With federal crimes, you are up against all of the resources of the U.S. government. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies will work with prosecutors to build a case against you. If you are suspected of bribery, the case may have been built up over quite some time, years even. Bribery is offering or accepting something of value in order to influence a public official or employee. The area of influence can range from business, to politics, to sports. Regardless, if you are either giving or taking a bribe, you can be convicted of bribery.
The consequences you face when charged with a federal crime are substantial. Don’t leave anything to chance. Get the dependable legal counsel of seasoned criminal defense litigator Ron Herman.
What is the Federal Criminal Charge of Bribery?
If you are suspected of giving something of value to a public official in exchange for securing influence over the discharge of that person’s official duties, you may be charged with bribery. In most cases, the public official receiving the “something of value” can also be charged with bribery. No written agreement is necessary to be convicted of bribery. As long as there is sufficient evidence of an intent to corrupt, a prosecutor may be able to secure a bribery conviction against you.
A “public official” includes many more people than you may initially think of. The public official category includes:
- Any agent acting on behalf of the government;
- An employee of the federal government;
- A witness in a federal proceeding;
- A juror in a federal proceeding;
- A bank official;
- A referee, sporting official, or person in charge of a sporting event that affects interstate commerce;
- Port security; and
- U.S. Customs officials.
Because of the wide range of individuals considered to be public officials, the circumstances surrounding the actual bribery can vary greatly. A bribery case may involve the referee at a sporting event that was paid to rule in favor of a particular team. It may involve a politician receiving a bribe to push for favorable policies for a particular business. A bribery case may even involve bribing a juror in a federal case to try and secure a favorable verdict. In all of these cases, a resulting conviction for federal bribery could land either party, whether it was the one giving or receiving the bribe, in prison for up to 15 years and fines totaling three times the amount of the offered or accepted bribe.
Skilled Litigator Representing Those Charged with Federal Crimes
Federal criminal charges carry serious and lasting penalties. Additionally, federal cases have their own set of policies and procedures that must be followed. You cannot leave this type of case to just any criminal defense attorney. You need an experienced attorney with a distinct understanding of how federal cases operate. Attorney Ron Herman has the litigation experience and legal knowledge base to mount the strongest possible defense for you. Attorney Herman Contact Herman Law, P.A. today.