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<title>Conspiracy</title>
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<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02" condition="start-of-chunk" version="5.0" lang="en">
<h2 class="title editable block">
<span class="title-prefix">8.2</span> Conspiracy</h2>
<div class="learning_objectives editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_n01">
<h3 class="title">Learning Objectives</h3>
<ol class="orderedlist" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_l01">
<li>Explain why conspiracy is an inchoate crime.</li>
<li>Define the criminal act element required for conspiracy.</li>
<li>Compare the conspiracy overt act requirement with the criminal act element required for attempt.</li>
<li>Define the criminal intent element required for conspiracy.</li>
<li>Ascertain whether a coconspirator can be criminally responsible when another coconspirator is not prosecuted or acquitted.</li>
<li>Ascertain whether a coconspirator must know every other coconspirator to be guilty of conspiracy.</li>
<li>Distinguish between a wheel and chain conspiracy.</li>
<li>Define the Pinkerton rule.</li>
<li>Define Wharton’s rule.</li>
<li>Identify an affirmative defense to conspiracy.</li>
<li>Ascertain whether merger applies to conspiracy.</li>
<li>Compare various approaches to conspiracy grading.</li>
<li>Define federal RICO.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_p01"><span class="margin_term"><a class="glossterm">Conspiracy</a><span class="glossdef">A criminal agreement to commit a crime, felony, or false indictment or to maintain a false lawsuit.</span></span> punishes defendants for agreeing to commit a criminal offense. Conspiracy is an inchoate crime because it is possible that the defendants never will commit the planned offense. However, a conspiracy is complete as soon as the defendants become <strong class="emphasis bold">complicit</strong> and commit the <strong class="emphasis bold">conspiracy act</strong> with the <strong class="emphasis bold">conspiracy intent</strong>. The rationale for punishing defendants for planning activity, which generally is not sufficient to constitute the crime of attempt, is the increased likelihood of success when defendants work together to plot and carry out a criminal offense.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_022"><em class="emphasis">Dennis v. U.S.</em>, 341 U.S. 494 (1951), accessed January 3, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=13576454585730441281&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr">http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=13576454585730441281&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr</a>.</span> If the defendants commit the crime that is the object of the conspiracy, the defendants are responsible for the conspiracy <em class="emphasis">and</em> the completed crime, as is discussed in <a class="xref" href="#storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s04">Section 8.2.4 "Consequences of Conspiracy"</a>.</p>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s01">
<h2 class="title editable block">Conspiracy Act</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s01_p01">In many jurisdictions, the <strong class="emphasis bold">criminal act</strong> element required for conspiracy is an agreement to commit any criminal offense.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_023">Fla. Stat. Ann. § 777.04(3), accessed January 1, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0777/Sections/0777.04.html">http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0777/Sections/0777.04.html</a>.</span> The agreement does not need to be formal or in writing.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_024"><em class="emphasis">State v. Bond</em>, 49 Conn. App. 183 (1998), accessed January 1, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://caselaw.findlaw.com/ct-court-of-appeals/1255702.html">http://caselaw.findlaw.com/ct-court-of-appeals/1255702.html</a>.</span> Some states also criminalize as conspiracy the agreement to falsely indict another for a crime and the agreement to falsely maintain any lawsuit, even a civil lawsuit.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_025">Cal. Penal Code § 182(a) (2), (3), accessed January 2, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://law.justia.com/california/codes/2009/pen/182-185.html">http://law.justia.com/california/codes/2009/pen/182-185.html</a>.</span> Other states only criminalize as conspiracy the agreement to commit a felony.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_026">Tex. Penal Code § 15.02, accessed January 3, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://law.onecle.com/texas/penal/15.02.00.html">http://law.onecle.com/texas/penal/15.02.00.html</a>.</span></p>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s01_p02">In some states and federally, an <strong class="emphasis bold">overt act</strong> in furtherance of the conspiracy is also required.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_027">18 U.S.C. § 371, accessed January 1, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/uscode/18/I/19/371">http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/uscode/18/I/19/371</a>.</span> The Model Penal Code requires an overt act only when the planned crime is “other than a felony of the first or second degree” (Model Penal Code § 5.03(5)). The overt act does not have to be <em class="emphasis">criminal</em> and may be planning or preparatory activity that would be insufficient to constitute the criminal act element required for <strong class="emphasis bold">attempt</strong>.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_028"><em class="emphasis">State v. Verive</em>, 627 P.2d 721 (1981), accessed January 1, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://wings.buffalo.edu/law/bclc/web/azverive.htm">http://wings.buffalo.edu/law/bclc/web/azverive.htm</a>.</span></p>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s01_s01">
