What characterizes a conspiracy under the Penal Code?

A conspiracy under the Penal Code is characterized by an agreement between two or more parties to commit a crime in the future. This definition emphasizes the collaborative intent to engage in criminal behavior, which is central to the concept of conspiracy. The key elements include the formation of an agreement and the shared intention to carry out the planned crime, marking it as a crime in itself, regardless of whether the crime is ultimately attempted or completed.

Other options focus on different aspects of criminal activity. For instance, acts of violence against property pertain to specific criminal actions rather than the agreement to commit a crime. A crime that is already in progress does not involve the conspiratorial agreement aspect foundational to conspiracy. Similarly, help provided to avoid prosecution relates more to obstruction of justice rather than the proactive planning involved in conspiracy. Thus, the essence of conspiracy lies in the mutual agreement to engage in future criminal conduct.