When the police arrest two or more people for planning to commit a crime together, often not everyone in the group was equally involved in the alleged plot. But whether you were the ringleader of a plan to sell drugs or just someone who agreed to hide a package in your garage, you could be charged with conspiracy to commit drug trafficking.
What is a criminal conspiracy?
Under Oklahoma law, a criminal conspiracy is formed when at least two people agree to commit a crime, and at least one of the people involved commits an act in furtherance of the crime. For example, say Alice, Brady and Charles decide to sell methamphetamine to make some money. Alice says she knows someone who could sell her the meth. She tries calling and texting her contact but gets no response. The three give up on the plan.
Though the three people in this example never possessed or sold any illegal drugs, they have committed a conspiracy crime.
Often, some members of the conspiracy do most of the work involved. Others play minor roles for a short time, such as being a lookout during a single drug sale. But they can all be arrested and charged.
Felony vs. misdemeanor conspiracy charges
Conspiracy is treated as a misdemeanor except when the crime the conspirators were planning to commit is a felony. Then the conspiracy is itself a felony-level crime punishable by up to ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.
As you can see, a conspiracy charge can be serious even if you are not accused of actually committing the underlying crime. Working with a strong and knowledgeable defense attorney can be critical to getting the chance to reach a fair outcome.
