Conspiracy as it Pertains to Florida Law

Florida Law

Under Florida law, conspiracy is defined as an agreement by two or more persons to commit a criminal offense, with the intent that the crime will be committed. There must be an indication that the involved parties knew the plan and had intended to break the law.

For example, Jack, Ryan, and Sally plan a to rob a store. They visit the store to assess the layout and security. They pool their money and purchase a gun. They write a demand letter. All three can be charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, whether or not the robbery is attempted or completed.

Conspiracy Defined:

Florida law prevents anyone from attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit a crime. Ron Chapman can help if you have been charged or arrested with the intent to conspire to commit a crime.

The crime of conspiracy is codified under Section 777.04(3), Florida Statutes, which provides:

• A person who agrees, conspires, combines, or confederates with another person or
• Persons to commit any offense commits the offense of criminal conspiracy.

Intent

The prosecution must prove two things beyond a reasonable doubt to charge a defendant with conspiracy to commit a crime.

They must prove:

1. The intent of the defendant to commit the crime, and
2. The defendant agreed or conspired with another person for a crime to be committed by one of them, both of them, or by another person.

Your intention means everything. All parties must show intent to achieve the outcome of the crime. Knowledge of a crime is not enough. For instance, if a friend tells you he is going to rob a bank, you are not part of the conspiracy to rob the bank just because you know. You would have to help assess the bank first or agree to assist with the getaway.

Conspiracy Penalties

A conspiracy conviction, depending on the crime, can carry severe penalties. You can be punished for both the conspiracy and the actual crime. If you conspired to rob a bank and robbed it, you would be punished for both crimes.

Depending on the crime conspired, the punishment can range anywhere between a second-degree misdemeanor that is punishable by 60 days in jail with a $500 fine all the way up to a first-degree felony which is punishable up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Defense Attorney West Palm Beach

Ronald Chapman practices criminal defense in both State and Federal Courts within the State of Florida. Since 1990, Mr. Chapman has been representing people accused of committing various types of crimes. If you are facing criminal charges in Florida, Ronald Chapman can help.

Schedule your FREE Consultation! Call (561) 832-4348 or visit his website.

Visit us at / You can also connect with the West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Office online today! Ronald Chapman, an experienced criminal defense lawyer, dedicated to defending your rights. Contact him today to begin to discuss your case.

Ronald S. Chapman, P.A. 400 Clematis Street, Suite 206 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561)832-4348

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