy to commit money laundering under 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h), which applies when people agree to conceal or move illegally obtained funds
• Conspiracy to commit fraud, including wire fraud and mail fraud conspiracies

Each of these statutes has different elements and different sentencing ranges. Drug conspiracy charges, for example, carry the same penalties as the underlying drug offense itself, which can mean mandatory minimum prison sentences. 

What Are the Potential Penalties for a Federal Conspiracy Conviction in Los Angeles?

The penalties for federal conspiracy depend on which statute you are charged under and what the underlying offense is. Sentences in federal court tend to be much harsher than what you would see at the state level, and judges have less room to be lenient because of federal sentencing guidelines.

Under the general conspiracy statute, 18 U.S.C. § 371, a conviction can result in:

• Up to five years in federal prison
• Fines as determined by the court
• A period of supervised release following your sentence

When the conspiracy involves a specific offense with its own conspiracy statute, the penalties are often far steeper:

• Drug conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 846): Carries the same penalties as the underlying drug crime, which can include mandatory minimum sentences of 5, 10, or even 20 years depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved
• RICO conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)): Up to 20 years in federal prison per count
• Money laundering conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)): Up to 20 years in federal prison

If the underlying offense is only a misdemeanor, the conspiracy charge cannot carry a penalty greater than what that misdemeanor allows. In practice, though, most federal conspiracy cases involve felony-level conduct.

Collateral Consequences of a Federal Conspiracy Conviction

A federal conspiracy conviction creates problems that extend well beyond prison time and fines. Some of the most prominent collateral consequences in these cases include:

• A permanent felony on your criminal record that shows up on every background check
• Loss of the right to own firearms under federal law
• Difficulty finding employment or housing after your release
• Potential loss of professional licenses
• Immigration consequences for non-U.S. citizens, up to and including deportation
• Damage to your reputation that can affect your personal relationships for years

The stakes in a federal conspiracy case are extremely high with these extra impacts in mind. Contact our Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorneys today for a free consultation so that we can start working on your strategy.

What Defenses Can I Raise Against Federal Conspiracy Charges in Los Angeles?

At the start of your case, we will review the government's evidence and investigate the circumstances to determine the strongest available defense. Some of the most common approaches in federal conspiracy cases include:

• No agreement: The prosecution must prove that a real agreement existed. If the evidence only shows casual conversations or loose associations, that may not be enough to establish a conspiracy.
• No knowing participation: You must have knowingly and willingly joined the conspiracy. If you were unaware of the illegal purpose behind the agreement, that can be a strong defense.
• Lack of an overt act: For conspiracy charges brought under 18 U.S.C. § 371, the government generally must prove that at least one conspirator committed an overt act in furtherance of the alleged agreement. If it cannot do so, the charge may not stand.
• Insufficient evidence: The government must prove every element of the conspiracy charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If prosecutors cannot establish that you knowingly joined an unlawful agreement or otherwise fail to meet their burden of proof, the charges may not stand.
• Constitutional violations: If law enforcement obtained evidence through illegal searches, wiretaps conducted without proper authorization, or other violations of your rights, we can file motions to have that evidence thrown out.

Other defenses may apply depending on the specific facts of your case. Our federal conspiracy attorneys will explore every option available to you and will work to have your charges dropped if possible. However, note that no outcome can be guaranteed in advance.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Los Angeles Federal Conspiracy Attorneys

If the federal government is building a conspiracy case against you in Los Angeles, CA, every day that passes without legal representation is a day the prosecution gets further ahead. These cases move fast once charges are filed, and the decisions you make early on can shape the outcome of your entire case. Our law firm was built to handle exactly this kind of federal litigation. 

With more than 25 years of experience and a track record of results in federal courts across the country, Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers has the skill and resources to take on your case and fight for your future. Call us today or reach out online to set up an initial consultation with a Los Angeles federal conspiracy attorney.