Bribery Charges and Penalties

Bribery is a type of white collar crime that involves seeking preferential treatment from an official by offering payment, usually money. Typically the individual being bribed or seeking a bribe is a government official or public servant, whose actions may be influenced in exchange for money. Even if the action taken by the official is not illegal or in violation of his or her duties, an individual can still be arrested for bribery for trying to influence an official with payment.

Bribery is a violation of the law at both the state and federal level. Both the individual offering the bribe and the official accepting the bribe can be charged if the bribe is discovered. Examples of bribes can include an illegal campaign contribution or a personal gift. The penalties for bribery may vary depending on the type of bribe offered, the official involved, and the actions sought by the briber.

In Texas, bribery is typically charged as a second degree felony. If an illegal gift was offered to a public official but there is no evidence of the individual trying to influence the official with the gift, the perpetrator may be charged with the lesser crime of offering a gift to a public servant, a Class A misdemeanor. For a more serious bribery charge, an individual may be punished with a minimum 2 year prison sentence and a maximum of 20 years. The sentence may also include up to $10,000 in fines.

Clearly bribery is a costly crime that can damage your personal and professional reputation, even if you are not convicted. If you are facing bribery charges, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you prepare your defense for court and ensure that your rights are protected.

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Don't enter the courtroom feeling unprepared to defend against your bribery charges. For sound legal advice and assistance regarding Texas bribery laws and defending your case, please contact experienced Austin criminal lawyer Ian Inglis today at 512-472-1950.