White-collar criminal charges are those associated with illegal acts committed with the intent of financial gain. They can range from fraud to tax evasion, and as these can be charged as federal offenses, the penalties associated with these types of crimes are significant. One common type of white-collar crime is bribery, and it is the crime of using something of value as a way to exchange for favors or certain types of favorable treatment.
In bribery cases, there are often two criminally liable parties. This includes the person who offered the bribe and the party that accepted it. Bribery can happen in various scenarios, including in government operations, business operations and more. If you are facing bribery charges, you would be wise to take your situation seriously as these charges represent a serious threat to your future.
Understanding the elements of a bribery case
Bribery occurs with the intent of altering or influencing the actions of individuals either in government or in the private sector. While bribery can occur in numerous scenarios, it more often occurs in the federal government. In these federal-level cases, the following elements are typically present:
- Attempted bribery directed at a government official
- A thing of value offered in the bribery attempt
- The bribery attempt could influence a government decision
- The government official has the authority to commit the act in question
- There is an establishment of intent in the bribery attempt
- There is a connection between the payment and the act by the government official
Bribery at any level of the government or in the private sector in California could lead to serious criminal charges against the parties involved. Like other types of white-collar crimes, these cases can be remarkably complex, and those facing these charges would be wise to vigorously defend their rights and interests.
An effective defense
There is no one-size-fits-all defense strategy for facing white-collar criminal charges, especially bribery allegations. Whether you are already facing formal charges or you are under investigation, you will benefit from learning about the specific defense options available to you. There could be a lot at stake for you, but with the right defense plan and a clear understanding of your rights, you can effectively confront these cases.