Conspiracy to Distribute Charges in Kalamazoo: What You Need to Know
Being charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs in Kalamazoo can be scary. But with an experienced defense attorney on your side, you can fight the charges. This article will break down what “conspiracy” means, what penalties you may face, and potential defenses to explore.
What is Conspiracy to Distribute?
A conspiracy charge means prosecutors believe you made an agreement with someone else to commit a crime – in this case, to distribute illegal drugs. You don’t need to have actually sold drugs to be charged. Just planning or preparing can lead to charges.
Conspiracy is considered an “inchoate” crime. That means it prepares for or leads up to actually committing the crime. But under the law, the conspiracy itself is a separate crime.
Prosecutors often bring conspiracy charges in drug cases. That’s because it allows them to hold more people accountable. They don’t need proof that you actually handled or sold the drugs. Simply planning with others can establish guilt.
Penalties for Conspiracy to Distribute
Like most drug crimes, penalties for conspiracy to distribute depend on the type and quantity of drugs involved. Conspiracy sentences are typically close to those for actual distribution. Maximums can include:
- Marijuana: Up to 5 years in prison
- Cocaine: Up to 20 years
- Meth: Up to 20 years
- Heroin: Up to 20 years
Fines up to $250,000 are also possible. And there may be asset forfeiture, requiring you to give up cash, vehicles, or property connected to the crime.
How Prosecutors Try to Prove Conspiracy
Since no actual drug dealing needs to occur, conspiracy can be challenging to defend. Prosecutors will use circumstantial evidence to try proving you made an agreement. This may include:
- Texts, emails, phone calls about drug activities
- Being present during conversations about drug sales
- Having contacts with suspected dealers in your phone
- Being linked to locations where drug activities occurred
Surveillance evidence like wiretaps may also be used. For larger conspiracies, prosecutors rely heavily on informants and cooperating witnesses looking to reduce their own charges.
Fighting Conspiracy to Distribute Charges
In many cases, experienced attorneys can raise significant doubts about the strength of conspiracy evidence. Some possible defenses include:
You didn’t actually agree to participate. Perhaps you were merely present when others planned illegal activities. Or a friend asked you to store something without revealing it contained drugs. Without solid proof you intended to join the conspiracy, charges should not stick.
The informant lacks credibility. Informants often have incentives to fabricate evidence against others. Their credibility can be attacked by revealing past lies, plea deals they received, or monetary compensation.
Law enforcement violated your rights. Evidence from illegal searches, seizures, or interrogations cannot be used against you. An attorney can review the investigation for constitutional issues.
You played only a minor role. Even if some evidence implicates you, experienced lawyers may be able to negotiate reduced charges if your role was small. Factors like not handling drugs or money can help.
Entrapment. This rare defense argues police induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t otherwise have been involved in. It requires proof of overly coercive police conduct.
Recent Kalamazoo Conspiracy Cases
To understand how conspiracy charges work, it helps to examine real cases. A major 2021 meth ring in West Michigan led to several high-profile convictions. Ringleader Vincent Calicutt received 30 years in federal prison for conspiring to bring hundreds of pounds of meth from Mexico for distribution. Several other key players also received decade-plus sentences.
The case showed hallmarks of how prosecutors build conspiracy cases. They used informants, surveillance, GPS trackers, and traffic stops to gather evidence against the group. Recorded conversations and text messages helped establish their agreements to distribute drugs. And testimony showed defendants playing different roles like organizing shipments, distributing to dealers, and laundering money.
While the ringleaders received severe punishments, the case also demonstrated how attorneys can negotiate better outcomes for lesser players. Several defendants who assisted in deliveries or drug houses received sentences between 2-7 years. Their attorneys highlighted their smaller roles and cooperation to earn reduced charges or sentences.
Work with a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing felony conspiracy accusations can be overwhelming. But an experienced drug crime lawyer can thoroughly analyze the evidence against you. In many cases, they may be able to get charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial. They can also develop defense strategies and negotiate for better plea deals or trial verdicts.
Don’t leave your fate to chance. The attorneys at Grabel and Associates have over 25 years representing people accused of drug offenses in Kalamazoo and across Michigan. They have seen virtually every type of drug investigation and regularly secure positive results. Contact them for a free case evaluation and learn how they can start working to protect your rights and freedom.