If you are facing conspiracy charges, it is important to note that they work a little differently than other types of criminal charges. This is because the completion of the conspiracy is not a necessary requirement in order to be charged.
Generally speaking, all that is needed for a conspiracy charge is that at least two people have discussed the conspiracy, agreed to participate and then taken one step toward carrying it out. But that step may not actually be illegal in and of itself. It simply shows that there is a genuine intent to engage in the conspiracy, even if law enforcement officers make an arrest before the underlying crime is completed.
Transporting illegal drugs
For example, a case could involve drug trafficking. Marijuana products are legal in Michigan, but they are not legal in some other states. Two people may decide that they are going to buy a large amount of marijuana products in Michigan, load them into a van and then drive them to a state where recreational marijuana remains illegal. They believe that they can make a significant amount of money selling these products locally.
If these people hatched their plan and then purchased a large amount of marijuana or rented the van they intended to use, they could already be charged with conspiracy. They may argue that they did not actually transport marijuana out of the state or across state lines, and they certainly did not illegally sell it in another state. But simply by taking one concrete step toward completing the conspiracy, they may have already opened themselves up to criminal charges.
These cases can certainly be complicated, and those facing serious charges must understand their defense options.