According to South Carolina Code § 16-17-410, it is illegal for two or more parties to agree to commit an unlawful act. This is considered conspiracy. In South Carolina, conspiracy charges are taken seriously and often have major consequences for your life upon conviction. If you are facing conspiracy charges, seeking experienced legal defense may be critical to protecting your future. A Columbia conspiracy lawyer could provide information about the next steps to take in defending yourself.
Conspiracy crimes take many forms. Some conspiracies are considered white-collar crime, which may include health care, wire, or insurance fraud. Drug conspiracies, including trafficking or distribution involving multiple parties, are also common. Cases that involve bribery or collusion may also be considered government or public corruption.
The penalties for a conspiracy conviction are based on the severity of the intended crime. Conspiracy to commit a felony could carry the same or lesser penalties as completing the offense. Penalties could include fines, imprisonment, and restitution. Collateral consequences for these types of crimes may also include damage to one’s reputation, career opportunities, and immigration status. A Columbia attorney well-versed in conspiracy cases could help you better understand what is at stake.
Because the consequences of a conspiracy conviction could be serious, it is critical to build a strong defense. To prove conspiracy, the involved parties must have agreed to commit the crime, demonstrating intent. In some cases, an overt act furthering the agreement may be required, such as coordinating fraudulent billing for a health care scam.
With supportive evidence in court, our attorneys could argue a few things on your behalf, such as:
Our conspiracy lawyers in Columbia are skilled in providing investigative support, reviewing evidence for inconsistencies or lack of proof. We could also offer strategic defense planning based on the nature of the alleged conspiracy. In some cases, we may also assist with plea negotiations or dismissal efforts to help prevent the issue from growing in the first place.
For several reasons, it is critical to choose a local law firm for conspiracy defense in South Carolina. For one, a conspiracy lawyer from Columbia offers deep familiarity with both state and federal conspiracy charges. Local firms are also often client-focused, determined, and discreet, with the end goal of protecting their clients.
Additionally, our local attorneys have extensive experience with whistleblower-related cases related to local agencies and organizations. Building familiarity with these organizations enables us to provide qualified representation for those affected by them.
Getting help for conspiracy charges is crucial. You do not have to face these complex charges alone, especially when you are up against such serious consequences that could impact the rest of your life. A Columbia conspiracy lawyer could help you build a strong defense based on evidence.
If you or a loved one is being investigated for or charged with conspiracy, do not wait to get help. Schedule a confidential consultation today to avoid facing charges alone.