<h2 class="title editable block">Example of Conspiracy Act</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s01_s01_p01">Review the example with Melissa and Matthew in <a class="xref" href="storm_1.0-ch08_s01#storm_1.0-ch08_s01_s02_s01_s02">Section 8 "Res Ipsa Loquitur Test"</a>. In this example, Melissa and Matthew agree to poison the neighbor’s dog because it barks every night. After deciding they will poison the dog, Melissa buys rat poison, and Matthew thereafter coats a filet mignon with it and throws it over the fence into the neighbor’s yard. In a jurisdiction that defines the criminal act element for conspiracy as an agreement between two or more to commit a criminal offense, Melissa and Matthew probably committed the conspiracy criminal act <em class="emphasis">as soon as they agreed</em> to poison the dog. Their agreement could be verbal and does not need to be formal or in writing. If Melissa and Matthew are in a jurisdiction that requires an <strong class="emphasis bold">overt act</strong> in furtherance of the conspiracy, Melissa and Matthew probably have not committed the conspiracy criminal act until Melissa <em class="emphasis">buys the rat poison</em>. Note that the purchase of the rat poison is not sufficient to constitute the criminal act element required for <strong class="emphasis bold">attempted</strong> destruction of property or animal cruelty, as discussed in <a class="xref" href="storm_1.0-ch08_s01#storm_1.0-ch08_s01_s02_s01_s02">Section 8 "Res Ipsa Loquitur Test"</a>. However, it would likely be enough to support the <strong class="emphasis bold">conspiracy</strong> to commit destruction of property or animal cruelty.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s02">
<h2 class="title editable block">Conspiracy Intent</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s02_p01">The essence of conspiracy is agreement, which requires two or more parties. However, the modern approach is that a conspiracy may be formed as long as <em class="emphasis">one</em> of the parties has the appropriate intent.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_029">Ind. Code § 35-41-5-2(5), accessed January 1, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/2010/title35/ar41/ch5.html">http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/2010/title35/ar41/ch5.html</a>.</span> Pursuant to this unilateral view of conspiracy, a conspiracy may exist between a defendant and a law enforcement decoy who is pretending to agree.</p>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s02_p02">In the majority of jurisdictions, the criminal intent element required for conspiracy is <strong class="emphasis bold">specific intent</strong> or <strong class="emphasis bold">purposely</strong> to agree with another to commit the crime at issue.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_030">Connecticut Criminal Jury Instructions 3.3-1, accessed January 1, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://www.jud.ct.gov/ji/criminal/part3/3.3-1.htm">http://www.jud.ct.gov/ji/criminal/part3/3.3-1.htm</a>.</span> As the Model Penal Code states, “[a] person is guilty of conspiracy…if with the purpose of promoting or facilitating its commission he: (a) agrees with such other person…that they…will engage in conduct which constitutes such crime” (Model Penal Code § 5.03(1) (a)). This intent has two components. The prosecution must prove that the conspirator intended to <em class="emphasis">agree</em> and also intended to <em class="emphasis">commit</em> the underlying offense.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_031"><em class="emphasis">State v. Lewis</em>, 220 Conn. 602 (1991), accessed January 2, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=6997065715061309373&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr">http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=6997065715061309373&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr</a>.</span></p>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s02_s01">
<h2 class="title editable block">Example of Conspiracy Intent</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s02_s01_p01">Shelley and Sam meet at a bar and discuss their lack of finances. Shelley mentions that she and her friend Steffy work at a convenience store. Sam asks Shelley if she would like to help him rob the convenience store when Steffy is working. Shelley agrees. The two plan the robbery. Shelley and Sam agree that Shelley will drive the getaway car on the appointed date and time. Shelley informs Sam that Steffy is extremely meek and fearful and will readily hand over cash out of the cash register if Sam uses a fake handgun. Shelley and Sam probably have the criminal intent element required for conspiracy. Shelley and Sam have the intent to <em class="emphasis">agree to work together</em> because they both need each other to successfully complete the convenience store robbery. In addition, Shelley and Sam have the intent to <em class="emphasis">successfully commit the robbery</em> because they both want the money the robbery will produce. Thus if no overt act is required in their jurisdiction, Shelley and Sam most likely have completed the crime of conspiracy and may be prosecuted for this offense whether or not the robbery actually takes place.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s03">
