Drug Crime Conspiracy Charges
What Is A Drug Conspiracy Charge?
The law defines a criminal conspiracy as an explicit agreement between two or more people to engage in and commit criminal activity or crime(s). Typically, anyone who is charged with conspiring to commit a drug related crime will receive a punishment tantamount to the punishment required if the crime had actually been committed.
Drug Conspiracy Is A Serious and Complex Charge
Conspiracy charges are serious and rarely stand alone. Generally, they are part of additional charges that an individual must resolve. In order to prove a drug conspiracy, the government has the burden of proof on three critical points.
The government must prove that there was an agreement to violate drug law.
The government must show that each alleged conspirator was aware of the agreement to violate drug law and joined the conspiracy willingly and with intent.
The government must show at least one act committed in the service of furthering the intended conspiracy.
Unfortunately, in many cases today, the government is successful in admitting circumstantial evidence to prove these elements.
Defense Options
For defendants, the key to a solid defense is often dependant on successfully attacking the government’s witnesses. Much of the government’s circumstantial evidence is typically provided by unreliable and biased witnesses with something to gain in exchange for their testimony.
It is also common for government witnesses to be alleged co-conspirators, alleged customers, or jailhouse informants who have been given deals in the form of reduced charges and/or jail time. Generally, it is necessary to attack these witnesses by determining the answers to the following questions:
- What is the bias of the witness?
- Does the witness have a criminal record?
- Has the witness been offered a deal of any kind?
- What does the witness stand to gain from offering their testimony in this matter?
- Was the witness actually there, at the scene of the alleged crime?
An Attorney With Trial Experience Is Crucial
Hiring an attorney with a significant amount of trial experience in these types of cases is crucial. Having the experience and ability to effectively discredit a government witness at trial is the key to having a better chance at winning many types of drug conspiracy cases.
All of the criminal defense attorneys at DRK Lawyers are former assistant district attorneys. We understand criminal cases and defense from both sides of the courtroom. We use our trial experience and knowledge of the government’s tactics to help defend our clients every day in the state of Pennsylvania. If you are facing criminal charges, please contact our team today.
