Facing federal conspiracy allegations? A federal conspiracy defense lawyer in Jerseyville, IL defends people accused of agreeing to break federal law — 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
- What makes a conspiracy case under federal law
- 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 the plan failed or was never completed.
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:
An IT consultant and a client agree to submit fake cybersecurity compliance reports to a federal agency.
Several individuals agree to import fentanyl analogues from overseas to sell online. - Intent – Each person meant to join the plan and understood it was illegal.
Examples:
An employee knowingly agrees to leak confidential federal data for a bribe.
Someone agrees to open bank accounts for a fraud ring after being told what the accounts will be used for. - 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 printing fake documents to support the plan.
What Must Jerseyville, IL Prosecutors Prove in a Federal Conspiracy Case?
To convict you, prosecutors must prove each part of the conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 – Did the accused actively join the conspiracy, or were they just connected to others who did?
- 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 Jerseyville, 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 Jerseyville, IL:
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)
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
Plot to block a federal investigation, hide evidence, or influence witnesses. - Firearms Conspiracy
Involves working together to move or use guns unlawfully, sometimes with violent intent. - Immigration Conspiracy
Involves plans to smuggle people, falsify documents, or harbor undocumented immigrants. - Public Corruption Conspiracy
Bribery or misuse of public office involving multiple people. - Civil Rights Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 241)
Plan to intimidate, injure, or pressure someone for using their civil liberties. - Terrorism-Related Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 2332b)
Plan to commit violence against the U.S. or its people, even if it never happens. - Tax Evasion Conspiracy
Team effort to cheat the IRS, often by hiding income or filing false returns. - 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. 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. In other words, you can be punished as if the crime occurred — even if it didn’t.
Sentencing is guided by federal rules that apply to all felony cases. Judges will consider things like your prior offenses, involvement in the conspiracy, and other important facts.
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
Without proof of a clear, knowing agreement, the charge may not hold up. - 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
When federal agents pressure someone into doing something they wouldn’t normally do, that can be a defense. - 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 Jerseyville, IL Hard to Beat?
Yes — because even if the crime didn’t occur, prosecutors can still move forward. Just agreeing to it, along with one overt act by any participant, can be enough. That’s what makes these cases hard to fight. Still, an experienced lawyer can find weaknesses in the case and fight back. 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 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 Jerseyville, 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 Jerseyville, IL trust our defense team:
- Our firm brings six 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.
- 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. Call us any time you have questions and need an update, without an extra charge.
- 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 Jerseyville, IL
Are you under investigation or already charged with federal conspiracy? Don’t wait. These cases move quickly — and what you do now can shape the rest of your life. 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.
