Conspiracy – 182-185
Conspiracy is known as an “inchoate” or incomplete crime. For a conspiracy charge, you can be convicted of the conspiracy, the underlying crime that was conspired (or planned), or just one or the other.
The penalties for conspiracy are completely dependant on what crime was being planned. For example, if the conspiracy was to commit a felony, the penalties for that felony will apply. So, if you are convicted with conspiracy to commit rape, the punishment is three, six, or eight years in prison—the same for rape itself. If you conspire to commit murder, punishments are equivalent to those of first degree murder, since the planning itself shows premeditation.
Some conspiracy charges can be considered “wobblers” and can be either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the crime and your criminal history. Misdemeanor conspiracies are punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $10,000. There are a few exceptions, including conspiracy to commit identity theft, which is always a felony and is punishable with a fine of up to $25,000.