Beverly Hills Federal Bribery Defense Lawyer

Beverly Hills Federal Bribery Defense Attorney

Accusations of bribery are not matters to be taken lightly. Such allegations are serious and can have life-altering repercussions, especially if you are found guilty. In order to fight accusations of federal bribery, you need someone on your side who has experience in fighting these kinds of cases. A Beverly Hills federal bribery defense lawyer can help you understand how to develop a strong legal defense.

What Is Bribery?

Bribery is a crime that includes giving or taking things of value with the goal of swaying the opinions, thoughts, or actions of a political or governmental figure. Bribes can come in many forms including money, valuable goods or items, actions, and more. Bribery can occur in any level of government, whether it be local, state, or federal. Regardless of what is being offered, all forms of bribery have the same goal, which is to persuade.

Bribery Charges

Because bribery is such a broad term that can cover an array of crimes, there are multiple ways that it may be classified in regard to the law. The United States Code, which is a codification of all of the laws in the U.S., outlines the numerous ways in which bribery is unlawful.

The code outlines that it is prohibited for anyone to grant a public official any type of gift with value in order to influence their actions. It also states that it is unlawful for public officials to accept anything of the kind. It is furthermore outlined that it is unlawful for public officials to use federal funding and programs specifically for the activity of bribery.

Individuals who are found guilty of federal bribery in any sense can be subject to intense penalties, including losing their position in office, paying hefty fines, and even serving time in prison.

What You Should Do

These charges are all very serious and can have a great impact on someone’s life if found guilty. If you are being accused of bribery at a federal level in Beverly Hills, it is important to find legal help as soon as you can. These things do not typically go away or get swept under the rug. It is up to you to find experienced legal representation that can fight for you.

When Bribery Becomes a Federal Issue

Sometimes it can be difficult to understand the division of powers and government which exists within the United States. Typically, local and state crimes are handled slightly differently than federal crimes, and sometimes with less of a negative impact on those being accused. If you are being accused of a crime, it can be helpful to know if it will be considered a federal crime.

Bribery can happen in an array of situations and circumstances, and not all instances are political. For example, sometimes bribery happens in the world of sports. Bribery becomes federal, however, when it involves an elected or appointed official or government actor.

Gifts vs. Bribes

It is not uncommon for the terms gift and bribe to be confused. It can be difficult for someone receiving something of value to determine whether it was given with an underlying intention or not.

The most profound difference between a gift and a bribe is the intention with which it is given. A bribe is given with the intent of swaying someone’s opinions and/or actions. Bribes are given before the individual does or does not do what the giver wishes for them to. Gifts, on the other hand, are given as a symbol of saying thank you. A gift is often given after the action has already been done, for which the individual is receiving thanks.

In many scenarios at the local, state, and federal levels, there are certain rules surrounding gift-giving. These rules differ depending on the geographic location and the context, but generally, there are rules that differentiate gifts and bribes and lines that define when a gift turns into a bribe.

How a Defense Attorney Can Help

If you have been accused of federal bribery, the help of an experienced defense attorney can be beneficial in several ways. For instance, they will understand the legal process you are about to go through because they have likely gone through it before with other clients. They know what to expect and can help you be prepared.

An attorney can also help you gather evidence that supports your innocence. There will likely already be a team working to prove your guilt. One of the first things you should do is to gather evidence of your own. A lawyer can help you know what to look for and gather evidence that will stand up well in court and speak for your innocence.

What If I am Found Guilty?

The repercussions of being found guilty of federal bribery are disastrous. If you are found guilty of bribing a federal government official, you could be sentenced to multiple years in prison. You could also be held responsible for paying heavy fines. In addition to all of this, such a charge will likely have a negative impact on your personal and professional life, potentially costing you your job or hindering your ability to seek future employment.

Reach Out to a Skilled Defense Attorney Today

If you think you are being accused of federal bribery, it is imperative that you find legal counsel immediately. These types of accusations can have a negative influence on your career and even your personal life. In addition, you could also face heavy fines and potential jail time. Handling a case such as this requires federal legal experience that not many people have.

Law Offices of Marc S. Nurik has years of experience in white-collar crimes, including federal bribery of all kinds. We have handled cases similar to yours and can help you by building a strong defense in your favor. Potential outcomes could include a dropped or reduced sentence. Reach out today to speak with a member of our legal team about how we can help you. With our team on your side, you will have a much better chance of winning your case.