Facing allegations or a federal investigation involving federal conspiracy in Washington is a serious matter with potentially life-altering consequences Washington federal conspiracy defense lawyers help defendants protect their rights, fight back against the government, and find the best possible resolution to their case
Federal conspiracy statutes provide the government with sweeping authority to bring charges even when an alleged offense was never carried out, no money changed hands, or participation was minimal Prosecutors frequently rely on conspiracy allegations to strengthen their bargaining position, expand sentencing exposure, or force cooperation
People accused of conspiracy are often shocked to learn how broad federal conspiracy laws are, and how quickly an investigation can turn into formal charges Combs Waterkotte‘s experienced Washington federal criminal defense lawyers defend individuals in Washington and nationwide against serious federal charges While we seek favorable resolutions whenever possible, we are always ready to litigate in federal court to defend your future.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Free book
Facing Federal Criminal Charges? Why They’re Different and How to Win
Combs Waterkotte, a leading federal criminal defense law firm, has handled over 10,000 cases successfully. This ebook guides you through the federal criminal defense process, how federal charges are different, and how to win.
On this page, you’ll learn about:
- How to respond if you are facing conspiracy charges or a federal investigation in Washington
- How federal law defines when conduct rises to the level of a federal conspiracy
- The most common types of federal conspiracy charges prosecutors bring
- Possible penalties and sentencing risks associated with federal conspiracy charges
- Common defenses used to challenge federal conspiracy allegations
- The importance of retaining an experienced federal conspiracy defense lawyer
What to Do If You’ve Been Charged With Conspiracy or Are Under Federal Investigation in Washington
The most important rule is this: never speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Federal agents are not looking to resolve misunderstandings; their goal is to gather evidence that may later be used against you.
Federal conspiracy cases often begin long before anyone is arrested. Unlike state cases in Washington, federal investigations may unfold quietly over months or even years, gathering evidence through surveillance, informants, financial records, and electronic communications.
You may be the subject of a federal investigation if:
- Being contacted by federal agents seeking an interview or informal conversation
- A subpoena for documents, emails, phone records, or financial data
- Law enforcement executing search warrants at homes, offices, or other locations
- Learning that others connected to you have been arrested or charged
- Being served with a target letter or notified of a federal grand jury proceeding
Even seemingly harmless statements can be portrayed as evidence of participation in a conspiracy. Prosecutors frequently use early statements to form the backbone of federal conspiracy cases.
An experienced Washington federal defense lawyer can:
- Take action early to potentially prevent charges
- Handle all communication with federal agents and prosecutors
- Explain whether you are considered a witness, subject, or target
- Protect you from making statements that could be used against you
- Begin shaping a defense strategy early in case you are charged
- Build a defense team that includes independent investigators and experts
Prompt legal guidance in federal conspiracy cases can make the difference between extreme sentencing exposure and protecting your future.
An experienced Washington federal defense lawyer can:
- Getting involved early to potentially prevent formal charges
- Communicate with investigators and prosecutors on your behalf
- Determining whether you are a witness, subject, or target of the investigation
- Protecting you from making statements that could be used against you
- Begin shaping a defense strategy early in case you are charged
- Hire their own experts and investigators and find witnesses to corroborate your defense
When facing federal conspiracy charges in Washington, early representation may determine whether you face lengthy prison time or avoid severe consequences.
When Does a Crime Become a Federal Conspiracy?
Under federal law (18 U.S. Code § 371), the government must prove three factors in order to gain a conviction on a conspiracy charge:
- Agreement Between Two or More People: Two or more people agree to commit a federal crime or defraud the United States (for example, filing false tax returns).
- Criminal Intent (Mens Rea): The person charged knowingly and voluntarily joins the plan, understanding the goal is to commit a crime.
- Overt Act (in most cases): Someone involved in the plan takes a step – however small – to move the plan forward.
Federal conspiracy is a standalone criminal offense. A person may be charged with conspiracy even if the underlying crime was never completed or fully attempted.
Prosecutors are not required to prove a formal or documented agreement, as intent may be inferred from behavior and communications. As a result, conspiracy charges are among the most powerful and frequently used tools available to federal prosecutors.
You do not have to:
- Directly participate in the commission of the underlying crime
- Know the identities of all alleged co-conspirators
- Take part in all aspects of the alleged conspiracy
- Personally profit from the alleged conspiracy
Prosecutors may attempt to characterize minimal or indirect conduct as conspiracy participation by claiming it was “reasonably foreseeable” under the alleged agreement.
Federal Conspiracy Cases We Handle in Washington
Federal prosecutors rarely charge conspiracy on its own. Instead, they use conspiracy allegations to expand who can be held responsible, create harsher sentencing, and prosecute multiple defendants in a single case. Combs Waterkotte’s Washington federal conspiracy defense lawyers defend clients facing conspiracy charges across a wide range of federal investigations, including:
- Federal drug conspiracy cases brought under 21 U.S.C. § 846, where charges may proceed even if no drugs were seized or personally handled
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud or mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1341, frequently relying on electronic communications, banking activity, or alleged fraudulent schemes
- Conspiracy allegations involving healthcare fraud, bank fraud, or financial crimes, often built on document analysis and regulatory interpretations
- White-collar conspiracy allegations such as tax-related conspiracies and money laundering conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)
- RICO conspiracy and enterprise conspiracy charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d), even when no individual racketeering acts are attributed to a specific defendant
- Conspiracy allegations involving public corruption or bribery under 18 U.S.C. §§ 201 and 666, commonly supported by circumstantial evidence
- Conspiracy charges involving murder or violent federal crimes under 18 U.S.C. § 371, § 1959, or related statutes, regardless of whether violence was carried out
Penalties for Federal Conspiracy Charges
Federal conspiracy penalties can be severe and, in many cases, mirror the punishment for the underlying federal offense. Federal law allows courts to impose the same penalties for conspiracy as for the completed offense, regardless of whether the alleged crime was finished.