<h2 class="title editable block">Conspiracy Parties</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s03_p01">Similar to <strong class="emphasis bold">accomplice liability</strong>, the acquittal of or failure to prosecute one party to the conspiracy does not relieve a coconspirator from criminal responsibility in many states.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_032">Tex. Penal Code § 15.02(c), accessed January 3, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://law.onecle.com/texas/penal/15.02.00.html">http://law.onecle.com/texas/penal/15.02.00.html</a>.</span> In addition, a coconspirator does not need to <em class="emphasis">know</em> every other coconspirator to be accountable as a member of the conspiracy.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_033">Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 28-202(2), accessed January 3, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://law.justia.com/nebraska/codes/2006/s28index/s2802002000.html">http://law.justia.com/nebraska/codes/2006/s28index/s2802002000.html</a>.</span> As long as the conspiracy defendant is aware that other coconspirators exist, the mens rea for conspiracy is present. As the Model Penal Code states, “[i]f a person guilty of conspiracy…knows that a person with whom he conspires to commit a crime has conspired with another person or persons to commit the same crime, he is guilty of conspiring with such other person or persons, whether or not he knows their identity” (Model Penal Code § 5.03(2)). Large-scale conspiracies, such as conspiracies to distribute contraband or illegal firearms, may result in each member sharing criminal responsibility for the conspiracy and every separate conspiracy transaction.</p>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s03_p02">A conspiracy that has more than one criminal objective still can be just <em class="emphasis">one</em> conspiracy. Under the Model Penal Code, “[i]f a person conspires to commit a number of crimes, he is guilty of only one conspiracy so long as such multiple crimes are the object of the same agreement or continuous conspiratorial relationship” (Model Penal Code § 5.03(3)).</p>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s03_p03">It is useful to understand two basic large-scale conspiracy organizational formats: wheel and chain conspiracies. A <span class="margin_term"><a class="glossterm">wheel conspiracy</a><span class="glossdef">A conspiracy where each member is connected to one central coconspirator.</span></span> consists of a single conspirator, generally the ringleader who is interconnected to every other coconspirator. The ringleader is the hub; the other coconspirators are the spokes of the wheel. An example of a wheel conspiracy would be a mob boss linked to individual members of the mob following his or her commands. A <span class="margin_term"><a class="glossterm">chain conspiracy</a><span class="glossdef">A conspiracy where each member is interconnected in a linear fashion.</span></span> consists of coconspirators connected to each other like links in a chain but without a central interconnected ringleader. An example of a chain conspiracy is a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute a controlled substance, with the manufacturer linked to the transporter, who sells to a large-quantity dealer, who thereafter sells to a smaller-quantity dealer, who sells to a customer. Whether the conspiracy is wheel, chain, or otherwise, if the jurisdiction has a statute or common-law rule that each member does not need to personally know every other member as discussed previously, the coconspirators may be criminally responsible for the <strong class="emphasis bold">conspiracy</strong> <em class="emphasis">and</em> the crime(s) it furthers.</p>
<div class="figure large editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s03_f01">
<p class="title"><span class="title-prefix">Figure 8.5</span> Comparison of Wheel and Chain Conspiracies</p>
<img src="section_12/cb48d879d4ca8f106c6f9da21f6d3388.jpg">
</div>
</div>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s04">
