If you’re accused of federal conspiracy in SouthernBelleville, IL, a federal conspiracy defense lawyer can protect your rights — 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.
Penalties start at five years, but some conspiracy convictions carry decades behind bars. Federal conspiracy cases are complex, high stakes, and often involve multiple defendants and early government action.
Quick Summary: What You’ll Learn
- How federal conspiracy charges work
- What prosecutors must prove
- Real-life scenarios that qualify as conspiracy
- Possible penalties and minimums
- How to fight the case before and after indictment
What Is a Federal Conspiracy Charge?
You can face a federal conspiracy charge just for agreeing to commit a crime and doing something small to help make it happen — even if no one finished the crime they planned.
To convict someone under 18 U.S.C. § 371, federal prosecutors must show three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- 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.
Two roommates plan to traffic prescription pills using the postal service. - Intent – Each person meant to join the plan and understood it was illegal.
Examples:
Someone agrees to help move money they know is tied to drug sales — not by accident or mistake.
A person agrees to store illegal firearms for a group under federal investigation. - Overt Act – One of the people did something to help carry out the plan, even a small thing.
Examples: Buying shipping supplies for the drugs, calling a bank to ask about a fake account, or booking a hotel room for a co-conspirator.
What Must Belleville, IL Prosecutors Prove in a Federal Conspiracy Case?
Every detail of the conspiracy must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt for the government to win the case.
That means proving the plan’s size, who joined in, and what steps were taken to make it happen.
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 – Was the defendant a willing participant, or just associated with people under suspicion?
- 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 Belleville, IL
Prosecutors use conspiracy laws strategically to widen the scope of criminal charges. Most people think of drugs or fraud, but conspiracy charges can apply to nearly any federal crime.
Below are some of the most frequent federal conspiracy allegations our Belleville, IL clients face:
Criminal Federal Conspiracy Crime Examples
- Drug Trafficking Conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 846)
Agreement to manufacture, distribute, or possess illegal drugs with intent to sell. - Fraud Conspiracy (wire, mail, bank, healthcare)
Plan to carry out a fraud using communication tools like mail, phones, or the internet. - Obstruction of Justice Conspiracy
Plot to block a federal investigation, hide evidence, or influence witnesses. - Firearms Conspiracy
Plan to traffic or use firearms in a way that breaks federal law. - 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
Plan to break federal tax laws through deception or underreporting. - Environmental Crimes Conspiracy
Agreement to break pollution or safety laws, like dumping waste or lying on reports. - Securities Fraud Conspiracy
Coordinated plan to mislead investors or manipulate financial markets.
Penalties for Conspiracy Under Federal Law
The standard penalty for conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 371 is up to 5 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. However, that’s only the base penalty. When the conspiracy is tied to a major crime, the penalty usually matches the seriousness of that offense. So, you might still get decades behind bars — even if no one completed the crime.
Sentencing is guided by federal rules that apply to all felony cases. This includes looking at your background, what part you played, and any special factors in your case.
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
No single defense fits every case, but here are some of the most common (and effective) ways to challenge a conspiracy charge:
- No agreement
If the prosecution can’t prove you knowingly agreed to the crime, there’s no conspiracy. - Lack of intent
You might have joined a conversation or action without meaning to break the law — and that matters. - No overt act
If no one took a real step toward the plan, prosecutors may not have enough to convict. - Entrapment
Entrapment applies if you were convinced or forced by the government to take part. - Mistaken identity or role
It’s possible to get swept up in a conspiracy case just for knowing the wrong person. - Procedural violations
If your rights were violated, it could weaken or even destroy the case.
Are Federal Conspiracy Charges in Belleville, IL Hard to Beat?
Yes — because even if the crime didn’t occur, prosecutors can still move forward. All it takes is an agreement and a single act toward the plan — even if nothing else happened. That’s what makes these cases hard to fight. But the right legal defense can still expose flaws in the case, challenge key elements, and protect your rights. Getting legal help early can make a big difference, especially before you’re indicted.
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 tend to be more experienced and have greater resources, which makes a strong, early defense critical.
Why Choose Our Belleville, IL Federal Defense Team
When you’re facing a serious federal conspiracy charge, you need a federal criminal defense lawyer in Belleville, IL with experience and expertise in federal courts. These are just a few reasons why people in Belleville, IL turn to us for federal criminal defense:
- Over 60 years of combined legal experience in criminal defense, including complex federal conspiracy 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.
- No hourly billing — we offer clear, all-inclusive flat-rate fees so you always know what to expect. Need an update or have a concern? You can call without worrying about more fees.
- We don’t hand your case off to assistants — you’ll talk directly with your attorney from start to finish.
Contact a Federal Conspiracy Defense Lawyer in Belleville, IL
Charged or under investigation for federal conspiracy? Don’t wait. Federal cases move fast, and early action can make or break your defense. Let our federal defense team in Belleville, IL take action on your behalf now.
Whether you’ve received a target letter, been indicted, or are facing sentencing, we’re here to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a federal conspiracy defense lawyer in Belleville, IL.
