Bribery is a white-collar crime characterized by giving, receiving, offering, or using money or items of value to influence the behavior of another individual. Essentially, it is offering something of value to someone else in an attempt to yield a certain outcome.
Both the individual who offered the bribe and, if applicable, the individual who accepted the bribe may face bribery charges. Even the attempt to bribe another may be enough to lead to charges.
Being investigated for or charged with bribery can be overwhelming. A white-collar conviction for an offense such as bribery may damage your reputation, jeopardize your professional and personal relationships, threaten jail time, and result in hefty fines.
A Boca Raton bribery defense lawyer knows the federal and State laws that may determine the charges and penalties associated with alleged bribery and can offer the legal representation you may need to pursue the most positive possible outcome for your case. Contact one of our experienced fraud lawyers at Leifert and Leifert to schedule a free initial consultation. En Español.
Different Types of Bribery
While bribery is often associated with political corruption, it can also include offers to the following individuals:
- Elected public officials
- Judges
- Bank examiners
- Loan and bank officials
- Jurors
- Professional practitioner (doctor, lawyer, accountant)
- Business partner or business director
- Those testifying under oath
If an agent of a political organization including a federal, state, local, or tribal political entity that receives federal funding solicits or demands a bribe worth $5,000 or more, they may face federal as well as State charges. According to 18 U.S. Code §666, those convicted of bribery at the federal level face imprisonment of up to 10 years plus fines. A Boca Raton bribery lawyer understands the laws and can help accused individuals determine whether they are also facing federal charges on top of any state bribery charges.
Potential Penalties in Boca Raton
A bribery conviction can result in up to 15 years of imprisonment, as well as fines of up to three times the amount of the bribe offered and/or accepted. However, the potential penalties for offering a bribe to one of the aforementioned individuals depend upon the position of the person being offered a bribe.
For example, bribing a public official may lead to 15 years of imprisonment, as well as fines of up to three times the amount of the bribe offered and/or accepted. However, if accused of bribing or attempting to bribe a sporting official, the person may only receive up to five years in prison.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, bribing a bank official can lead to an imprisonment of up to 30 years and a $1,000,000 fine. It is evident that bribery cases can be complex and require a nuanced knowledge of white-collar crime laws, which is why anyone facing these charges should speak with an established Boca Raton bribery lawyer about the facts surrounding their case.
Whether someone made a joke with a serious government employee, a mistake was made with regards to a payment they believed was permissible, or incentives were offered without realizing any laws were being broken, accidental offenses can still lead to convictions.
Talking to a Boca Raton Bribery Defense Attorney
If you are facing charges of accepting or offering a bribe, you may be facing both federal and state-level charges. A Boca Raton bribery lawyer could provide step-by-step guidance in facing a bribery charge, avoiding the harsh penalties that may come with conviction, and yield the most positive outcome possible for your case.
Our Boca Raton bribery defense attorneys know the federal and Florida state laws surrounding bribery and can utilize our experience and expertise to offer you the legal representation you need. Call Leifert & Leifert today for a free consultation.
