Facing criminal charges involving financial crime is a serious threat to your future. If convicted, you face the possibility of extended time behind bars. While white collar crimes lack an element of violence, they are still serious offenses prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Bribery is a type of white collar crime, and if you face charges for this specific offense, you need to know what you are up against.
One important aspect of developing a solid and effective defense strategy starts with understanding the case against you. When you are familiar with bribery charges and the potential penalties, you will have a greater ability to defend yourself and your future interests. There is a lot at stake, but you can fight back and seek the most beneficial outcome possible for your situation.
What is bribery?
Bribery is more than just convincing someone to do as you wish. The crime of bribery involves offering something of value in exchange for something specific or a reward of some kind. This can include things like government contracts, property, money, privileges or favors. A bribe comes with the intent of influencing someone’s behavior, and in order to get a conviction for this type of crime, the prosecution must present evidence that the person acted with corrupt intent.
You could face bribery charges as both the person offering the bribe or the recipient. In order to charge someone with bribery, it is only necessary to have proof of an agreement for favors or something of value in exchange for something. The government does prosecute bribery cases at a federal level when they involve federal employees. The specific penalties you may be facing for bribery depend on the details of your case and Florida law.
Start your defense now
It is in your interest to begin developing your defense strategy as soon as possible after an arrest or as soon as you learn of an investigation into your actions. The stakes are high in any white collar case, but you have the right to a presumption of innocence and to challenge any aspect of the prosecution’s case against you.
The government may take a long time to build a case against you, but you do not have to wait until there are formal charges to begin exploring your defense options. You have rights to protect and a future worth defending.