If you have been accused of bribery, you need to retain legal counsel who has experience with high-profile criminal cases, and a track record of success dealing with bribery offenses. These serious charges can cost you your business and your freedom. Contact the Law Offices of Geoffrey G. Nathan in Massachusetts for help.
The Elements of Bribery
Bribery involves influence being exerted, usually in the form of money or gifts, to win preferential treatment. Typical cases will involve a public official, whether an elected representative or a bureaucratic regulator, where money is offered for the officials vote, or for the regulator to speed a project through red tape. Other examples of bribery may include bribing an official to win a lucrative government contract, greasing an inspector's palm to look the other way in the face of safety violations, or buying a verdict in a jury trial.
Bribery always involves a "quid pro quo" which is loosely translated to mean, "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours." There is intent to give or receive something valuable in return for a political act. The bribe does not necessarily have to be delivered or received for the crime to have been committed; merely promising the bribe and agreeing to receive it are usually sufficient grounds for a bribery charge. Both the person offering the bribe and the person who agrees to accept the bribe can be found criminally liable.
There is usually a fine line between legal political donations and bribery, and politics is often to blame for overzealous prosecutors looking for a quid pro quo where none exists. Political donors are legally entitled to support candidates whose positions will benefit the donors. It only constitutes bribery when there is an identifiable agreement between parties, and an identifiable relationship between the contribution and the official act in question.
Penalties for Bribery
Bribery laws have evolved over the years to include a wide variety of acts, and the criminal charges and corresponding penalties will be based on the severity of the offense and the amount of money involved. However, under federal law, the bribery of any federal official is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, with fines adding up to three times the amount of the bribe.
Contact the Law Offices of Geoffrey G. Nathan
Though aggressive representative both before and during any trial, Boston bribery attorney Nathan offers top legal representation in serious criminal matters. With years of experience with high profile cases and a national media presence, he can handle the most complex criminal matters. Contact the Law Offices of Geoffrey G. Nathan today.