Criminal Conspiracy

What is a charge of conspiracy?

When two or more people get together and make a plan to commit a crime, that is a criminal conspiracy. The people involved do not have to carry out the plan or commit the crime for a charge of conspiracy to be brought.

Also, a particular action that you plan or carry out does not have to be an actual crime itself to be considered part of a criminal conspiracy. For example, it is not a crime to purchase balaclava masks. However, if the masks were purchased to be worn during a Post Office robbery, the person who bought them can be charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. This is the case even if the Post Office is never robbed, or if there’s never an attempt to carry out the robbery.

Similarly, if you have helped to plan a crime but play no part in it ultimately, you can still receive the same punishment as the perpetrators. Although certain factors may play a part when it comes to sentencing – such as the scale of the offence, your awareness of your involvement, if you were pressured, or if you plead guilty – conspiracy charges are very serious and if a conviction is secured can carry a sentence of up to life imprisonment.

When can conspiracy charges be brought?

You can be charged with conspiracy for conspiring to commit any criminal act, including conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and conspiracy to supply drugs. UK conspiracy law states that for a criminal charge to be brought, there must have been:

• An agreement between multiple people or organisations to carry out an unlawful task
• Intent on behalf of the involved parties to carry out and accomplish the unlawful task

If the police arrest you on suspicion of criminal conspiracy, your personal items will be taken from you, including your mobile phone. It is important to know your rights in these circumstances, which including telling the police that you do not consent to a search of your phone. Talking to one of the conspiracy specialists at Sahota & Sahota prior to police interview will help you get the right advice for the best possible outcome.

If you have been arrested for criminal conspiracy, are due to be interviewed by the police or have been charged with an offence of conspiracy, the Sahota & Sahota team are here to help your case.