New Brunswick NJ Conspiracy Lawyers
One of the more common criminal charges encountered in Middlesex County is conspiracy. Conspiracy is what is referred to as an inchoate crime, an offense for “preparing for or seeking to commit another crime.” An individual is exposed to a conviction for this charge even though they were not the active participant in a robbery, distribution of marijuana, heroin or cocaine, theft by deception, shoplifting or other crime. What is pivotal to the commission of this offense is an agreement to commit the underlying criminal violation and some step to bring about the violation. If you are facing a conspiracy charge under 2C:5-2 at the Superior Court in New Brunswick or elsewhere, our defense attorneys are highly knowledgeable and experienced in defending this offense. The team at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has been defending individuals accused of conspiring for over 100 years combined and include former county prosecutors, even from Middlesex County. To speak to a lawyer at the firm immediately, call our New Brunswick Office at 732-246-7126 for a free consultation.
Conspiracy to Commit a Felony Crime: N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2
There are generally three (3) elements that must be proven by the Middlesex County Prosecutor in order to obtain a conviction for conspiracy. First, the accused must have the purpose of furthering the underlying criminal offense. Second, there must have been an agreement between the accused and another to aid in the commission of the crime. Third, the prosecutor must establish that the accused committed some “overt act” in pursuit of the violation. The act does not have to be significant but most involve some step, no matter how small, in furtherance of the conspiracy. Each and every one of these elements must be established beyond reasonable doubt in order to prove a 2C:5-2 conspiracy charge. The only time this does not apply is where the object of the conspiracy is a first or second degree distribution of CDS in which case an overt act need not be proven under N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2.
Charged With a Disorderly Persons Offense But Someone Else Did The Crime? In accordance with N.J.S.A. 2C:2-6 of the NJ Criminal Code, an individual may be held accountable for the commission of a disorderly persons violation of another if he or she is an “accomplice”. The main criteria for accomplice liability to apply is that the accused possess the same purpose as the actual perpetrator in violating the law. We frequently see this concept arising in the context of shoplifting — one person actually taking the merchandise or changing a tag as the accomplice acts as a lookout or distracts personnel.
Middlesex County Conspiracy Defense Attorneys
Our defense team is prepared to take the steps necessary to insure that you achieve the best outcome in your Middlesex County conspiracy case. You deserve every opportunity to defend yourself and protect your rights. The conspiracy defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall will do everything in their power to protect you. Whether your charge arose in Monroe, Sayreville, East Brunswick, Woodbridge or South River, we have the knowledge to effectively represent you. To take advantage of a free consultation with a lawyer on our staff, calling our Piscataway Office at 732-392-7202.
