In the United States, corrupt schemes and illegal acts are taken very seriously. Local, state, and federal laws and regulations are in place to help minimize the occurrence of crimes involving bribery, illegal lobbying, extortion, and other forms of public corruption. When federal, state, or local officials, business owners, or citizens partake in public corruption for personal gain, they may face varying penalties.
John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has helped many clients by evaluating cases and helping people avoid or lessen the charges and penalties of criminal acts for a better future. Seasoned attorney Eric G. Johnson skillfully represents clients accused of serious crimes and can build a case against the prosecution’s claims for public corruption convictions. If you have been arrested or accused of public corruption in any capacity, consulting with our attorney may help you understand your rights and determine the next best steps.
What Is Federal Public Corruption?
White-collar crimes, although non-violent, are punishable in a court of law. The United States ranks 27 in the Corruption Perceptions Index. The calculations for these rankings include corruptive acts such as bribery, officials using public office for private gain, and the ability of governments to contain corruption in the public sector. Federal public corruption can appear differently in every case, depending on the illegal acts and the people involved.
However, federal public corruption is the breach of public trust when federal, state, or local officials and co-conspirators abuse a position in power. All corrupt acts can diminish the integrity of the institutions involved. While many cases of public corruption involve more than a single party, an individual can face charges when public corruption is discovered.
Although these crimes are often secretive and conducted “under the table,” they can be prosecuted under federal law. The prosecution may present different laws to prosecute an individual depending on the circumstances surrounding public corruption. For example, the Hobbs Act may be presented in attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce. Also, prosecutors may use the program fraud and bribery statute to try and prosecute the illegal taking of federal program property or funds.
Understanding Various Types of Public Corruption
The circumstances and outcomes of public corruption cases can vary. Typically, individuals face prosecution for the corruptive or illegal acts that led to their arrest. Depending on the number of offenses, amount of money involved, and other vital aspects, you may face fines and jail time if convicted. A knowledgeable and understanding attorney can help review your case and work to refute any evidence or unlawfully obtained information the prosecution presents.
Common types of public corruption in the United States include:
- Bribery and kickbacks
- Blackmailing
- Extortion
- Illegal lobbying
- Conflict of interest
- Illegal gratuities
- Cyber extortion
- Collusion
- Graft
Due to the complexity of public corruption laws and the scope of federal, state, and local laws and regulations, you may benefit from partnering with an experienced legal team. Individuals may experience a variety of stressors without proper legal help or support to handle this scope of crimes. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your arrest or your role in a corruptive scheme, our legal team is available to review your case and lead you in the right direction.
What Are the Penalties for Federal Public Corruption?
The prosecution’s role in every case is to present evidence and prove a defendant’s guilt in a criminal case. If you have been arrested for bribery, fraud, or other forms of public corruption, the prosecution may try to reach for steep penalties and jail or prison time to be set upon a conviction. An attorney may help you by refuting evidence, gathering information, and protecting your rights by representing you throughout a trial
Penalties of varying federal corruption charges may include
- Bribery of a public official: A fine of up to three times the value of a bribe and imprisonment for up to 15 years in a federal prison.
- Wire and mail fraud: Fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years.
- Federal embezzlement and theft: Fines and prison time for up to 10 years.
- Federal bribery and illegal gratuity: Up to $100,000 in fines and a prison sentence of up to five years.
You have a right to seek an attorney to guide and represent you in a trial, especially for federal cases. For example, crimes of bribery, such as kickbacks, are among the most serious public corruption charges. To reach a conviction, the prosecution must prove there was unlawful or unethical conduct in a breach of trust for financial gain. Your attorney may strategically build a defense and refute the prosecution’s claims to lessen penalties of drop charges in any case.
John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm Provides Trustworthy Legal Services Throughout Louisiana
Public corruption cases can be complex and challenging, as statutes apply to all levels within the United States government. Hiring a skilled attorney seasoned in laws regarding bribery, theft of government money or property, and other illegal acts in public corruption may help you get the best legal advice and direction.
At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, our trusted attorneys carry many years of experience defending clients in a courtroom and refuting the prosecution’s claims. If you are arrested and accused of public corruption, our team can consult and guide you in the right direction. With our legal services, you may have the opportunity to present the best defense for a crime. Contact us by completing our online contact form or by calling us at (318) 377-1555 to speak with our legal team.