Conspiracy to Commit a Crime in Denver is a charge that involves the planning or commission of a crime. If a person agrees to help another plan or commit an offense, Colorado law sees fit to punish as though the crime was in fact committed. Additionally, it is possible to be charged with both a crime and conspiring to commit a crime. Because conspiracy is only considered slightly less of an offense than the crime itself, representation from a knowledgeable conspiracy attorney is a must.
What is Conspiracy to Commit a Crime in Denver?
Conspiracy to Commit a Crime C.R.S. 18-2-201 is committed when:
- 2+ people
- Enter into an agreement
- To engage in conduct which constitutes a crime or attempt to commit such crime
Regardless of whether the conduct is carried out or the crime is actually committed, charges can ensue. It is important to note that the agreement itself is the criminal activity, as long as one overt act is taken. Even if a conspirator commits the overt act, you have committed conspiracy due to the planning of the conduct. However, simply knowing about the conspiracy itself is not a crime. There must be an identifiable intent to engage in specific criminal activity to constitute a charge.
Consequences for Conspiracy to Commit a Crime in Colorado
Typically, conspiracy to commit a crime faces sentencing penalties one class less than the crime intended. For example, conspiracy to commit a class 3 felony is punished as a class 4 felony. Thus, a conspiracy offense can be either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the conspired crime.
If a defendant conspires to commit a crime and does in fact attempt or commit the offense, they can be convicted of both conspiracy and the crime. This creates for even more severe consequences. Committing a crime with others amplifies the ramifications beyond an offense that was planned / carried out alone. Colorado law sees the involvement of additional people in a crime as an increased potential danger, therefore punishing both conspiracy and the crime itself.
Conspiracy to Commit a Crime Attorney in Denver
Prosecutors in Denver pursue conspiracy cases with the belief that if attempting to commit a crime goes uncharged, the offense may be committed at a later date. Thus, they think any and all conspiring / attempting to commit a crime should be handled seriously. Even if someone has played a small role in attempting or actually committing a crime, a defendant can face equal charges to those of someone who played a much larger role in an offense. District attorneys and judges treat conspiracy cases aggressively and don’t account for good people perhaps having a lapse in judgement. Never attempt to fight charges alone or accept a plea deal without consulting an expert conspiracy attorney.
If you or someone you know is facing Conspiracy charges, be smart. Contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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