CONSPIRACY

"While working as a case manager in two prisons I use to review inmate case files. Ninety percent of the files I reviewed had something to do with conspiracy. I realized in some of these cases, pressure was placed on people to give law enforcement what they needed to arrest another person; only to find out that the person(s) who were giving the information were lying to keep themselves from getting into trouble.

Most of the time Law Enforcement go on a "snitch" word rather than facts. A large percentage of the prison population is incarcerated for conspiracy. 

Conspiracy occurs when two or more persons enter into an agreement to violate the law, even if the outcome of that violation would be legal. Title 18 of the United States Code outlaws conspiracy. Conspiracies are viewed as extremely serious crimes, even if the contemplated crime is not ultimately committed, and federal penalties include up to five years in federal prison. For example, conspiring to murder another person can get you into as much trouble as actually committing murder.

Though conspiracy charges are taken quite seriously, most state laws prevent conspiracy charges from being pursued if no actions were taken to carry out the conspiracy.

The agency which prosecutes a conspiracy charge is determined by the nature of the claim – it may be the FBI, DEA or another federal or state agency. Given both the complexity and severity of conspiracy charges, it is strongly recommended that those dealing with a conspiracy case consult with an attorney who is both competent and experienced in the ins and outs of conspiracy law.

In conclusion it is my desire to see the government re-visit the conspiracy laws and hold law enforcement accountable for doing their jobs by  investigating a case and arresting people on facts rather than arresting people on another person word without facts.

It is also my desire to see non-violent offenders serve less time in prison than a violent offender who is often released from prisons early for rape, murder, child molestation, home invasion with a weapon and brutally assaulting someone even if the person who is assaulted doesn't die. I do understand every case is different and all cases should be reviewed case by case instead of putting every case in the same category. I also understand some cases do have mitigating and extenuating circumstances. Last but not least, I would like to see re-instatement of federal parole. The majority of the inmates incarcerated in Federal Prison are serving time for non-violent offenses. It doesn't take 20 years to life for a person to realize they have made a mistake!!!"

-Garry L. Jones