Manhattan Criminal Conspiracy Lawyer
Defending Clients Accused of Conspiracy in Federal and State Courts
If you are facing conspiracy charges in Manhattan, you are likely overwhelmed by the complexity and seriousness of the allegations. Conspiracy is often charged in connection with white collar crimes, drug offenses, or organized criminal activity—and federal prosecutors use it as a powerful tool to widen their cases and implicate more defendants. At Sosinsky Law, we understand how conspiracy cases are built and how to dismantle them. With decades of experience representing clients in federal court and New York state courts, we know what it takes to defend high-profile individuals and professionals accused of conspiracy.
What Is Criminal Conspiracy in New York and Federal Law?
A conspiracy charge alleges that two or more individuals agreed to commit a crime, and that at least one of them took an overt step toward completing it. Importantly, a person does not need to complete the intended crime to be charged. Just agreeing to participate—paired with some action in furtherance of the plan—can trigger a conspiracy prosecution.
Under New York Penal Law § 105, conspiracy is divided into degrees based on the severity of the underlying crime. Federal conspiracy charges are usually brought under 18 U.S. Code § 371, which involves conspiring to commit any offense against the United States or to defraud the United States.
Federal prosecutors also rely heavily on conspiracy statutes in narcotics cases. For example, drug-related conspiracies are prosecuted under 21 U.S. Code § 846, which penalizes anyone who attempts or conspires to commit a drug trafficking crime.
Conspiracy charges are especially common in white collar cases. If you are being investigated for fraud, healthcare kickbacks, or public corruption, the government may attempt to link you to a broader conspiracy based on your communications, financial transactions, or business associations. Sosinsky Law regularly handles cases involving white collar crimes and has the insight to challenge overbroad conspiracy theories in court.
Why Conspiracy Charges Are So Dangerous
Federal conspiracy laws are designed to make prosecution easier. Prosecutors do not have to prove that the crime was completed—only that there was an agreement and some action taken in furtherance of that agreement. This broad legal standard means individuals who never touched drugs, never sent an illegal email, or never completed a fraudulent transaction can still be charged based on the words or actions of others.
In many drug conspiracy cases, people are swept up simply because they were associated with someone who was under investigation. This is common in cases involving federal narcotics offenses, drug manufacturing, or distribution.
Additionally, conspiracy charges often carry the same penalties as the underlying offense. For instance, someone convicted of a federal drug conspiracy may face mandatory minimum sentences based on the drug type and quantity—even if they did not directly sell or transport the drugs. This makes it critical to work with an attorney who understands how to contest conspiracy theories and reduce exposure to these harsh penalties.
Common Cases Involving Conspiracy Charges
At Sosinsky Law, we represent clients in a wide variety of conspiracy-related investigations and charges, including:
Federal drug conspiracies, often involving heroin, fentanyl, or cocaine
Healthcare fraud conspiracies, such as in Medicare or Medicaid fraud cases
Financial crime conspiracies, including bank fraud, securities fraud, or investment fraud
Public corruption or bribery conspiracies
Computer and internet crime conspiracies, including access device fraud or identity theft
We are also frequently retained in connection with cases that involve grand jury investigations. If you are under subpoena or have received a subpoena duces tecum, you need to act quickly to protect yourself.
Federal Conspiracy Sentencing and Exposure
In federal cases, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines play a major role in determining penalties. For conspiracy charges, your sentence will be tied to the underlying offense. For instance, a drug conspiracy involving over 1 kilogram of heroin may trigger a mandatory 10-year sentence. In fraud or financial crime conspiracies, loss amounts and number of victims may increase the recommended sentence.
Sosinsky Law has a deep understanding of the federal sentencing process. We engage in proactive sentencing advocacy, including preparing mitigation reports and presenting expert testimony where appropriate. Our team also challenges the loss amounts and other enhancements the government uses to inflate sentencing exposure.
Defenses to Criminal Conspiracy Charges
Not every agreement between people amounts to a criminal conspiracy. Our attorneys explore all possible defenses, such as:
Lack of agreement: There was no actual agreement to commit the alleged crime.
Withdrawal: You withdrew from the conspiracy before any crime was committed.
No overt act: In some cases, no action was taken to further the plan.
Entrapment: Law enforcement induced you into an agreement you would not otherwise have made.
Insufficient evidence: Much of the government’s case may rely on hearsay or the testimony of cooperating witnesses.
In addition, we analyze whether the conspiracy charges are overly broad or duplicative. For example, the government may try to charge you with both conspiracy and the substantive offense without justification. This could be challenged on double jeopardy or improper joinder grounds.
Grand Jury Investigations and Pre-Charge Defense
Many conspiracy cases begin with a federal grand jury investigation. You may not even be aware you are a target until you receive a subpoena or are contacted by federal agents. Sosinsky Law represents individuals at every stage of these investigations.
If you have received a grand jury subpoena—especially a subpoena duces tecum—you may be required to produce documents, emails, financial records, or digital files. We can help you:
Assess the scope of the subpoena
File motions to quash if it is overbroad or burdensome
Assert your Fifth Amendment rights
Raise the act of production privilege
Negotiate immunity or limited waivers if needed
Engaging a lawyer early in the investigation is one of the most important steps you can take. In many cases, we are able to resolve matters before charges are ever filed.
Why Choose Sosinsky Law for Conspiracy Defense in Manhattan?
Federal conspiracy cases require a deep understanding of criminal law, complex evidence, and prosecutorial strategies. Sosinsky Law has defended high-profile clients and professionals for decades, earning a reputation for discretion, excellence, and results. Our experience includes:
High-stakes federal criminal defense
Strategic defense in drug, financial, and healthcare-related conspiracies
Deep familiarity with Southern District of New York (SDNY) prosecutors and judges
Successful outcomes in dozens of serious felony and federal cases
Whether you are under investigation or already charged, we can help protect your rights and develop a strong, customized defense strategy.
Speak with a Manhattan Criminal Conspiracy Lawyer Today
If you are facing conspiracy allegations in Manhattan federal or state court, do not wait. The sooner you retain counsel, the more options you may have. Contact Sosinsky Law at (212) 285-2270 or reach out to our office today for a confidential consultation.