If you’re accused of federal conspiracy in Collinsville, 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. 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
- How the feds build these charges
- Examples like drug, fraud, or obstruction conspiracies
- Possible penalties and minimums
- 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, the government must prove three main things:
- Agreement – The individuals made a shared plan to do something illegal under federal law.
Examples:
Two contractors agree to overbill a federal housing project to pocket the difference.
Several individuals agree to import fentanyl analogues from overseas to sell online. - Intent – All parties willingly joined knowing the action was criminal.
Examples:
A person knowingly agrees to serve as a getaway driver for a federal bank fraud scheme.
An individual agrees to sign off on false invoices to help a friend defraud Medicare. - Overt Act – Any step was taken by someone to move the plan forward, even if it seems minor.
Examples: Creating fake tax returns for a fraudulent refund scheme, researching government loan criteria, or printing fake documents to support the plan.
What Must Collinsville, 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 this a single illegal act or part of a longer-term scheme?
- Specific role – Was the defendant a willing participant, or just associated with people under suspicion?
- Timing and overt act – What action moved the conspiracy from idea to execution?
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 Collinsville, IL
Conspiracy statutes are powerful tools for prosecutors targeting larger groups or broader schemes. While drug and financial conspiracies lead the list, federal conspiracy laws cover much more.
Here are the most common types of federal conspiracy charges we see in Collinsville, IL:
Criminal Federal Conspiracy Crime Examples
- Drug Trafficking Conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 846)
Two or more people agree to make, move, or sell controlled substances illegally. - Fraud Conspiracy (wire, mail, bank, healthcare)
Two or more people plan to cheat a person, business, or agency out of money or property — often using phones, email, or mail. - Obstruction of Justice Conspiracy
Agreement to prevent justice through tampering, intimidation, or destruction of records. - 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
Agreement to use government power for personal gain — like kickbacks or rigged contracts. - 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)
Agreement to carry out terrorist activity or aid extremist groups. - Tax Evasion Conspiracy
Plan to break federal tax laws through deception or underreporting. - Environmental Crimes Conspiracy
Plan to harm the environment or cover up violations of federal environmental rules. - Securities Fraud Conspiracy
Coordinated plan to mislead investors or manipulate financial markets.
Penalties for Conspiracy Under Federal Law
Under 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy can bring up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, that’s only the base penalty. If the conspiracy involved a bigger crime, like trafficking or terrorism, the sentence can be much harsher. So, you might still get decades behind bars — even if no one completed the crime.
Federal sentencing guidelines also apply. 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
The law requires at least one concrete action — without it, the conspiracy charge may fail. - Entrapment
When federal agents pressure someone into doing something they wouldn’t normally do, that can be a defense. - 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 Collinsville, 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 makes these charges especially tough. 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.
Federal conspiracy charges aren’t like state-level cases. They take place in federal court and often involve major agencies like the FBI or IRS, with strict federal rules at every step. Federal prosecutors often have more tools and experience — making early legal help crucial.
Why Choose Our Collinsville, IL Federal Defense Team
Facing a federal conspiracy charge means you need a lawyer who knows how federal court works in Collinsville, IL — and who’s done it before. Here’s why clients across Collinsville, IL trust our defense team:
- Our firm brings six decades of combined experience to federal conspiracy and criminal defense cases.
- Our attorneys have resolved thousands of cases — including federal conspiracy, drug trafficking, and complex fraud matters.
- We’re licensed in federal court and ready to go to trial when needed — including in the Southern District of Illinois.
- We don’t charge by the hour — our flat rates give you certainty and peace of mind. Need an update or have a concern? You can call without worrying about more fees.
- Throughout your case, your lawyer — not just office staff — will be available when you need answers.
Contact a Federal Conspiracy Defense Lawyer in Collinsville, IL
Are you under investigation or already charged with federal conspiracy? You need to act fast. Federal cases move fast, and early action can make or break your defense. 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.
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 Collinsville, IL.