<h2 class="title editable block">Consequences of Conspiracy</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s04_p01">In some states and federally, individuals who enter into a conspiracy are criminally responsible for <em class="emphasis">every reasonably foreseeable</em> crime committed in furtherance of the conspiracy.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_034"><em class="emphasis">U.S. v. Castaneda</em>, 9 F.3d 761 (1993), accessed January 3, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=13576116398000833345&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr">http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=13576116398000833345&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr</a>.</span> This rule is called the <span class="margin_term"><a class="glossterm">Pinkerton rule</a><span class="glossdef">A rule that allows a defendant to be convicted of conspiracy and every foreseeable crime committed in furtherance of the conspiracy.</span></span>, based on the US Supreme Court case that created it (<a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=7522663957503397577&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr"><em class="emphasis">Pinkerton v. U.S.</em>, 328 U.S. 640 (1946).</a>). One factor used to determine foreseeability is the degree of the defendant’s involvement in the conspiracy. A defendant who plays a minor role is less likely to be criminally responsible than a defendant who has a more substantive involvement.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_035"><em class="emphasis">U.S. v. Castaneda</em>, 9 F.3d 761 (1993), accessed January 3, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=13576116398000833345&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr">http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=13576116398000833345&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr</a>.</span></p>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s04_s01">
<h2 class="title editable block">Example of the Pinkerton Rule</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s04_s01_p01">Review the example in <a class="xref" href="#storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s02_s01">Section 8 "Example of Conspiracy Intent"</a> with Shelley and Sam. Assume that on the night of the convenience store robbery, Lucy, an armed, off-duty police officer, wanders into the store to purchase cigarettes at the moment Sam pulls out his fake handgun. Lucy yanks her concealed handgun out of her waistband and tells Sam to drop the weapon. Jolene, another customer in the store, observes the two pointing guns at each other and suffers a fatal heart attack. In many jurisdictions, both Shelley and Sam probably could be criminally responsible for <strong class="emphasis bold">conspiracy</strong> to commit robbery, <strong class="emphasis bold">attempted</strong> robbery, and the <strong class="emphasis bold">murder</strong> of Jolene. Shelley and Sam attempted to commit the robbery <em class="emphasis">in furtherance</em> of the conspiracy. Both played a <em class="emphasis">major</em> role in the conspiracy and the attempted robbery. Thus both are accountable for the foreseeable consequences. Robbery is a crime of violence, so a death that occurs during a robbery is foreseeable, even though Sam is armed with only a pretend handgun. Thus Shelley and Sam may be charged with and convicted of Jolene’s murder, which is most likely felony murder. Felony murder is discussed in detail in <a class="xref" href="storm_1.0-ch09#storm_1.0-ch09">Chapter 9 "Criminal Homicide"</a>.</p>
</div>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s04_s02">
<h2 class="title editable block">Wharton’s Rule</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s04_s02_p01">A criminal offense that requires two parties cannot be the object of a conspiracy that consists of two parties. This rule is called <span class="margin_term"><a class="glossterm">Wharton’s rule</a><span class="glossdef">A rule that creates a judicial presumption prohibiting a conviction for conspiracy and the crime it furthers if the conspiracy has only two members and the crime it furthers requires two members. Also called the concert of action rule.</span></span>, or the <strong class="emphasis bold">concert of action rule</strong>.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_036">USLegal, “Definition of Wharton’s Rule,” USLegal.com website, accessed January 3, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://definitions.uslegal.com/w/whartons-rule">http://definitions.uslegal.com/w/whartons-rule</a>.</span> However, a statute can expressly criminalize a conspiracy to commit any crime, <em class="emphasis">abrogating</em> the rule. Currently, Wharton’s rule can operate as a judicial <strong class="emphasis bold">presumption</strong>, to be applied in the absence of legislative intent to the contrary.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_037"><em class="emphasis">Ianelli v. U.S.</em>, 420 U.S. 770, 785 (1975), accessed January 3, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=16942118715212641737&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr">http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=16942118715212641737&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr</a>.</span></p>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s04_s02_s01">
<h2 class="title editable block">Example of a Case Where Wharton’s Rule Is Inapplicable</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s04_s02_s01_p01">Joanne and Robert conspire with Don, Joanne’s pimp, to engage in prostitution. Joanne and Robert get caught in the act of engaging in prostitution by Edward, a police officer. Wharton’s rule probably does not apply in this case. Although engaging in prostitution requires <em class="emphasis">two</em> parties, the conspiracy to engage in prostitution has <em class="emphasis">three</em> members—Don, Joanne, and Robert. Thus Wharton’s rule is likely inapplicable, and Don, Joanne, and Robert might have committed conspiracy to engage in prostitution. Note that if only Joanne and Robert conspire to engage in prostitution, Wharton’s rule may act as a judicial presumption that they cannot commit conspiracy <em class="emphasis">and</em> the crime it furthers.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s05">
