Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — Conspiracy to Defraud United States provides detailed guidance to jurors regarding the offense of conspiracy to defraud the United States in criminal cases within the jurisdiction of Wake County, North Carolina. This instruction outlines the elements of the offense and the burden of proof necessary for a conviction in such cases. The "Conspiracy to Defraud United States" offense refers to a criminal conspiracy that aims to deceive or obstruct the functioning of the United States government or its agencies. The conspiracy can involve individuals or groups intentionally planning and executing activities that aim to defraud the government or impede its lawful functions. The specific jury instruction provided by the Wake County court system includes the following key elements: 1. Agreement: The jury must find that two or more individuals entered into an agreement to achieve the unlawful objectives outlined in the conspiracy. 2. Intent: The prosecution must establish that each defendant had the specific intent to engage in the conspiracy to defraud the United States. 3. Unlawful Objective: The instruction clarifies that the objectives of the conspiracy must involve either the deceit or obstruction of the lawful government functions, agencies, programs, or operations. 4. Overt Act: It is necessary for the prosecution to prove that at least one overt act, directly related to the conspiracy, was committed by one or more members of the conspiracy in furtherance of the agreement. 5. Knowledge and Willful Participation: The jury must find that each defendant had knowledge of the conspiracy's objectives and willingly participated in its execution. The Wake County court may have variations or additional instructions based on specific circumstances or legal precedents within the jurisdiction. Consequently, it is essential to refer to the latest Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — Conspiracy to Defraud United States as provided by the court. Overall, this jury instruction serves as a comprehensive guide for jurors to understand the nature and elements of the offense of conspiracy to defraud the United States, thereby aiding them in making an informed decision in a criminal case.