You may face drug conspiracy charges if you are suspected of agreeing to commit a drug crime with one or more individuals (and one of you is suspected of taking a significant step towards executing the plan). These are very serious charges in Texas, and a conviction could result in severe consequences.
Understanding what constitutes drug conspiracy and the potential defenses available can help you navigate the criminal justice system when facing such charges.
An actual crime does not need to occur
The execution of your plan is not an issue in criminal conspiracy charges. In other words, the prosecution does not need to prove that you broke the law to secure a conviction. The mere agreement, intent and steps taken to actualize the conspiracy are all that matters.
Potential punishments depend on the underlying crime
You can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances of your case. The potential penalties of criminal conspiracy in Texas are tied to the underlying crime. The more serious the intended crime, the harsher the penalties for the conspiracy. For instance, conspiring to traffic large quantities of controlled substances will attract harsher penalties than conspiring to possess a small amount of drugs. The type of drugs also matters in determining the nature of your charges and potential penalties.
Viable defense strategies against conspiracy charges are possible
Defending against drug conspiracy involves challenging the elements of criminal conspiracy. You could argue a lack of agreement or significant action towards the commission of the crime. Alternatively, you can show you withdrew from the conspiracy and had no intention to break the law. It all comes down to the facts of your case.
Reaching out for legal guidance can help identify the best defense strategies to improve the odds of a desirable verdict or outcome of your particular charges.