<h2 class="title editable block">Renunciation as a Defense to Conspiracy</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s05_p01">One potential affirmative defense to conspiracy is <span class="margin_term"><a class="glossterm">renunciation</a><span class="glossdef">An affirmative defense to conspiracy in some jurisdictions if the defendant voluntarily and completely renounces the conspiracy and thwarts the crime that is its object.</span></span>. Similar to voluntary abandonment in attempt, <strong class="emphasis bold">renunciation</strong> can operate as a defense to conspiracy in some jurisdictions if the defendant completely and voluntarily renounces the conspiracy.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_038">N.J. Stat. § 2c: 5-2e, accessed January 4, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://law.onecle.com/new-jersey/2c-the-new-jersey-code-of-criminal-justice/5-2.html">http://law.onecle.com/new-jersey/2c-the-new-jersey-code-of-criminal-justice/5-2.html</a>.</span> The renunciation must also thwart the crime that is the object of the conspiracy. The Model Penal Code allows the defense and provides, “It is an affirmative defense that the actor, after conspiring to commit a crime, thwarted the success of the conspiracy, under circumstances manifesting a complete and voluntary renunciation of his criminal purpose” (Model Penal Code § 5.03(6)).</p>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s05_s01">
<h2 class="title editable block">Example of Renunciation</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s05_s01_p01">Review the example with Shelley and Sam in <a class="xref" href="#storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s02_s01">Section 8 "Example of Conspiracy Intent"</a>. In this example, Shelley and Sam agree to commit a robbery at the convenience store where Steffy is a cashier. Adjust the example so that Shelley has a change of heart and contacts law enforcement about the robbery before she drives Sam to the convenience store in the getaway car. Law enforcement officers ask Shelley to help them apprehend Sam, and she agrees. Shelley drives Sam to the convenience store as planned. Two law enforcement officers dress in plainclothes and pretend to be shopping in the convenience store when Sam arrives. As soon as Sam pulls out his fake handgun, they arrest him. If Shelley is in a jurisdiction that recognizes the <strong class="emphasis bold">renunciation</strong> defense, she probably will have a valid defense to a charge of conspiracy. Although Shelley committed the criminal act for conspiracy with the requisite criminal intent, she <em class="emphasis">voluntarily</em> and <em class="emphasis">completely</em> renounced the conspiracy and <em class="emphasis">thwarted</em> the crime that was its object. Thus Shelly has likely met the requirements of renunciation, and only Sam may be charged with a crime or crimes in this scenario.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s06">
<h2 class="title editable block">Merger</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s06_p01">At early common law, conspiracy, which was a misdemeanor, <strong class="emphasis bold">merged</strong> into the completed felony that was its object. The merger was based on the significant procedural differences between misdemeanor and felony trials. As the differences diminished, so did the merger concept. In modern times, conspiracy does not merge into the completed offense.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_039"><em class="emphasis">Callanan v. U.S.</em>, 364 U.S. 587 (1961), accessed January 4, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=10261023883092961366&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr">http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=10261023883092961366&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr</a>.</span> Thus a defendant can be charged with and convicted of conspiracy <em class="emphasis">and</em> any crime the conspiracy furthers, as is discussed more fully in <a class="xref" href="#storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s04">Section 8.2.4 "Consequences of Conspiracy"</a>.</p>
<div class="figure large editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s06_f01">
<p class="title"><span class="title-prefix">Figure 8.6</span> Defenses to Conspiracy</p>
<img src="section_12/5c10f581c6e78015541656142b242ec7.jpg">
</div>
</div>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s07">
