Conspiracy to commit murder is a serious and potentially life-changing offense. The crime of conspiracy to commit murder involves several unique elements, and it is important to understand the possible penalties as well as how these charges can impact your life.
If you or a loved one are charged with conspiracy to commit murder in Orlando, you need to ensure you have an experienced lawyer aggressively representing your rights both in and out of the courtroom. Our murder defense attorneys can work tirelessly to minimize the impact of these charges on your life while building the strongest possible defense to safeguard your freedom.
If someone is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in Orlando, the prosecutor must prove multiple factors beyond a reasonable doubt to achieve a conviction. Conspiracy refers to an agreement between two or more individuals to carry out an illegal act, with the intent to take the crime to completion.
For a conspiracy to commit murder charge to stick, the prosecutor must prove that the parties clearly agreed to cause the death of another person and intended to carry out the murder. If two or more parties intended to murder someone and agreed to have either one or both of them carry out the offense, they can still be charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
It is important to note that the prosecution does not need to prove that anyone involved in the conspiracy took an overt act in the furtherance of their end goal. However, actions such as purchasing a weapon or other materials that could be used to execute the allegedly planned murder may be used by the prosecution to argue intent.
Conspiracy to commit murder is a serious felony offense that can lead to extensive jail time, fines, probation, and other wide-ranging penalties. Murder can be a capital offense in Florida, so conspiracy to commit murder may be charged as a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Details surrounding the identity of the alleged intended victim, a prior criminal history, and/or the use of a firearm or other weapon can increase the penalties associated with this charge. A conviction would also lead to a permanent criminal record, which can have a grave impact on future employment and educational opportunities, and other key aspects of personal life.
An Orlando attorney can identify the most potent defenses to a charge for conspiracy to commit murder. The prosecution must demonstrate both that there was an agreement to commit the crime of murder and actual intent to murder, so if either element is missing, the state’s case may falter.
Lack of an agreement to carry out the same offense or even withdrawal from the conspiracy may also be viable defenses to this charge. If the accused was involved in the conspiracy in some way, but their involvement was minimal and did not constitute an actual agreement to carry out murder, these factors could mitigate a conspiracy to commit murder accusation.
Insufficient evidence, mistaken identity, or an alibi can also be used to dispel these charges. Sometimes, the right defense against the charge may hinge on procedural errors rather than challenging factual elements. For example, improper actions by law enforcement or the prosecution that violates your legal rights could serve as possible grounds for dismissal.
Having a committed criminal defense attorney handling your case is essential if you are facing a charge for conspiracy to commit murder in Orlando. Each case is unique, and the right approach for your defense will depend on the specific facts and circumstances that led to the charge.
A seasoned attorney will have strong negotiation and plea-bargaining skills as well as courtroom experience that prove indispensable to fight this type of charge. From providing unwavering legal support to cultivating your defense strategy to protecting your rights from constitutional violations, legal representation is crucial to every stage of your case.
Contact our office today to receive your one-on-one legal consultation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
