Williams and Walsh - Criminal Defense Overview


Conspiracy is a commonly charged crime in federal court, and South Carolina likewise has its own statute, which is listed below. In South Carolina, the common law crime of criminal conspiracy requires or more people working together to commit unlawful conduct and is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

SECTION 16-17-410. Conspiracy.

The common law crime known as “conspiracy” is defined as a combination between two or more persons for the purpose of accomplishing an unlawful object or lawful object by unlawful means.

A person who commits the crime of conspiracy is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years.

A person who is convicted of the crime of conspiracy must not be given a greater fine or sentence than he would receive if he carried out the unlawful act contemplated by the conspiracy and had been convicted of the unlawful act contemplated by the conspiracy or had he been convicted of the unlawful acts by which the conspiracy was to be carried out or effected.