<h2 class="title editable block">Conspiracy Grading</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s07_p01">Some states <strong class="emphasis bold">grade</strong> conspiracy the same as the most serious offense that is the conspiracy’s object.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_040">18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 905, accessed January 4, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://law.onecle.com/pennsylvania/crimes-and-offenses/00.009.005.000.html">http://law.onecle.com/pennsylvania/crimes-and-offenses/00.009.005.000.html</a>.</span> Others grade conspiracy lower than the most serious conspired offense and do not criminalize the conspiracy to commit a simple, low-level misdemeanor.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_041">Tenn. Code Ann. §39-12-107(c), accessed January 4, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://law.justia.com/tennessee/codes/2010/title-39/chapter-12/part-1/39-12-107">http://law.justia.com/tennessee/codes/2010/title-39/chapter-12/part-1/39-12-107</a>.</span> Another view is to set a separate penalty for the conspiracy to commit specific crimes.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_042">Cal. Penal Code § 182, accessed January 4, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/182.html">http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/182.html</a>.</span> It is not unconstitutional to punish conspiracy more severely than the crime conspired.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_043"><em class="emphasis">Clune v. U.S.</em>, 159 U.S. 590 (1895), accessed January 4, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=14126191414675975192&q=Clune+v.+US&hl=en&as_sdt=2002&as_vis=1">http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=14126191414675975192&q= Clune+v.+US&hl=en&as_sdt=2002&as_vis=1</a>.</span></p>
</div>
<div class="section" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08">
<h2 class="title editable block">Federal RICO</h2>
<p class="para editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_p01">In response to an increase in organized crime, the federal government enacted the <span class="margin_term"><a class="glossterm">Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO)</a><span class="glossdef">A federal statute that criminalizes organized crime.</span></span> (<a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/718/usc_sup_01_18_10_I_20_96.html">18 U.S.C. §§ 1961-1968)</a>). RICO provides extensive criminal penalties and also a civil cause of action for <strong class="emphasis bold">organized crime</strong> and includes all offenses that are criminal under state or federal law. Although RICO was originally intended to focus on sophisticated criminal businesses such as loan sharking, mafia, and high-stakes gambling operations,<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_044">G. Robert Blakey, “RICO: The Genesis of an Idea,” Abstract, Social Science Research Network website, accessed January 4, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1142930">http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1142930</a>.</span> its modern application is much broader and encompasses many white-collar crimes and small-time conspiracies. A criminal organization always involves more than one member, and at the very least rudimentary planning, so conspiracy is a common RICO charge and is often easier to prove than a completed criminal offense. Recently, RICO has been criticized as being overused and applied in a manner inconsistent with its original purpose, especially when it targets smaller, low-member criminal “organizations.” Some examples of highly publicized RICO defendants are Hell’s Angels,<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_045">Keith Zimmerman, Kent Zimmerman, “Hell’s Angel: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club,” accessed January 4, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://www.organized-crime.de/revbar01sonnybarger.htm">http://www.organized-crime.de/revbar01sonnybarger.htm</a>.</span> Catholic priests in sex abuse cases,<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_046">Greg Smith, “Courts: Lawsuit Accuses Diocese of Hiding Sex Abuse,” <em class="emphasis">Norwich Bulletin</em> website, accessed January 4, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://www.norwichbulletin.com/lifestyles/spirituality/x497774422/Courts-Lawsuit-accuses-diocese-of-hiding-sex-abuse">http://www.norwichbulletin.com/lifestyles/spirituality/x497774422/Courts-Lawsuit-accuses-diocese-of-hiding-sex-abuse</a>.</span> and Major League Baseball.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_047">“Arbitration Ruling Effectively Ends Loria RICO Suit,” Sportsbusinessdaily.com website, accessed June 28, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2004/11/Issue-46/Franchises/Arbitration-Ruling-Effectively-Ends-Loria-Rico-Suit.aspx">http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2004/11/Issue-46/Franchises/Arbitration-Ruling-Effectively-Ends-Loria-Rico-Suit.aspx</a>.</span></p>
<div class="table block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_t01" frame="all">
<p class="title"><span class="title-prefix">Table 8.1</span> Comparison of Conspiracy and Accomplice Liability</p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Type of Liability</th>
<th>Criminal Act</th>
<th>Criminal Intent</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Conspiracy</td>
<td>Agreement to commit a crime, false criminal indictment, false lawsuit, or felony; some jurisdictions require an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy</td>
<td>Specific intent or purposely to agree to commit the specified offense(s)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Accomplice</td>
<td>Aid, assist commission of a crime</td>
<td>Specific intent or purposely or general intent or knowingly, depending on the jurisdiction</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div class="figure full editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_f01">
