Bribery is the act of offering or providing compensation to another party to persuade them to act in a certain way. Bribery charges can involve people from all backgrounds and financial means, and can constitute a state or federal offense, depending on the unique circumstances of a case.
Investigating a Bribery Scheme
Although bribery schemes can be simple, they are known to be very complex. They can involve a single person’s actions, or conspiracies between several parties. If a bribery scheme involves two or more parties, the parties may also face federal conspiracy charges. This applies in most bribery cases, as they inherently involve the individual offering the bribe as well as the individuals accepting the bribe.
Due to bribery schemes potentially affecting the general public or public agencies, the federal government is oftentimes willing to dedicate resources to investigating possible instances of bribery. Investigations may include various agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, state and local law enforcement, and possibly more.
Unlawful Acts of Bribery and Possible Penalties
Examples of bribery crimes and the associated penalties include:
- Bribery of a public official – Fifteen years in federal prison and a fine that is three times the amount offered to the public official.
- Illegal gratuity to a public official – Two years in federal prison and criminal fines.
- Bribery or reward of a bank officer – If the bribe was more than $1,000, you can face 30 years in prison and fines of three times the bribe or $1 million, whichever is more. For bribes of less than $1,000, the penalties can include one year in prison and fines.
- Conspiracy – Conspiracy to commit a federal felony offense like bribery can mean five years in prison plus fines. Both the act of bribery and a conspiracy to commit bribery can be charged against the same person.
Bribery is a serious offense and allows for severe consequences for convicted offenders. It is important to contact an attorney immediately if you believe you are being investigated for committing bribery.
Contact An Experienced Bribery Attorney Right Away
Bribery cases can be extremely complicated with a lot at stake, including your freedom, finances, and reputation. If you have been accused of a crime related to bribery, you should acquire the help of a Minneapolis bribery attorney from London Defense right away. The repercussions can be quite severe, and in spite of what you have heard or even seen on TV, there is little chance of your case being dropped.