If you’re accused of corruption, it’s a serious accusation. It can ruin your reputation and lead to a lifetime of trouble. The legal system aims to punish your actions by imposing sanctions that reflect the damage you cause.
It’s common to see high-profile cases of bribery and corruption in the news. But these kinds of crimes can occur at all levels of government, and can have a profound impact on public trust and resource allocation.
The motivations for committing bribery and corruption are numerous, but often revolve around money. People may feel pressure to exploit their position for financial gain or seek out easy money, especially in environments where public oversight is weak.
Federal Corruption Charges Typically Combine With Other Charges
When charged with corruption, you will almost always be facing a felony charge by the Feds and a felony or misdemeanor by the state. Federal corruption charges are often paired with other federal offenses, such as Fraud, Embezzlement or Extortion.
These felony charges carry significant prison sentences and substantial fines, with individuals potentially facing years in prison and companies facing millions of dollars in penalties. Corruption convictions also often lead to decreased business opportunities, as companies may be blacklisted by governments and international agencies.
A felony conviction for bribery or corruption can have significant ramifications, including a criminal record that will follow you throughout your life and a stigma that could affect future employment, professional licenses and relationships. Having an experienced lawyer on your side is essential to protecting yourself against these types of accusations.