Seeking Immediate Counsel from a Federal Defense Lawyer is Imperative
The earlier you receive expert counsel, the more likely your matter will end favorably. If you’re facing prosecution, contact us immediately.
Bribery of public officials, public corruption, and official misconduct are grave offenses that undermine the trust and integrity of government institutions. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 201, these crimes involve the abuse of power by public officials for personal gain or to act against the public's best interests. Public officials and politicians, from local city counsel to state senators, can easily find themselves accused of official misconduct.
These charges can be devastating on both a personal and professional level. Indeed, even if exonerated, the stigma of being an elected official who had been arrested for misconduct is devastating and hard to recover from.
Public corruption encompasses a range of illegal activities, including bribery, embezzlement, fraud, nepotism, and abuse of authority. It involves public officials or individuals entrusted with public duties engaging in unlawful conduct that violates the public's trust.
Official misconduct refers to actions by public officials that are inconsistent with their lawful responsibilities, such as accepting bribes, tampering with evidence, or perverting the course of justice.
When facing allegations of public corruption or official misconduct, the guidance and expertise of a criminal defense lawyer are essential.
Generally speaking, a conviction pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 201(b) can include penalties of up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to three times the monetary amount of the something of value that you offered to the public official.
If convicted of illegal gratuity to a public official, the penalties include up to two years in a federal prison and criminal fines. If convicted of bribery or reward of a bank officer, the penalties will depend on the amount of the something of value that you offered them.
If convicted of a federal conspiracy within the bribery realm, the penalties will depend on the underlying crime and the goal of the conspiracy. Federal bribery is typically a felony offense, which means a conviction can result in up to five years in prison and criminal fines.
It is not enough for prosecutors to only show that a public official or politician was merely paid off or provided with gifts. Similarly, it is not enough for prosecutors to only show that an elected official provided some sort of benefit to an individual, group, company, or organization. Rather, both pieces must be evident for this charge to withstand. An aggressive defense attorney will pinpoint this requirement, isolate it, and find exculpatory evidence to show that there was never any “quid-pro-quo.”
Most importantly, for prosecutors to prove these accusations, they must identify that a public official took some sort of official action in exchange for monetary gain or some other benefit from another individual. Hence, “quid-pro-quo” necessitates that both ends of the bargain did, in fact, take place. Only an experienced federal criminal lawyer can help to get free from such charges.
Public corruption and official misconduct are serious offenses that erode public trust and have significant consequences for those involved. If facing allegations of such crimes, the expertise and guidance of a criminal defense lawyer are indispensable. From providing legal advice to conducting thorough investigations and representing clients in court, these lawyers work tirelessly to protect their clients' rights and mount a robust defense strategy. If you or someone you know is accused of public corruption or official misconduct, it is crucial to consult with a skilled criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome for the case.
The sooner you put your case in the hands of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, the more opportunity you will have to work toward a favorable outcome. Contact The Law Offices of Jason Goldman today.
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