Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — General Conspiracy Charge, also known as Wake County General Conspiracy Charge Jury Instruction, is a legal instruction given to a jury in Wake County, North Carolina, during criminal conspiracy trials. It provides guidance and explanation regarding the laws and elements of conspiracy charges. In Wake County, like in many jurisdictions, the crime of conspiracy involves an agreement between two or more individuals to commit an unlawful act. The Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — General Conspiracy Charge outlines the essential elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction. These elements typically include: 1. Agreement: The instruction emphasizes that a conspiracy requires a mutual understanding, agreement, or meeting of the minds between the individuals involved. It clarifies that this agreement can be inferred from the actions, words, or conduct of the accused parties. 2. Unlawful Objective: The instruction highlights that the conspiracy must have an unlawful objective. It explains that this objective can involve various criminal acts, ranging from drug trafficking, theft, fraud, or any other illegal activity. 3. Overt Act: The instruction informs the jury that at least one overt act must be committed by one of the conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy. It clarifies that this act does not need to be illegal itself but must demonstrate a substantial step towards the accomplishment of the conspiracy's objective. 4. Knowledge and Intent: The instruction addresses the requirement that each defendant must have knowledge of the agreement, the unlawful objective, and intentionally participate in the conspiracy. It stresses that mere association or presence alone is insufficient to establish guilt. The Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — General Conspiracy Charge aims to ensure that the jury evaluates the evidence presented by the prosecution in light of these elements. It guides the jurors' decision-making process, ensuring that they understand the specific legal requirements necessary to hold a defendant liable for conspiracy. It is important to note that the Wake County court system may have additional or slightly modified versions of the Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — General Conspiracy Charge. These variations could account for specific nuances or complexities within conspiracy cases in the county. Therefore, it is essential for attorneys and jurors to refer to the official Wake County jury instructions provided before and during the trial for accurate and up-to-date guidance.