<p class="title"><span class="title-prefix">Figure 8.7</span> Diagram of Conspiracy</p>
<img src="section_12/32b85dd7f97fc780b2dcb566036c3d9c.jpg">
</div>
<div class="callout block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_n01">
<h3 class="title">Tom DeLay Convicted of Conspiracy and Money Laundering Video</h3>
<p class="simpara">Judge Sentences Tom DeLay to Three Years in Prison</p>
<p class="para" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_p07">Tom DeLay, former US House Majority Leader, was convicted of conspiracy and money laundering.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_048">Paul Meyer, “Tom DeLay is sentenced to three years,” <em class="emphasis">Los Angeles Times</em> website, accessed August 15, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/11/nation/la-na-tom-delay-20110111">http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/11/nation/la-na-tom-delay-20110111</a>.</span> His verdict is shown in this video:</p>
<div class="mediaobject">
<a data-iframe-code='<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KONoIQvpNmk" condition="http://img.youtube.com/vi/KONoIQvpNmk/0.jpg" vendor="youtube" width="450" height="340" scalefit="1"></iframe>' href="http://www.youtube.com/v/KONoIQvpNmk" class="replaced-iframe" onclick="return replaceIframe(this)">(click to see video)</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="key_takeaways editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_n02">
<h3 class="title">Key Takeaways</h3>
<ul class="itemizedlist" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_l01">
<li>Conspiracy is an inchoate crime because the defendants might never complete the offense that is the conspiracy’s object.</li>
<li>The criminal act element required for conspiracy is an agreement to commit any crime, commit a felony, falsely indict another for a crime, or falsely maintain any lawsuit, depending on the jurisdiction.</li>
<li>The overt act required for conspiracy can be preparatory activity; the criminal act element required for attempt must be more than mere preparation.</li>
<li>The criminal intent element required for conspiracy is specific intent or purposely to agree to commit the offense that is the conspiracy’s object.</li>
<li>The acquittal of or failure to prosecute one coconspirator does not prohibit the prosecution of other coconspirators in some jurisdictions.</li>
<li>A coconspirator does not need to know every other coconspirator; as long as a coconspirator is aware that there are other members, he or she can be criminally responsible for conspiracy.</li>
<li>A wheel conspiracy connects all members to one central member. A chain conspiracy interconnects the members in a linear fashion.</li>
<li>The Pinkerton rule holds conspiracy members criminally responsible for every foreseeable crime committed in furtherance of the conspiracy.</li>
<li>Wharton’s rule could create a judicial presumption that a defendant cannot be criminally responsible for conspiracy and the crime that is its object if the conspiracy has only two members, and the crime that is its object requires two defendants.</li>
<li>Renunciation is an affirmative defense to conspiracy in some jurisdictions if the defendant voluntarily and completely renounces the conspiracy and thwarts the crime that is its object.</li>
<li>Generally, conspiracy does not merge like attempt; a defendant can be convicted of conspiracy and the crime conspired.</li>
<li>Some jurisdictions grade conspiracy the same as the conspired offense; other jurisdictions grade conspiracy lower than the conspired offense. It is not unconstitutional to grade conspiracy higher than the offense that is its object.</li>
<li>Federal RICO is a statute that is designed to punish organized crime.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="exercises editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_n03">
<h3 class="title">Exercises</h3>
<p class="para" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_p02">Answer the following questions. Check your answers using the answer key at the end of the chapter.</p>
<ol class="orderedlist" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_l02">
<li>Gail and Roger conspire to commit a <strong class="emphasis bold">misdemeanor</strong>. In Gail and Roger’s state, conspiracy is punishable as a <strong class="emphasis bold">felony</strong>. Can Gail and Roger be convicted of a felony for conspiring to commit a misdemeanor? Why or why not?</li>
<li>Read <em class="emphasis">State v. Blackmer</em>, 816 A.2d 1014 (2003). In <em class="emphasis">Blackmer</em>, the defendant appealed his conviction for conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to sell because the individual with whom he was conspiring was a police decoy who did not have conspiracy intent. Did the Supreme Court of New Hampshire uphold the defendant’s conviction? The case is available at this link: <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=10340846332108789820&q=State+v.+Blackmer&hl=en&as_sdt=2,5">http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=10340846332108789820&q= State+v.+Blackmer&hl=en&as_sdt=2,5</a>.</li>
