Bribery is an illicit practice involving the solicitation, offering, giving, or receiving something of value to influence an official’s actions in the course of their duties. Extortion is commonly confused with bribery, but the main difference is that bribery brings a reward for compliance while extortion uses threats and intimidation to compel a person to act. Read on to learn about various types of bribery addressed by a criminal attorney in Waxahachie, TX.
Kickbacks
Bribery might involve the transfer of compensation or favors in return for beneficial decisions or treatment. However, bribery is more nuanced than that, and Texas bribery laws are regularly updated.
Bribes to Public Officials
The law states that those who indirectly or directly give, promise, or offer something valuable to a public official with the intent to influence them can face charges of bribery. Those serving in the federal or state government cannot accept, demand or receive bribes in return for favorable decisions or acts. When convicted, an offender may face up to 15 years in prison and fines equal to three times the bribe amount.
Bribing Foreign Officials
The Foreign Corrupt Practices act forbids the bribing of foreign officials by U.S. corporate lobbyists. Publicly traded companies must document business transactions even if they don’t involve foreign entities. However, loopholes are often used to expedite permits and licenses, and these are legal.
Sports Bribes
A sports official cannot accept a bribe in return for their influence over an event’s outcome. A referee found guilty of accepting bribes may face hefty fines and a prison sentence of up to five years.
Charge Elements
At the most basic level, prosecutors must prove the existence of an agreement to exchange something valuable for money or compensation. The government considers specific elements when filing bribery charges against its employees, including:
* The fact that the person accepting the bribe holds public office
* That something valuable was offered, either tangible or intangible
* A connection between the bribe and the act
Consult an Attorney
Bribery convictions often depend on surveillance evidence and surreptitiously obtained recordings. Police and officials must work within the confines of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution and, if they don’t, the evidence is suppressed. Those facing bribery charges can Visit the website or call Mallios & Associates PC to schedule a consultation with a criminal attorney in Waxahachie, TX.
