Midland County Criminal Conspiracy Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Midland County Criminal Conspiracy Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Midland County Criminal Conspiracy attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Award-winning lawyers Paul Saputo and Nick Toufeis relentlessly defend our clients in Midland County Criminal Conspiracy cases, ensuring that the firm explores every possible available defense strategy.

Our boutique criminal defense practice at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense is distinguished by our unwavering commitment to delivering consistently high-level legal representation. We believe in providing extraordinary service to our clients, and we seek to represent clients who expect as much.

We’re not just Midland County Criminal Conspiracy lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.

In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. Our representation is not limited to the courtroom. As Midland County Criminal Conspiracy attorneys, we manage every facet of our clients’ cases.

Our team of seasoned professionals has dedicated their careers to safeguarding the rights of our clients. Contact us now to start preparing your defense against Criminal Conspiracy charges in Midland County.

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Contact a Midland County
Criminal Conspiracy Lawyer

When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.

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Choosing The Right Midland County Criminal Conspiracy Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result

Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.

At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.

How do I get a Criminal Conspiracy charge dropped in Midland County, Texas?

In order to get a Criminal Conspiracy charge dropped in Midland County, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §15.02.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Criminal Conspiracy, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Criminal Conspiracy statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Criminal Conspiracy statute in detail on the Criminal Conspiracy offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Criminal Conspiracy cases in Midland County.

One such case is McCurry v. State.

McCurry v. State

In McCurry v. State, decided on June 14, 2007, by the Court of Appeals of Texas, Eleventh District, Eastland, Tracy Ann McCurry was convicted in Midland County of conspiracy to commit capital murder for remuneration. The court affirmed her conviction, which included a sentence of fifteen years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Institutional Division. McCurry’s conviction was based on her attempt to hire someone to kill Maria Isabell Sanchez, which involved giving her sister a leather jacket to pawn to buy bullets for the murder.

The case focused on recorded conversations where McCurry expressed her intention to have Sanchez killed because she was interfering in McCurry’s relationship with her boyfriend. Despite McCurry’s assertions that her comments were not serious, the presence of a body wire worn by her sister during their conversations provided substantial evidence supporting the conviction. The court found the evidence legally and factually sufficient, dismissing McCurry’s argument that her statements, though serious, did not demonstrate an intention to follow through with the murder.

The appellate ruling emphasized the importance of the overt act in conspiracy, noting that McCurry’s actions, including the provision of the jacket to acquire bullets, constituted an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy. This case highlights the stringent approach courts take in conspiracy to commit murder cases, particularly when remuneration is involved, underscoring the severity with which the judicial system treats plots to commit capital offenses.

What does a Criminal Conspiracy charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Criminal Conspiracy, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(a) A person commits criminal conspiracy if, with intent that a felony be committed:

(1) he agrees with one or more persons that they or one or more of them engage in conduct that would constitute the offense; and

(2) he or one or more of them performs an overt act in pursuance of the agreement.

What is a Conspiracy Charge?

A criminal conspiracy charge is a type of “inchoate” crime that only requires the state to prove an agreement among two or more individuals to commit a felony. Typically, at least one member of the conspiracy must have performed a concrete action that advances the intended felony.The completion of the underlying felony itself is not a requirement for a conspiracy charge; rather, any action or preparatory step toward the felony suffices. The specific felony underlying a conspiracy charge can vary widely, including offenses such as murder, drug trafficking, or wire fraud.

How is Texas Criminal Conspiracy Law different from the Federal Conspiracy Law?

Texas law defines conspiracy as an agreement between two or more individuals to commit a felony. While this definition aligns with federal law, Texas diverges in its judicial handling of these cases. The state is notably stringent in enforcing conspiracy laws and restricts certain defense strategies. Under Texas law, a defendant may still be held liable for a conspiracy, regardless of various circumstances, including:

• Not all parties being found criminally responsible.
• The actual commission of the crime.
• The acquittal of one or more parties.
• The crime requiring the involvement of more than just one individual (the defendant).

In contrast, these circumstances might provide viable defenses in the federal court system. However, Texas law complicates defense in conspiracy cases by ruling out these scenarios as grounds for defense.

Misdemeanor conspiracy charges are adjudicated within the Texas State Judicial Court System, with sentences typically corresponding to the severity of the intended crime.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Midland County that Make Criminal Conspiracy Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Criminal Conspiracy in Midland County. Law enforcement agencies in Midland County that most typically make Criminal Conspiracy arrests include:

• The Midland County Sheriff’s Office handles Criminal Conspiracy cases throughout Midland County, Texas.
• Midland Police Department serves as one of the municipal police departments within Midland County and plays a significant role in making arrests for Criminal Conspiracy.

How do I win a Criminal Conspiracy case in Midland County?

To beat a Criminal Conspiracy charge in Midland County, Texas, you must first secure the services of a skilled and experienced attorney who can build a strong defense strategy tailored to the specific details of your case. It is crucial to thoroughly investigate the evidence, challenge any weaknesses or inconsistencies, and present a compelling case in court.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Midland County Criminal Conspiracy attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.

Midland County Criminal Conspiracy Attorney Case Defense Strategy

In order to form a winning Criminal Conspiracy case defense strategy, we must thoroughly investigate the case. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses or inconsistencies. Accordingly, the preparation often starts even before the case begins. As soon as the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we can start our own investigation. If you want to win your case, then you should work to obtain exculpatory evidence. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. As your Midland County Criminal Conspiracy attorney, we can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.

Our clients take advantage of our law firm’s comprehensive investigative resources. Our dedicated team comprising paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts, collaborates with our attorneys to lay the groundwork that fortifies our cases with their extensive investigative expertise.

