A federal conspiracy defense lawyer in Greenville, IL helps people charged with plotting a federal crime — even if that crime never happened. Under 18 U.S.C. § 371, it’s illegal for two or more people to intentionally agree to break federal law or defraud the United States, and for at least one of them to take a step toward making it happen.
That’s all it takes:
Agreement + intent + overt act = a federal felony conspiracy charge.
If convicted, you could face up to five years in prison — or far longer depending on the crime involved. Because these charges are built on intent and association, you need a smart, early defense strategy to avoid the worst outcomes.
Quick Summary: What You’ll Learn
- How federal conspiracy charges work
- The three elements the government needs to win
- Real-life scenarios that qualify as conspiracy
- What sentences look like under federal law
- Steps you can take right now to protect yourself
What Is a Federal Conspiracy Charge?
Conspiracy under federal law happens when people plan to break U.S. law and one of them takes action to move the plan forward — even if the plan failed or was never completed.
To convict someone under 18 U.S.C. § 371, there are three things the law requires prosecutors to prove:
- Agreement – The individuals made a shared plan to do something illegal under federal law.
Examples:
A business owner and an accountant agree to lie on loan applications to get extra funds.
A group of friends agree to smuggle controlled substances across state lines for resale. - Intent – Everyone involved knew the plan was against the law and chose to take part.
Examples:
A person knowingly agrees to serve as a getaway driver for a federal bank fraud scheme.
A person agrees to store illegal firearms for a group under federal investigation. - Overt Act – A single act was committed that advanced the illegal agreement in some way.
Examples: Buying shipping supplies for the drugs, researching government loan criteria, or printing fake documents to support the plan.
What Must Greenville, IL Prosecutors Prove in a Federal Conspiracy Case?
To convict you, prosecutors must prove each part of the conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt.
They must show the scope of the agreement, each person’s role, and what actions were taken to support it.
Key issues in a federal conspiracy case include:
- Scope of the agreement – Was the conspiracy focused on one offense or part of something larger?
- Specific role – Did the accused actively join the conspiracy, or were they just connected to others who did?
- Timing and overt act – When was the agreement made, and what act showed they were serious about it?
For more details, see the DOJ’s criminal resource manual on conspiracy or Cornell’s overview of 18 U.S.C. § 371.
Common Types of Federal Conspiracy Cases in Greenville, IL
Federal prosecutors often use conspiracy charges to go after multiple defendants at once. While drug and financial conspiracies lead the list, federal conspiracy laws cover much more.
These are the types of conspiracy cases we most frequently handle in Greenville, IL:
Criminal Federal Conspiracy Crime Examples
- Drug Trafficking Conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 846)
Plan to produce, move, or sell illegal drugs across state or national lines. - Fraud Conspiracy (wire, mail, bank, healthcare)
Agreement to commit financial fraud, often through electronic messages or fake documents. - Obstruction of Justice Conspiracy
Plot to block a federal investigation, hide evidence, or influence witnesses. - Firearms Conspiracy
Agreement to illegally get, sell, or use guns — often tied to other serious crimes. - Immigration Conspiracy
Two or more people agree to help others enter or stay in the U.S. illegally. - Public Corruption Conspiracy
Bribery or misuse of public office involving multiple people. - Civil Rights Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 241)
Working together to stop someone from freely using their constitutional rights. - Terrorism-Related Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 2332b)
Plot involving threats or violence aimed at U.S. interests, whether successful or not. - Tax Evasion Conspiracy
Working together to avoid paying taxes using fake numbers or hidden accounts. - Environmental Crimes Conspiracy
Plan to harm the environment or cover up violations of federal environmental rules. - Securities Fraud Conspiracy
Agreement to deceive others for financial gain through stock or investment fraud.
Penalties for Conspiracy Under Federal Law
Conspiracy charges under 18 U.S.C. § 371 carry up to 5 years in prison or a $250,000 fine. But that’s just the starting point. When the conspiracy is tied to a major crime, the penalty usually matches the seriousness of that offense. That means you could face decades in prison even if the crime never actually happened.
Federal sentencing guidelines also apply. This means your past criminal record, your role in the plan, and other details will affect how much time you might serve.
Federal Conspiracy Penalties
| Type of Conspiracy | Penalty Range |
|---|---|
| General Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371) | Up to 5 years in prison |
| Drug Conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 846) | 5–40 years or life, depending on drug amount |
| Fraud Conspiracy | Based on the underlying fraud (often 20+ years) |
| Obstruction Conspiracy | Up to 20 years |
| Firearms Conspiracy | 5–20 years depending on type of weapon and use |
| Terrorism Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 2332b) | Up to life in prison |
| Human Trafficking Conspiracy | 10 years to life |
| Public Corruption Conspiracy | Up to 5–20 years depending on offense |
| Civil Rights Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 241) | Up to life if bodily harm or death results |
| Immigration Conspiracy | Up to 10 years (can increase with aggravating factors) |
| Environmental Crimes Conspiracy | Up to 5–20 years based on type and impact |
| Tax Evasion Conspiracy | Up to 5 years per offense |
Defense Strategies Against Federal Conspiracy Allegations
Defending a conspiracy case takes strategy — and these are the approaches that work most often.
- No agreement
If the prosecution can’t prove you knowingly agreed to the crime, there’s no conspiracy. - Lack of intent
Even if you were involved, if you didn’t mean to join an illegal plan, it may not count as conspiracy. - No overt act
No overt act? Then the agreement may not meet the legal definition of conspiracy. - Entrapment
If law enforcement pushed or tricked you into joining, your lawyer may raise entrapment. - Mistaken identity or role
Sometimes people get accused just because they’re near others — not because they did anything wrong. - Procedural violations
If your rights were violated, it could weaken or even destroy the case.
Are Federal Conspiracy Charges in Greenville, IL Hard to Beat?
Yes — because prosecutors don’t need to prove the crime was actually completed. If even one person takes a step toward the plan, that alone can trigger a conspiracy charge. That’s what makes these cases hard to fight. A strong defense can push back against weak evidence and protect your future. The earlier you get help, the more options your lawyer has — especially before formal charges.
Facing a federal charge is very different than facing one in state court. They’re handled in U.S. District Court, often involve complex investigations by agencies like the FBI or IRS, and follow strict federal sentencing guidelines. Federal prosecutors often have more tools and experience — making early legal help crucial.
Why Choose Our Greenville, IL Federal Defense Team
If you’re dealing with a federal conspiracy charge, you need a seasoned federal defense attorney who understands the federal court system. Here’s why clients across Greenville, IL trust our defense team:
- Our firm brings five decades of combined experience to federal conspiracy and criminal defense cases.
- With over 10,000 criminal cases under our belt, we’ve defended clients in everything from white collar conspiracy to obstruction.
- Our attorneys are trial-tested and licensed to practice in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
- We don’t charge by the hour — our flat rates give you certainty and peace of mind. You can reach out for case updates any time — it won’t cost you extra.
- You’ll have direct access to your attorney throughout your case, not just a paralegal or receptionist.
Contact a Federal Conspiracy Defense Lawyer in Greenville, IL
Are you under investigation or already charged with federal conspiracy? Don’t wait. What happens next may determine your future, so early legal help is crucial. We’re prepared to step in right away to protect your rights.
Whether you’ve gotten a target letter, have already been indicted, or are nearing sentencing, we’ll work to protect your future.
Contact us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out through our online form to set up a confidential consultation — free of charge.
