Define a late joiner to a conspiracy.

• A. An individual who joins conspiracy after it has begun, but before it has been terminated
• B. An individual who joins the conspiracy before it has begun
• C. An individual who withdraws from the conspiracy
• D. An individual not involved at all

Answer: (A)

In conspiracy law, liability grows from joining an ongoing criminal plan with the intent to promote it. A late joiner is exactly someone who becomes part of that plan after it has already begun, but before it has ended. They weren’t part of the initial agreement, but once they join while the conspiracy is active, their participation can make them responsible for the crimes the conspiracy pursues and for acts in furtherance of the plan. This contrasts with someone who joins before the conspiracy even starts (an original member) or someone who withdraws or is not involved at all. So the best answer describes a person who enters the conspiracy after it has begun but before it ends.