Defending Tulsa, Oklahoma Criminal Conspiracy Charges
In Oklahoma, simply participating in a conspiracy to commit a crime is a violation of the law. That is to say, the conspiracy does not have to be successful in order to be the basis for a criminal charge. Moreover, the punishment for a conspiracy charge—regardless of the conspiracy’s success—is based upon the underlying crime.
The Legal Definition of Conspiracy
Oklahoma law defines a conspiracy as an agreement between two or more people to intentionally commit a crime. Regardless of whether or not the conspiracy is successful, you can be prosecuted for merely conspiring to violate the law. In Oklahoma, the punishment for conspiracy is the same as the punishment for the crime that the convicted individual was conspiring to commit.
The Burden of Proof for Conspiracy
In order to be convicted for conspiracy, there must be an agreement to commit a crime as well as at least one overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy. The prosecuting attorney must have sufficient proof that an agreement took place. It is important to note that proof of the agreement is insufficient to prove conspiracy; rather, the prosecuting attorney must show that there was substantial activity to enact the plan. The acts in furtherance of the plan do not have to be illegal—even legal acts can be sufficient to prove the conspiracy.
Getting Help
Being charged with conspiracy is a serious legal matter. Under Oklahoma law, you will be facing up to five years in prison if you are convicted of this crime. You could also face additional jail time for the crime that was the basis of the conspiracy.
If you are facing a conspiracy charge, it is important to ensure that your rights are protected. One of the qualified criminal attorneys at the Edge Law Firm can assist with a legal strategy that will protect your rights by holding the prosecution to its high burden of proof. Call the team at the Edge Law Firm today or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation review of your case.