Conspiracy Charges in Las Vegas: Criminal Defense Overview

What is a Conspiracy Charge?

In Las Vegas, Nevada, criminal conspiracy charges can be gross misdemeanors or felonies. This would depend on the details of the crime in question. Under Nevada Law, conspiracy happens when more than one person plan to commit a crime. Unlike federal conspiracy charges that require proof that steps were taken to begin the plan to commit the crime, Nevada law only requires the plan between the individuals to break the law.

This means that even if no steps are taken toward committing the crime, individuals can still be charged  just for making the agreement. Because the definition is so wide, people can sometimes face conspiracy charges just for talking about a crime or being accused, even without clear proof that they planned to do it.

Conspiracy charges are usually added to other criminal charges, which can increase how bad the penalties will be. Prosecutors and Law enforcement in Nevada take these charges seriously and will use them to press charges against multiple people, even if only one person did majority of the planning or steps in a crime.

The laws can be tricky and if you are facing conspiracy charges, speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible. Michael A. Troiano has years of experience as a criminal defense attorney dealing with these conspiracy criminal charges. He can evaluate the case, challenge the evidence, and will fight to find a way to dismiss your case or get a reduction of the charges.

Nevada Conspiracy Laws and Penalties

Conspiracy charges in Nevada are covered in Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 199.480.The law says that if you simply agree to commit a crime, then it is enough to be charged. Nevada does not require any steps or action to be taken into that plan.

Nevada also has laws for drug type conspiracy charges under NRS 453.401, with penalties that are determined on the type and amount of drugs involved.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Conspiracy Charges

Felony Conspiracy Charges

When you are charged with the crimes of conspiracy for any of the following offenses, you will face felony charges with severe penalties:

• Robbery– A conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery can result in 1 to 10 years in state prison and fines of up to $5,000.
• Sexual Assault– A conspiracy conviction for sexual assault carries a potential prison sentence of 2 years to life, depending on the severity of the criminal act and any aggravating factors.
• Kidnapping (First or Second Degree)– Conspiring to commit first-degree kidnapping is punishable by life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years, while second-degree kidnapping carries 2 to 15 years in prison.
• Arson (First or Second Degree)– Conspiring to commit first-degree arson can result in up to 15 years in prisonand fines of up to $15,000, while second-degree arson carries up to 10 years in prison.
• Murder– A conviction related to murder is an extremely serious charge, carrying a potential life sentence without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty in extreme conspiracy cases.

Felony convictions carry more than prison time and fines. There are also life impacting consequences. It will permanently stay on your criminal history, will make it harder to get jobs, and will also add restrictions on your rights.

Gross Misdemeanor Conspiracy Charges

When facing conspiracy to commit any other crimes that are covered under the felony charges, then you will be charged with a gross misdemeanor. The penalties for gross misdemeanor convictions can be any of the following below:

• Up to one year in jail – Depending on the circumstances, a judge may sentence you to serve time in a county jail.
• Fines of up to $2,000 – The court can impose financial penalties as part of your sentencing.
• Probation – In some cases, the court may allow probation instead of jail time, often requiring compliance with strict conditions.
• Community Service – The court may order you to complete community service hours as part of your penalty.
• Permanent Criminal Record – A gross misdemeanor conviction will remain on your criminal record, potentially affecting future employment and housing opportunities.

How is Conspiracy Proven in Nevada?

In Nevada, the prosecution needs to prove that you had an agreement to commit the crime that was made between those involved. No other action is required to bring the charges against you. As mentioned earlier, this is very different when compared to the federal conspiracy laws. For those, prosecutors must show that you planned to commit an “overt act” and it was taken to advance the criminal plan.

Example Scenario

Bob and Patrick where watching TV at home and decided they wanted to rob their neighbor, Mr. T. As soon as they made this plan, they have already committed conspiracy to commit robbery, a felony charge. In Nevada, they don’t need to take a single action towards starting the plan of committing the robbery. Even if they never go out and purchase tools or spying on Mr. T, they will still face felony charges.

Can Only One Person Be Charged With Conspiracy?

Yes, while conspiracy usually involve more than one person, Nevada law doesn’t require it to be multiple people in order to move forward with charges. Prosecutors have the ability to charge only one person and allow the others to go free. Meaning that even if no one else is charged for the conspiracy to commit the crime, then you can still be charged by yourself.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

If your being charged with conspiracy charges in Nevada, then you need to make sure you have someone who can build a strong legal defense. An experienced criminal defense attorney can:

• Review the evidence to find out if they have a strong case against you
• Fight their claims that an agreement to the plan was made
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce charges or even get dismissals of all charges
• Defend your rights in court and argue on your behalf to reduce or remove penalties

Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing charges of conspiracy have a serious impact on your future. If you are fighting these charges, contact Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney Michael A. Troiano right away!

With years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer, he will fight aggressively for your rights and work to get you the best possible outcome for your case.

For a free consultation, call (702) 843-5500 today!