Conspiracy Lawyer in West Palm Beach

While most Florida residents realize they can face a conspiracy charge, few know what that means. For example, many people think that the planned crime must be carried out to be charged. However, you can be charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, even if you did not follow through.

Ronald S. Chapman has defended Florida residents for more than 30 years. From negotiating with prosecutors to vigorously presenting a defense to the jury, our West Palm Beach conspiracy defense lawyer is here to help.

Elements of Conspiracy in Florida

The burden of proof rests with the prosecution when proving a conspiracy took place. That means the state must show that:

  • You intended to commit a crime
  • You agreed, confederated, conspired, or combined with one or more people with the intent to commit a crime

This differs from a federal conspiracy charge. In that case, you sometimes have to take action to further the plan. That makes state cases easier to prove, so it is vital to contact an experienced West Palm Beach conspiracy defense attorney for help.

Abandonment As A Defense

Did you change your mind and back out after entering an agreement to commit a crime? If so, you might be able to use an abandonment defense. However, you must meet the criteria for this defense to be successful.

First, you have to show that you voluntarily and completely renounced the conspiracy. Second, you must have evidence that you took action to prevent the crime. Possible actions include persuading others to withdraw or calling the police to report the plan.

Do you think you abandoned the agreement but are unsure if you meet the legal threshold to prove your case? Our West Palm Beach conspiracy attorney can discuss this with you to see if it is a viable defense.

How Are Conspiracies Charged?

Conspiracy charges are based on the crime the alleged participants conspired to commit. For instance, assume you face a conspiracy charge to commit a first-degree felony. The conspiracy charge itself is also a first-degree felony.

Regardless of its classification, you face severe penalties if convicted, so contact our West Palm Beach conspiracy lawyer today for assistance. Then you can review your options, which might include negotiating with the prosecutor to dismiss or reduce your charges.

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WHY CHOOSE RONALD S. CHAPMAN, P.A.?

Investigate the prosecutor’s case against you.
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Present legal motions to the judge.
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Try to get the best possible result for you.
  • Over 30 Years of Experience – Ronald S. Chapman has represented clients facing both state and federal charges since 1990, and he has had more than 200 trials.
  • Numerous 5-star Reviews – Our West Palm Beach law firm has accumulated five-star reviews on Google, Yelp, Lawyers.com, Avvo, and other sites.
  • Sole Practitioner– As a sole practitioner, Ronald S. Chapman works directly with each client he serves instead of handing them off to staff members.
  • Represents Clients in State and Federal Court – While some West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers handle only state charges or federal charges, Ronald S. Chapman handles both types of charges ranging from state-level assault charges to federal-level drug trafficking and white-collar crimes.
  • Bilingual Legal Services – Ronald S. Chapman provides legal services in English and Spanish, so you won’t have any trouble communicating with him.

Can You Be Charged With Conspiracy And The Actual Crime?

If the state of Florida believes that you both conspired to commit a crime and then carried the plan out, you can be charged with two offenses. First, you will get a conspiracy charge, and second, you will face charges for the underlying criminal act. For example, assume that Bob and Gary agree to rob a convenience store. They make plans and eventually commit the robbery. Then they can be charged with both offenses. On the other hand, they could also face charges if they conspired but did not carry out the plan. However, they will only have to defend themselves against one charge instead of two.

IS KNOWLEDGE OF A CRIME A CONSPIRACY?

Previous rulings indicate that the court recognizes the difference between knowledge and intent. Thus, it is possible to know about a crime without committing criminal conspiracy. Additionally, knowledge is not the same as entering into an agreement. So contact a conspiracy defense lawyer in West Palm Beach today if you are facing an investigation or charges in order to discuss your options.

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Real Clients, Real Testimonials

West Palm Beach, August 24, 2016 To Attorney Ronald S. Chapman and his assistant Elizabeth, I, Francisco Cruz, hereby wish to express my most sincere and infinite gratitude for the great work, support, and attention you gave to my problem in Court. Because of your work and professional experience, I gained a favorable outcome. So I repeat again that I am very grateful and satisfied with you for giving me your professional support. Thank you so much.
Francisco Cruz

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Since 1990, Mr. Chapman has been representing people who have been accused of committing various types of crimes such as DUI, domestic violence, possession of a firearm, drug possession, expungement, traffic crimes, murder, manslaughter, crimes against children, sex crimes, crimes against the elderly, appeals, and violations of probation.
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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