Conspiracy is among the most complicated criminal charges a defendant can face in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Not only is the crime legally complex, it also has far reaching consequences, since a defendant can be charged with conspiracy in addition to the underlying crime (i.e.- a bank robber can be charged with conspiracy and robbery.)
If you or someone you know has been charged under conspiracies in Oklahoma laws, contact an experienced Tahlequah attorney today.
About Conspiracies In Oklahoma Laws
Oklahoma law defines conspiracy as an agreement between two or more people to commit any crime. The crux of a conspiracy charge is that the conspirator is responsible for all crimes committed as a part of the conspiracy.
Consider John, Amy and George who have decided to steal a car. The three agree that John is responsible for breaking into the car, Amy is responsible for kidnapping the car’s owner, and George will drive the car away.
All three will be charged with John’s crime of breaking and entering, Amy’s crime of kidnapping, and George’s crime of car theft. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 421
Ways To Violate Conspiracies In Oklahoma Laws
Aside from an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime, Oklahoma law also defines the following acts as conspiracy:
- falsely and maliciously to indict another for any crime, or to procure another to be charged or arrested for any crime;
- falsely to move or maintain any suit, action or proceeding;
- to cheat and defraud any person of any property by any means which are in themselves criminal, or by any means which, if executed, would amount to a cheat or to obtaining money or property by false pretenses; or
- to commit any act injurious to the public health, to public morals, or to trade or commerce, or for the perversion or obstruction of justice or the due administration of the laws.
Proving Conspiracy
A prosecutor must prove each of the following beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conspiracy conviction.
- The first element under conspiracies in Oklahoma laws requires an agreement by two or more people.
- Next, the prosecution must present evidence that they agreed to commit a crime.
- Then, a prosecutor must present evidence that the defendant was a party to the agreement either at the time it was made or knowingly entered into it later.
- Finally, the prosecution must show that any member of the conspiracy took an action to commit the crime.
Therefore, the agreement is not enough. Someone must have done something towards actually accomplishing the crime. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 423
Penalties For Conspiracy
Anyone found guilty of conspiracy to commit a felony crime may face up to 10 years in prison.
Conspiracy itself is a felony in Tahlequah.
Low-cost Initial Consultation: Tahlequah Conspiracy Defense Lawyer
A conviction of conspiracy can carry lengthy prison sentences and fines.
If you or someone you know is facing this charge, please contact a Tahlequah criminal defense attorney to discuss your available legal options.
For a low-cost consultation, call Wirth Law Office – Tahlequah at 918-458-2677 or toll free at 1-888-447-7262.
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