Known as the general conspiracy statute, 18 U.S. Code section 371, makes it a federal crime to conspire with one or more other people to commit another federal offense, including fraud, or to defraud a federal agency.
When is the Best Time to Act?:
With skill and professionalism, the white collar criminal defense attorneys at Criminal Lawyer Group defend clients facing federal fraud crimes and related conspiracy charges. Clients benefit from the attorneys’ considerable experience and the team-centered approach to pursuing justice. Contacting an attorney at the first sign of an investigation can make a difference in your case. Of course, we provide remarkable advocacy at any point in a case.
Types of Crimes/ Charges:
A conspiracy to defraud charge is filed if two or more people work together to commit any federal fraud crime.
Related Crimes:
By its nature, a conspiracy charge is filed along with a fraud charge. Some related fraud charges include bank fraud, bankruptcy fraud, Medicare fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, credit card fraud, investment fraud and securities fraud.
Penalties & Punishment:
Section 371 conspiracies are punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and a fine. The exception is for conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor crime, in which case the conspiracy charge punishment must not exceed the maximum punishment for the misdemeanor.
Successful Defense:
To prove a fraud conspiracy charge, the government must prove that at least one person in the alleged conspiracy took action to effect the object of the conspiracy. Thus, one viable defense is to challenge evidence suggesting one person took action. Our attorneys also challenge any allegations of a relationship, agreement or intended agreement between alleged conspirators. We also seek evidence showing that our client never intended to carry out the fraud.
High Profile Cases:
In March 2014, six people were charged with conspiring to defraud the Newspaper and Mail Deliverers’ Union and Hudson News in order to obtain a union card and job at Hudson News for the son of an organized crime underboss.