<li>Read <em class="emphasis">Commonwealth v. Roux</em>, 350 A.2d 867 (1976). In <em class="emphasis">Roux</em>, the defendant was convicted of murder and conspiracy to commit murder after a barroom brawl resulted in a victim’s death. The defendant and others beat the victim with their fists. Thereafter the criminal actor took a knife from a defendant who then walked away. The criminal actor stabbed the victim, who died as a result. The defendant who walked away claimed that he “abandoned” the conspiracy by leaving before the stabbing, and this should be an affirmative defense to the conspiracy and murder charges. Did the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania uphold the defendant’s convictions? The case is available at this link: <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=1692554406000599210&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr">http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=1692554406000599210&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr</a>.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="exercises editable block" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_n04">
<h3 class="title">Law and Ethics: The Han Murder Conspiracy</h3>
<p class="simpara">Did the Coconspirators Intend to Commit Murder?</p>
<p class="para" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_p03">Read <em class="emphasis">People v. Han</em>, 78 Cal. App. 4th 797 (2000). The case is available at this link: <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/g023433.pdf">http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/g023433.pdf</a>.</p>
<p class="para" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_p04">In <em class="emphasis">Han</em>, a lurid California case involving twins, three defendants were convicted of burglary, false imprisonment, and conspiracy to commit murder.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_049">Beloit Daily News, “‘Evil Twin’ Found Guilty of Plotting to Kill Sister,” <em class="emphasis">Beloit Daily News</em> website, accessed January 28, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/1997/11/21/export7262.txt">http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/1997/11/21/export7262.txt</a>.</span> Two of the codefendants appealed on the grounds that the evidence was insufficient to support the verdict of conspiracy to commit murder. The codefendants claimed that the only <strong class="emphasis bold">direct</strong> evidence of intent to commit murder were statements made by the defendant Jeen Han <em class="emphasis">before</em> the conspiracy was formed, and defendant Han could not conspire with herself.</p>
<p class="para" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_p05">The defendant Jeen Han and her twin sister Sunny had a long history of violence against each other.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_050"><em class="emphasis">People v. Han</em>, 78 Cal. App. 4th 797, 802 (2000), accessed January 28, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/g023433.pdf">http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/g023433.pdf</a>.</span> Defendant Han became enraged when Sunny pressed charges against her for theft. Testimonial evidence presented at trial showed that she expressed the intent to kill her twin <em class="emphasis">before</em> any conspiracy was formed.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_051"><em class="emphasis">People v. Han</em>, 78 Cal. App. 4th 797, 803 (2000), accessed January 28, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/g023433.pdf">http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/g023433.pdf</a>.</span> She actively sought out individuals to help her with her sister’s murder.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_052"><em class="emphasis">People v. Han</em>, 78 Cal. App. 4th 797, 803 (2000), accessed January 28, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/g023433.pdf">http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/g023433.pdf</a>.</span> Thereafter, she met up with her teenaged cousin and a friend, the other two codefendants. The three broke into Sunny Han’s apartment, tied up Sunny and her roommate at gunpoint and placed them in the bathtub, and then ransacked Sunny’s purse. Receipts produced at trial indicated a purchase of garbage bags, twine, utility tape, and Pine Sol previous to the incident. The Court of Appeal of California held that although circumstantial, the evidence supported the verdict. The court reasoned that the purchase of the twine, garbage bags, utility tape, and Pine Sol, combined with the actions of the defendants in breaking into the apartment, tying up the two roommates at gunpoint, and putting them in the bathtub, could be interpreted as circumstantial evidence of intent to kill, and the trier of fact did not err in making that conclusion.<span class="footnote" id="storm_1.0-fn08_053"><em class="emphasis">People v. Han</em>, 78 Cal. App. 4th 797, 804, 805 (2000), accessed January 28, 2011, <a class="link" target="_blank" href="http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/g023433.pdf">http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/g023433.pdf</a>.</span></p>
<ol class="orderedlist" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_l03">
<li>Do you think it is <em class="emphasis">ethical</em> to impute Jeen Han’s intent to murder her twin to the two other coconspirators, based on the circumstantial evidence presented at trial?</li>
</ol>
<p class="para" id="storm_1.0-ch08_s02_s08_p06">Check your answer using the answer key at the end of the chapter.</p>
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