Conspiracy to Murder

Pre-charge bail

If you are interviewed by the police as part of a conspiracy to murder investigation, you may be released on pre-charge bail while the police make a charging decision.

If you are released on pre-charge bail, you are likely to be subject to various bail conditions. Common conditions include restrictions on your movement or a requirement that you visit the police station at designated times.

To find out more in relation to pre-charge bail, please use the links provided below:

• Pre-charge bail and Released Under Investigation (RUI)
• On Bail But Not Charged - What Does It Mean?
• How long can you be on bail without charge UK?

Fees and funding

We are always upfront when it comes to fees.

Legal Aid may be available in certain cases, but this will depend on the seriousness of the case and whether it justifies the grant of public funding.

For clients who do not qualify for Legal Aid, the alternative option will be to fund a case privately.

To find out more about the way we handle fees (both Legal Aid and private fees), please use the links provided below:

• Our Fees – Crime Cases
• Do I Qualify for Criminal Legal Aid?
• Bespoke Crime Private Fee Service
• Will Your Private Legal Costs Increase?
• Do We Offer Free Consultations?

Related offences

We also provide support and guidance on various other matters that are related to conspiracy to murder, including:

• Murder and manslaughter
• Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
• Firearm and knife offences
• Violent crime
• Armed robbery
• Grievous bodily harm
• Self-defence as a legal defence

Common questions about conspiracy to murder

What is conspiracy to murder?

A ‘conspiracy’ involves two or more people agreeing to commit a criminal offence. So, conspiracy to murder is the offence of forming an agreement with at least one other person to pursue a course of conduct which will result in the murder of someone else. It is not necessary for every person to be physically involved in the act of killing; playing a key role in the agreement, preparation, or organisation of the murder will be sufficient.

A person who commits conspiracy to murder must not only know that the course of conduct involves the murder of someone else, but moreover must actually intend for that person to die.

However, importantly, there is no need for the murder to have in fact taken place. An agreement to murder which is not executed can still amount to a conspiracy.

How does a court prove conspiracy to murder?

When it comes to conspiracy to murder, the prosecution must be able to demonstrate with either direct or circumstantial evidence that a group of at least two individuals were working together in agreement with the intention to murder. This could include use of CCTV footage or digital forensics to prove that meetings took place or plans were made.

However, agreements to murder are rarely ever put into writing or recorded. As such, the prosecution will typically look to the acts of the parties allegedly involved in the conspiracy to try and demonstrate that they were acting upon an agreed plan. Such acts could include luring or distracting the target, hiring a hitman, or being a getaway driver.

Can I go to prison for conspiracy to murder?

Yes, a prison sentence is a genuine possibility, even if the actual act of murder did not take place.

What are the sentencing guidelines for conspiracy to murder?

The sentencing guidelines for conspiracy to murder are extremely strict. Depending on the circumstances, you could be liable to face life imprisonment if found guilty of conspiracy to murder.

Are there any mitigating factors that could affect sentencing?

There are various mitigating factors which could be considered during sentencing for conspiracy to murder. These include:

• The role played in the agreement
• Previous good character and/or exemplary conduct
• Remorse
• Cooperation with an investigation
• Your level of knowledge of the offence
• Any serious medical conditions which require long-term, urgent or intensive treatment
• Learning disabilities or mental disorders
• Age and/or lack of maturity
• Sole or primary carer for related dependents

Contact our conspiracy to murder solicitors now

If you are due to attend the police station for interview, have been charged with conspiracy to murder, or require any urgent specialist advice or immediate representation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of criminal defence lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

• Brent & Camden London Office: 020 7624 7771
• Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office:  0121 614 3333
• City of London: 0207 624 7771 our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City.

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation for conspiracy to commit murder

Please get in touch for a free initial consultation with one of our experts in defences against conspiracy to murder charges, as well as for immediate advice and representation.

For immediate representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556 and we will provide you with the urgent assistance you need.