Can there be a one-person conspiracy under New York law?

Can there be a one-person conspiracy under New York law?

• A. CL: Yes
• B. CL: No
• C. NY: Yes
• D. NY: No

Answer: (C)

Conspiracy isn't about two named people every time; it's about an agreement to commit a crime and taking steps to carry it out. In New York, a defendant can be convicted of a conspiracy even if the other conspirator isn’t identified or is an undercover agent. The key is showing the defendant’s intent to join with someone else to pursue a criminal objective, along with an overt act in furtherance of that plan. This unilateral approach means a one-person conspiracy can exist under New York law.

Conspiracy isn't about two named people every time; it's about an agreement to commit a crime and taking steps to carry it out. In New York, a defendant can be convicted of a conspiracy even if the other conspirator isn’t identified or is an undercover agent. The key is showing the defendant’s intent to join with someone else to pursue a criminal objective, along with an overt act in furtherance of that plan. This unilateral approach means a one-person conspiracy can exist under New York law.