LawMeaning

Conspiracy

Also known as: Criminal Conspiracy

In one sentence

An agreement between two or more people to commit a crime, plus an overt act in furtherance of that agreement.

Plain English

Conspiracy is when two or more people agree to commit a crime and at least one of them takes a step toward carrying it out. You don't have to actually complete the crime to be guilty of conspiracy—the agreement itself, combined with some action toward the goal, is enough. Each conspirator can be held responsible for crimes committed by the others in furtherance of the conspiracy, even if they didn't directly participate.

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Example

Police discovered that Derek and his friend James had agreed to rob a convenience store. Derek scouted the location and drew a map; James bought a replica gun. Before they could act, police arrested both. Both were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, even though the robbery never happened.

Used in a sentence

“The prosecutor charged all three defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine based on text messages and financial records.”

Related terms

Actus Reus
The guilty act or physical conduct that constitutes the crime itself.
accessory before the fact
Helping someone plan or prepare to commit a crime before it happens.
Charge
A formal accusation that a person committed a specific crime.
Evidence
Information, documents, or physical items presented in court to prove or disprove facts.
Stand Your Ground
A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.
Castle Doctrine
A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.
Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.