New Jersey law does not require that all conspirators have direct contact with each other or that they enter the agreement to commit a crime at the same time in each other’s presence. If a person that you conspired with also conspired with others to commit the same crime, you are guilty of conspiring with the others.
You are not required to know the identity of the other conspirators. Yet, the mere association, acquaintance, or family relationship with another alleged conspirator is not enough to establish your guilt for the crime of conspiracy. Also, mere awareness of the conspiracy is not enough to establish your guilt for the crime of conspiracy. Similarly, the simple act of meeting with the other alleged conspirators and discussing common names and interests does not establish guilt for conspiracy. However, both judge and jury may consider any of these factors in considering guilt for a conspiracy crime.
To be guilty of conspiracy, the court must find that your purpose was that you or a person with whom you were conspiring would commit a crime. The State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that when you agreed it was your conscious object or purpose to promote or make it easier to commit a criminal offense under New Jersey law.