Experienced Midland County Criminal Conspiracy lawyers can raise several defenses to fight a charge for criminal conspiracy that are unique to this type of offense. Attorney Paul Saputo has utilized conspiracy defenses such as:

• Legal Impossibility (the underlying act does not constitute a felony)
• Withdrawal from a Conspiracy (this is a defense to crimes committed in furtherance of the conspiracy, but not the actual conspiracy)
• Lack of Specific Intent to commit the underlying felony

If you have been charged with a criminal conspiracy, it is important to have an experienced Midland County Criminal Conspiracy defense attorney on your side.

How much does it cost to fight a Midland County, Texas, Criminal Conspiracy case?

You can expect to pay from $5,000 to $65,000 for Criminal Conspiracy in Midland County. Fees on these cases vary so widely because the punishment range varies so much. Most attorneys will charge less for misdemeanor-level Criminal Conspiracy cases, while felony-level cases command a higher fee.

Many lawyers will charge a separate trial fee, pre-arrest representation fee or pre-indictment representation fee.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Criminal Conspiracy in Midland County

Even when falsely accused of Criminal Conspiracy, it’s crucial to treat the charge with the utmost seriousness. You might hope the state would dismiss the charges due to your innocence. But without skilled legal representation, the case may proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately make the decision.

If the Midland County District Attorney has charged you with Criminal Conspiracy, or if you are under investigation for the offense by the police, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Midland County Criminal Conspiracy attorneys.

How can you modify your Midland County bond conditions after a Criminal Conspiracy arrest?

Often times, judges will set your initial bond conditions using standard forms that do not take into account your particular situation. If you need to change your bond conditions, you will need to do so through petitioning the court.

If your case has already been filed, you have to file a motion to modify your bond conditions. If your case has not been filed, you will need to file a writ of habeas corpus. Usually, judges will set a hearing to consider these pleadings. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence and argue why your bond conditions should be modified.

Your Midland County Criminal Conspiracy attorney will handle this process.

We often receive requests to modify ond conditions related to travel. In many cases, courts will restrict your travel, but you may need to travel for work or important family members. If you have a good reason to travel, courts will usually allow you to do so.

What happens at a Midland County arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Midland County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Midland County, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.

If the police have arrested you for Criminal Conspiracy, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Midland County judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Midland County Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.

What is the most common sentence for Midland County Criminal Conspiracy charge in Midland County?

The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for all Criminal Conspiracy convictions across the state. The punishment for Conspiracy offenses ranges from a Class A misdemeanor to a second degree felony because the conspiracy punishment is one degree lower than the underlying offense.

However, the actual punishment you receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances, including your prior criminal history and the circumstances of the offense. With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions for Criminal Conspiracy here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Midland County Criminal Conspiracy cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

Furthermore, all good Midland County Criminal Conspiracy attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Criminal Conspiracy conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment.

What is a drug conspiracy charge?

Texas prosecutors often use criminal conspiracy charges in cases involving drug-related felonies. In Texas, prosecutors often add charges of drug conspiracy to underlying possession or manufacturing or promotion. These charges usually involve plans to produce or distribute illegal substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or ecstasy.Texas prosecutors may bring drug conspiracy charges under either (or both) state or federal law. Texas’s conspiracy laws are modeled after the federal statute, which criminalizes conspiracies to commit any offense against the U.S.Whether the conspiracy is explicitly related to drugs or not, it is crucial to contact a drug conspiracy lawyer immediately to begin developing your defense.

What is federal conspiracy law?

Federal conspiracy law defines a conspiracy in a similar way that Texas does. A federal conspiracy is as an agreement between two or more people to commit felony criminal acts.Federal Conspiracy Law requires federal prosecutors to proved that one person commits an “overact act.” Overt acts must be “in furtherance of the conspiracy” – meaning that they must have been intended to complete the ends of the conspired crime.

What are some examples of federal conspiracy crimes?

Criminal conspiracy offenses can involve any one of the different kinds of illegal conduct in Texas, including drug charges, white-collar crimes, and violent offenses. Because both state and federal conspiracy statutes cover so much conduct, prosecutors file these types of criminal charges quite often.

Prosecutors can charge people with conspiracy even if they did not participate in and underlying offenses at all. Prosecutors frequently file conspiracy charges to try to get witnesses to testify against the person they believe to be the “mastermind” or “ringleader” of a larger criminal enterprise.

Conspiracy to Commit Financial Fraud

Financial fraud schemes represent a typical form of federal conspiracy crime. These cases often entail efforts to deceive a government program, federal bank, or another financial institution.

Falling under the umbrella of white-collar crime, these cases may encompass various schemes driven by financial motives.

Conspiracy to Commit Violent Crimes

Sometimes federal prosecutors charge conspiracy to commit violent felony offenses. Often times these conspiracy cases are pursued by special gang prosecutors. Violent felony-level offenses that may fall within this category include: Murder, Assault, Robbery, and Arson.

Conspiracy to Commit Sex Crimes and Computer Crimes

Prosecutors sometimes charge criminal conspiracies involving sex crimes and certain computer crimes. Both Texas and Federal law prescribe expecially harsh penalties for these offenses. Typical sex crimes prosecuted as conspiracy include Sex Trafficking, Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography, Online Solicitation of a Minor, and Continuous Sexual Abuse.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Midland County Criminal Conspiracy lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers

Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.

Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…

Awards

Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:

• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.

Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas

More Awards & Recognition…

Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.

• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.

Victories

The Midland County Criminal Conspiracy attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.

For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.

Reviews

One example review from a real client:

Incredible service. They worked with me on everything including payment and I never felt like I was talking to some corporate scumbag. If I ever have trouble again, I know who I’m calling.

– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §15.02.