People v. Lauria

Citation

251 Cal. App. 2d 471 (1967)

Facts

Stub — to be completed.

Issue

Stub — to be completed.

Holding

Stub — to be completed.

Rule

Mere knowledge that a service is being used for criminal purposes is not sufficient to establish conspiracy or accomplice liability; liability requires intent to further the criminal enterprise, which may be inferred from (1) direct evidence of intent, (2) the supplier’s stake in the venture, or (3) the gravity of the crime when the supplier provides essential services.

Significance

Defines when providing services knowing they will be used for crime rises to accomplice/conspiracy liability; key case on the intent element of complicity and the role of knowledge versus purpose.

Courses