What does "criminal conspiracy" entail in Texas?

The definition of "criminal conspiracy" in Texas is centered on the idea that two or more individuals agree to commit an offense, and that there is an overt act taken in furtherance of that agreement. This means that merely discussing or planning a crime is not sufficient; there must be a clear indication through actions that the conspirators are moving towards committing the crime.

The requirement for an overt act emphasizes the seriousness of the conspiracy — it shows that the individuals are not just talking about a potential crime but are actively engaged in activities that lead towards the unlawful objective. This aligns with Texas Penal Code Section 15.02, which outlines the elements of conspiracy clearly: the agreement and the overt act are necessary components for establishing criminal conspiracy.

Therefore, the selection indicating the agreement among individuals coupled with an overt act effectively captures the legal standard required for a charge of conspiracy in Texas, illustrating the combination of intent and action that the law seeks to penalize.