Under federal law, conspiracy offenses may carry prison sentences of up to five years. Certain federal conspiracy statutes authorize courts to impose the same punishment as the underlying offense, including mandatory minimum prison sentences.
Potential penalties in federal conspiracy cases in Washington may include:
- Incarceration based on the underlying offense rather than the conspiracy charge alone
- Statutorily imposed mandatory minimum sentencing in drug cases, firearms offenses, and other federal conspiracies
- Significant criminal fines and court-ordered restitution
- Loss of assets the government alleges were used in or derived from the conspiracy
- Periods of supervised release following incarceration
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines play a significant role in federal conspiracy sentencing by evaluating the breadth of the alleged conspiracy rather than isolated conduct. In determining a sentencing range, courts may consider:
- How long the alleged conspiracy lasted and its overall scope
- How many individuals were involved and their respective responsibilities
- Whether the defendant is accused of leadership or organizational responsibility
- Conduct by other alleged conspirators attributed to the defendant
Because of how conspiracy law operates, defendants in Washington can be sentenced for conduct carried out by others despite limited participation. Carefully examining and contesting these sentencing considerations is essential in defending federal conspiracy cases.
Common Defenses to Federal Conspiracy Allegations in Washington
Effective defense against federal conspiracy allegations in Washington requires a detailed analysis of both the evidence and the prosecution’s legal theory. Available defenses will vary based on the facts of the case and may include:
-
Absence of an Agreement
An actual agreement must be shown, and parallel conduct or casual communications do not, by themselves, prove a conspiracy. -
Lack of Knowledge or Intent
A defendant cannot conspire to commit a crime they did not knowingly or intentionally agree to participate in. -
Simple Presence or Relationship
Mere presence, association with others, or routine business or personal relationships do not establish participation in a conspiracy. -
Demonstrating Withdrawal
Demonstrating withdrawal before further acts occurred may limit or eliminate liability in certain cases. -
Insufficient or Unreliable Evidence
Federal conspiracy prosecutions often depend on informants, cooperating witnesses, surveillance, or circumstantial evidence that may be unreliable or legally flawed. -
Constitutional Violations
Illegal searches, unlawful surveillance, improper wiretaps, or violations of due process can result in suppressed evidence or dismissed charges.
Skilled Washington federal conspiracy defense lawyers focus not only on trial strategy, but also on early motions and challenges designed to weaken the government’s case.
Why Combs Waterkotte Is Trusted for Federal Conspiracy Defense in Washington
Defending against federal conspiracy charges takes far more than routine criminal defense knowledge. These cases call for a federal defense lawyer in Washington with insight into how federal investigations develop, how prosecutorial pressure is applied, and how conspiracy laws broaden criminal exposure.
Combs Waterkotte’s Washington federal conspiracy defense lawyers represent individuals facing complex federal charges, including multi-defendant conspiracy cases. Clients who work with Combs Waterkotte benefit from:
- Personalized representation from a federal criminal defense lawyer in Washington, not a volume-based approach
- A team that includes experienced investigators and expert consultants
- Over 60 years of combined experience winning cases
- Trial-ready federal conspiracy defense lawyers – while we work to get your charges dismissed or a favorable plea deal, we are at home defending our clients at trial
Clients in Washington receive a focused, strategic defense designed to safeguard their rights throughout every phase of the federal case.
Free book
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri and Southern Illinois, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Speak With an Experienced Washington Federal Conspiracy Defense Lawyer Today
Anyone facing federal conspiracy allegations in Washington or a pending investigation should act quickly to protect their rights. The steps you take early in a federal investigation can significantly impact your future.
Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with a skilled and aggressive Washington federal conspiracy defense lawyer.
Common Questions About Federal Conspiracy Charges in Washington
What does federal conspiracy mean?
Federal conspiracy is a charge alleging that two or more people agreed to commit a federal crime and took steps toward carrying it out, even if the crime was never completed.
Is completing a crime required for a conspiracy charge?
A completed crime is not required; agreement and intent may be sufficient for a conspiracy charge.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know everyone involved?
Federal conspiracy law does not require awareness of all other alleged participants.
Can minor participation still lead to charges?
Even small or indirect involvement can trigger charges, making the scope of participation a key defense consideration.
Do federal conspiracy charges carry severe penalties?
Yes. Federal conspiracy charges frequently involve harsh penalties such as lengthy incarceration and mandatory minimum sentences.
Is it possible to get conspiracy charges dismissed?
In some cases, yes. Dismissals may occur due to lack of evidence, improper legal theories, or constitutional violations.
Should innocent people speak with federal agents?
Even if you believe you are innocent, you should speak with a lawyer before talking to investigators, as statements may be taken out of context.
When is the right time to hire a federal conspiracy lawyer?
The sooner you speak with a federal conspiracy defense lawyer, the more impact early legal strategy can have on your case.
