Mounting a strong defense requires a thorough understanding of federal procedures, evidence rules, and the strategies prosecutors use in conspiracy cases. From challenging the government’s theory of agreement to identifying weaknesses in how the prosecution connects you to co-defendants, an experienced federal defense attorney can make all the difference in protecting your rights and your future.

Attorney David Haas, a former federal prosecutor and skilled federal criminal defense attorney based in Orlando, has successfully defended clients charged in complex federal cases throughout the United States. With firsthand insight into how federal agencies investigate and prosecute these cases, he offers strategic, aggressive, and knowledgeable representation tailored to your specific circumstances.

If you are under investigation or have been charged with federal conspiracy, do not wait. Call David Haas today at 407-392-9299 or fill in the “Tell Us What Happened” form on our website to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward defending your future.

Understanding Federal Conspiracy Charges

Federal conspiracy charges are among the most powerful tools prosecutors use in building complex criminal cases. Under the primary conspiracy statute, 18 U.S. Code § 371, it is a federal crime for two or more individuals to agree formally or informally to commit a specific offense against the United States or to defraud the U.S. government or one of its agencies. If any one of the co-conspirators takes even a single step in furtherance of the agreement, all parties involved may face conspiracy charges, even if the crime itself was never completed.

Critically, the law does not require the conspirators to have met in person or even known each other. Nor does it matter whether the conspiracy achieved its intended outcome. What matters is that the individuals knowingly entered into an unlawful agreement and one or more of them took action toward accomplishing the criminal objective.

In addition to the general conspiracy statute, federal law includes several specific conspiracy provisions tailored to particular types of criminal activity:

• Drug Conspiracy: Under 21 U.S.C. § 846, it is a felony to conspire to manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
• Money Laundering Conspiracy: 21 U.S.C. § 1956(h) criminalizes conspiracies to engage in financial transactions intended to disguise the origin of funds derived from unlawful activity—commonly known as “money laundering.”
• Fraud Conspiracy: 18 U.S.C. § 1349 applies to fraudulent schemes involving agreements to commit wire fraud, securities fraud, mortgage fraud, Ponzi schemes, or telemarketing scams.

Because conspiracy laws allow prosecutors to broaden the scope of a criminal case and link multiple defendants to a single charge, it is essential to have a defense attorney who understands how to challenge the government’s narrative, expose weaknesses in the evidence, and fight aggressively to protect your rights.

Penalties for Federal Conspiracy Convictions

A conviction for federal conspiracy can carry significant penalties—even if the underlying crime was never completed. Under 18 U.S.C. § 371, individuals found guilty of conspiracy may face:

• Up to five years in federal prison
• Substantial fines of up to $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for organizations

However, if the conspiracy involves a more serious federal offense, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, or healthcare fraud, the penalties align with the sentencing guidelines for the underlying offense. For example:

• Drug conspiracy convictions may carry mandatory minimum sentences of 5, 10, or even 20 years or more, depending on the type and quantity of drugs and the defendant’s prior criminal history.
• Money laundering conspiracies may result in up to 20 years in prison.
• Fraud conspiracies can lead to up to 30 years in prison in cases involving financial institutions or federal disaster relief funds.

Beyond incarceration, conspiracy convictions can result in asset forfeiture, loss of professional licenses, restitution orders, and lasting damage to your personal and professional reputation.

The necessity of having an experienced federal defense attorney protecting your rights and fighting for your future cannot be overstated. For the experience and expertise you need, call Haas Law today at 407-392-9299 or fill in our “Tell Us What Happened” form on our website.

Possible Strategies for Defending Against Federal Conspiracy Charges

Successfully defending against a federal conspiracy charge requires a deep understanding of both the legal standard and the government’s burden of proof. Depending on the specific details of the case, potential defense strategies may include:

• Challenging the Existence of an Agreement: Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a criminal agreement existed. Mere association or parallel conduct is not enough.
• Lack of Intent: If you did not knowingly and willfully join the conspiracy, you cannot be held liable. Demonstrating a lack of intent or knowledge is a powerful defense.
• Withdrawal from the Conspiracy: In some cases, a defendant may avoid liability by showing they affirmatively withdrew from the conspiracy before any overt act was taken.
• Insufficient Evidence: Conspiracy charges often rely on circumstantial evidence, informant testimony, or wiretaps. An experienced attorney can expose inconsistencies, credibility issues, or violations of constitutional rights.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to participate in criminal conduct you were not otherwise inclined to commit, an entrapment defense may apply.

Because conspiracy laws allow prosecutors to sweep in individuals who may have had minimal involvement, it is crucial to act quickly and strategically in your defense. Working with a trusted, experienced federal defense attorney is your best bet for quickly mounting a strong, strategic defense.

Protect Your Rights — Contact Experienced Federal Defense Attorney David Haas

If you are under federal investigation or have been charged with conspiracy, the stakes are high, and the government has a head start. You need a skilled and experienced federal criminal defense attorney who knows how to challenge the government’s case, navigate federal court procedures, and aggressively protect your rights and future.

Attorney David Haas is a former federal prosecutor who now defends individuals and businesses facing serious federal charges. He understands how federal investigations work from the inside and uses that insight to craft strategic, effective defenses for his clients.

With years of experience handling complex conspiracy cases involving drug offenses, healthcare fraud, money laundering, and white-collar crime, David Haas provides the advocacy and discretion you need during this critical time.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Haas Law today for a confidential consultation and put a seasoned federal defense attorney in your corner. Call 24/7 at 407-392-9299 or fill in our “Tell Us What Happened” form on our website for immediate help.