Whether you’re accused of giving or receiving bribes as part of a federal corruption case, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Corruption offences are taken very seriously by the criminal justice system. The penalties are often high. These crimes are often charged in conjunction with other offences such as fraud and theft. For example, a company director may face charges of wire fraud and embezzlement in addition to federal corruption.
A bribe is an inducement to breach the rules of one’s position in order to benefit the donor. It is disguised as a gift and can be offered in many ways including cash, goods, services and even influence. Bribery can be committed by private citizens, businesses or governmental officials.
In the past, some high profile corruption cases have brought these crimes into the national spotlight. The Jack Abramoff scandal, for example, highlighted how politicians and lobbyists can take bribes in exchange for their favoured treatment by government agencies.
A conviction of a corruption offence can have serious consequences for an individual’s professional and personal life. These include fines, imprisonment and the loss of a job. For non-citizens, a conviction of a corruption offence can also lead to deportation or visa refusal. A conviction can also make it difficult to find work in government, finance and regulated industries. Demonstrating that an allegation of bribery or corruption was misunderstood, misinterpreted or not intentional can be crucial in mitigating these charges.
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