In today’s society, there is no shortage of news about lawmakers and other public officials being accused of serious crimes. Many times, those accusations involve nonviolent offenses also referred to as white collar crimes. While that may not sound as serious as assault or manslaughter, the consequences of a white-collar crime can be significant.
Bribery is often a common example of a white-collar crime, and you do not have to be a politician to face these charges. If you find yourself facing bribery charges, a Plantation bribery defense lawyer at Leifert & Leifert may be able to work with you to defend against them. Call a qualified fraud attorney today, and know that you are in capable hands.
Defining Bribery
Most people have a general idea of what bribery is. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 838.015, bribery is defined as “knowingly and intentionally giving, offering, or promising any public servant” a benefit. It can also occur if a public servant accepts such a gift, offer, or promise. Basically, it is the improper exchange of something for a benefit.
It is important to remember that bribery can occur even if a public official is not involved. For instance, commercial bribery occurs when the individuals involved in the alleged crime have a different relationship rather than a public servant and constituent. This crime covers professional advisors such as doctors as well as business professionals such as corporate board members. It may even involve offering a bribe to an individual conducting arbitration to encourage them to find in one party’s favor.
Consequences of a Bribery Offense
The actual consequences of a conviction for bribery are heavily dependent on the exact circumstances of the case. An important aspect of bribery is that it can be either a state or federal crime. This often depends on the value of the alleged bribe, but could also depend on the individuals involved in the transaction.
At the state level, bribery is considered a second-degree felony. As such, a conviction can lead to up to 15 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Federal consequences can often be more severe. The general federal bribery statute imposes penalties of up to 15 years in jail as well as a fine of up to three times the value of the bribe. Often, multiple instances of bribery are treated separately and the accused individual could face sentencing for multiple convictions that may increase the penalties. A Plantation bribery lawyer could help mitigate the penalties that an individual may face.
How a Plantation Bribery Attorney Can Help
When you are facing criminal charges, it is important to begin preparing your defense as soon as possible. That usually begins by working with an experienced bribery defense attorney who understands your needs as well as how much is at stake for you and your family.
When it comes to defending against bribery charges, there is no single approach that will work for everyone. However, an experienced defense attorney who understands the nuances of state and federal bribery laws can be an important ally in fighting against these charges.
One of the most important things to remember about criminal charges is that you have rights that must be protected and advocated for. While such charges may be intimidating, you do not have to navigate the legal system alone. Contact Leifert & Leifert for a free consultation to see how a dedicated Plantation bribery lawyer can work with you in building a defense for your circumstances.
