Facing federal conspiracy allegations? A federal conspiracy defense lawyer in Litchfield, 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.
A conviction can mean five years in prison — or decades more if the conspiracy involves drugs, fraud, or violence. These cases often involve multiple people and aggressive prosecutors — and they move fast.
Quick Summary: What You’ll Learn
- How federal conspiracy charges work
- The three elements the government needs to win
- Examples like drug, fraud, or obstruction conspiracies
- What sentences look like under federal law
- Steps you can take right now to protect yourself
What Is a Federal Conspiracy Charge?
A federal conspiracy charge means two or more people agreed to commit a federal crime and took a step toward doing it — even if the actual crime never occurred.
To convict someone under 18 U.S.C. § 371, the government must prove three main things:
- Agreement – There was a mutual plan to break federal law or cheat the U.S. government.
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 – 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.
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: Driving a package of counterfeit goods to a drop location, sending an encrypted email outlining the plan, or printing fake documents to support the plan.
What Must Litchfield, 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 they truly agree to break the law, or were they simply nearby when things happened?
- 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 Litchfield, IL
Federal prosecutors often use conspiracy charges to go after multiple defendants at once. Most people think of drugs or fraud, but conspiracy charges can apply to nearly any federal crime.
These are the types of conspiracy cases we most frequently handle in Litchfield, 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)
Agreement to commit financial fraud, often through electronic messages or fake documents. - Obstruction of Justice Conspiracy
Agreement to prevent justice through tampering, intimidation, or destruction of records. - 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)
Plan to intimidate, injure, or pressure someone for using their civil liberties. - 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
Agreement to break pollution or safety laws, like dumping waste or lying on reports. - Securities Fraud Conspiracy
Working together on illegal schemes like insider trading or fake accounting.
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. That’s only the minimum under the law. If the conspiracy involved a bigger crime, like trafficking or terrorism, the sentence can be much harsher. In other words, you can be punished as if the crime occurred — even if it didn’t.
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
No single defense fits every case, but here are some of the most common (and effective) ways to challenge a conspiracy charge:
- No agreement
No agreement means no conspiracy — and the case could fall apart. - Lack of intent
Intent is key — if you didn’t knowingly agree to do something illegal, that can be a strong defense. - No overt act
No overt act? Then the agreement may not meet the legal definition of conspiracy. - Entrapment
Entrapment applies if you were convinced or forced by the government to take part. - Mistaken identity or role
Sometimes people get accused just because they’re near others — not because they did anything wrong. - Procedural violations
If the government broke rules during arrest, search, or wiretaps, your attorney can push to throw out evidence.
Are Federal Conspiracy Charges in Litchfield, IL Hard to Beat?
Yes — because prosecutors don’t need to prove the crime was actually completed. All it takes is an agreement and a single act toward the plan — even if nothing else happened. This is why conspiracy charges are especially difficult to beat. A strong defense can push back against weak evidence and protect your future. Getting legal help early can make a big difference, especially before you’re indicted.
Federal conspiracy charges are different from state cases in Litchfield, IL. These cases go through U.S. District Court and usually involve deep investigations by the FBI, IRS, or other federal agencies — and the penalties are tougher. Federal prosecutors tend to be more experienced and have greater resources, which makes a strong, early defense critical.
Why Choose Our Litchfield, 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. These are just a few reasons why people in Litchfield, IL turn to us for federal criminal defense:
- Over 60 years of combined legal experience in criminal defense, including complex federal conspiracy cases.
- We’ve handled more than 10,000 criminal cases, from drug and fraud conspiracies to obstruction and white collar investigations.
- 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. 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 Litchfield, IL
Charged or under investigation for federal conspiracy? Time is critical. 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 received a target letter, been indicted, or are facing sentencing, we’re here to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Don’t delay — schedule a confidential case review with a Litchfield, IL federal conspiracy lawyer by calling (314) 900-HELP or filling out our contact form.
