Public officials and others who hold prominent positions within the community are, unfortunately, often offered gifts or other perks in exchange for doing “favors” for others. In many cases, these offers will require the individual to compromise their position and do the bidding of the individual bribing them. Rather obviously, this is unethical, but did you know that, often, accepting a bribe is also a crime? Unfortunately, if you’re found guilty of accepting a bribe, it will not only tarnish your reputation and betray the public trust, but it can also result in you facing various legal penalties, including time behind bars. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Tehama County white collar crimes lawyer from our firm to learn more about the penalties for bribery charges in California and how our legal team can help you fight them. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the potential penalties for bribery charges in California?
There are various potential penalties a person can face for accepting a bribe in the state of California. In large part, the penalties you may face will depend on the dollar value of the bribe you allegedly accepted. The penalties for bribery charges in California are as follows:
- If the bribe was worth $1,000 or less: This is a misdemeanor charge, for which you will face up to one year in county jail.
- If the bribe was worth more than $1,000: This is a felony charge, for which you will face up to three years in state prison.
How can a lawyer help me if I’m accused of accepting a bribe?
Of course, the specific defense that our firm will use will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. That being said, there is a wide range of potential defenses for bribery charges, including that you did not accept the bribe with corrupt intent, that the bribe was worth less than $250, or that you acted with the content of your employer. In some cases, we can work to prove that you didn’t accept a bribe at all, and that the accusations against you are, in fact, untruthful altogether.
If you’re accused of accepting a bribe in any way, shape, or form, you need to speak with a seasoned Red Bluff criminal attorney who can help preserve your innocence and good name. Fortunately, you are in the right place. Contact Cohen Criminal Law today to schedule your free case evaluation with our experienced criminal defense firm.
