Fight allegations of public corruption with a bribery defense lawyer at Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey, LCC. We represent public officials and private individuals accused of bribery. Contact us now for immediate, confidential legal help in defending your career and reputation.
Federal Bribery Defense Lawyer
Federal bribery charges are serious allegations. The accusations alone can damage your reputation and harm your future. The bribery defense lawyers at Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey help people aggressively fight accusations of wrongdoing. To see how we may assist you, call (864) 298-0084 or message us to talk about your situation.
Cases we handle – who we represent
Are you facing bribery charges? Our award-winning criminal defense attorneys believe in your right to a strong defense and can support you in a variety of ways:
- Represent both public officials and private persons
- Have the experience you can rely on
- Can take your case to trial
- Explore all options to fight the charges against you
Whether you are already facing charges or you are under investigation, we can advise and represent you.
Overview of Federal Bribery Laws
What is bribery?
Bribery is anything offered, given, or accepted to influence official activity or the actions of a public official in an improper way. For a politician, bribery is accepting something tangible in exchange for an official act.
Either a public official or private person may be guilty of bribery.
Defenses to Bribery Charges
You have the right to defend yourself against bribery charges and the right to a lawyer to represent you. Common defenses include not actually giving, promising, or accepting anything of value. You may dispute whether you intended to influence an official act or may provide an explanation for the actions being contested. You may show that no law was broken.
The state must prove the charges against you and your intent to commit bribery. You have a right to aggressively fight the accusations, questioning witnesses and presenting your own evidence. A bribery defense lawyer from Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey can represent you, fighting for justice on your behalf.
Bribery Charges in the United States
There are various charges that a person might face in the United States relating to bribery. They include:
18 U.S. Code § 201(b) – Bribery of public officials and witnesses
Giving, offering, or promising anything of value to a public or elected official to influence or induce an official act is prohibited. In addition, it is unlawful for a public official to be influenced by any offer, gift, or promise. Conduct may be direct or indirect. Penalties may include a fine of up to three times what was offered, up to 15 years in prison, or both. An individual may be disqualified from holding public office.
18 U.S. Code § 201(c) – Giving, offering or promising to public officials
Giving, offering, or promising anything of value to a public official is unlawful; or as a public official, demanding or accepting something, for or because of any official act is unlawful. In addition, the law prohibits demanding, accepting, or giving anything in exchange for or because of testimony at an official proceeding. Penalties include up to two years in prison and a fine. It is lawful to pay witness fees and costs of travel for trial.
18 U.S. Code § 666 – Theft or bribery concerning programs receiving Federal funds
The law prohibits improperly converting, soliciting, accepting, giving, or offering property under the care, custody, or control of a government agency. Potential penalties include up to 10 years in prison.
18 U.S.C. § 215 – Receipt of Commissions or Gifts for Procuring Loans
This law prohibits improperly influencing business transactions including loans. Penalties may include a fine of up to $1 million or three times the item of value and up to 30 years in prison.
For offenses involving up to $1,000, penalties are limited to up to one year imprisonment.
18 U.S. Code Chapter 96 – RICO – Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
Primarily to address organized crime, RICO laws provide criminal penalties for receiving income through racketeering activity or through collection of unlawful debt. See 18 U.S. Code § 1962.
18 U.S.C. § 1951 – The Hobbs Act
This act prohibits extortion in interstate commerce.
It is an offense to conspire to defraud the United States. An offense is punishable by a fine and up to five years imprisonment. If the underlying offense is a misdemeanor, conspiracy is a misdemeanor.
Actions Prohibited by Federal Bribery Laws
- Giving a politician something to influence their vote
- Offering a kickback to a judge to give someone a certain sentence or find them not guilty
- Taking of money by a police officer to decline to make an arrest or authorize charges
- Diverting funds to the family member of a politician to influence a decision
- Paying to influence award of a public contracting bid
- Providing something of value to have an application approved or handled more quickly than normal
- Exchanging sexual favors for official government acts, including dropping criminal charges
A bribe may be anything of value, like money, a tangible object, or even a decision such as admitting the politician’s relative to a prestigious university. It may mean accepting kickbacks for diverting public funds to a private entity or organization.
However, people and organizations regularly give campaign contributions, which is normal and legal and it doesn’t mean one is guilty of bribery. You can defend against unfair accusations against you.
Talk to a Federal Bribery Defense Lawyer – Consultations Available
For a consultation with a federal bribery defense lawyer, contact Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey. If you are facing charges or an investigation into your actions, we can provide legal representation.
Don’t wait to get legal help. We are taking new cases and can start representing you today.
Call (864) 298-0084 or message us now.
