There’s been a lot of coverage in the news lately about crimes involving conspiracy on both the state and federal levels. So, now is a good time to review how legal acts can get one into trouble and charged with the crime of conspiracy here in Oklahoma.
It can be hard to comprehend how perfectly legal acts can be construed as illegal components of a conspiracy, or how those who took no actions whatsoever can get roped into the cattle call of conspiracy arrests in a drug bust or other crime. Let’s unpack some of those issues.
Otherwise legal overt actions
Buying a movie ticket is certainly legal, right? But suppose the one purchasing the tickets is there not to see the new Marvel superhero on the big screen. Instead, they are there to scout out the premises, determining where the exits are and whether there are any security guards working there. They are doing this because one or more of their cohorts plans to rob the box office the following night.
In this case, a conspiracy exists between the ticket buyer and those planning on doing the actual heist. Thus, the perfectly legal act of purchasing a movie ticket and observing what goes on inside the theatre becomes an illegal overt act in furtherance of a conspiracy.
All for one, one for all
Under the Oklahoma Statutes §21-421, evidence from any statements or confessions made by one conspirator can be used against all of them in a trial. This is where a lot of those accused get forced into untenable legal positions where they don’t know which way to turn to avoid conviction.
If you face arrest on a conspiracy charge, it’s always best to get ahead of the situation whenever possible. Learning about your legal options can help you mount a stalwart defense against these serious charges.
