Bribery charges, which often involve politicians, elected officials, and government employees, tend to result in high-profile criminal cases. The penalties for a conviction can be severe and often lead to the loss of careers and professional licenses. If you are accused of this offense, you may need to consult an Atlanta bribery lawyer.
In many cases, the charges are based on one point of view. These cases are fact-dependent and can result from miscommunication, misunderstandings, or similar situations. If you are facing charges, contacting a skilled fraud attorney may be crucial to a positive resolution to your situation.
Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-10-2, bribery always involves items of value or consideration to which government officials or employees are not otherwise entitled. The actions must directly relate to the performance of official acts or the decision-making power of government officials or employees. Bribery may occur in either of the following situations:
Whether appointed or elected, government officials and employees of all political subdivisions, including local and state governments, are subject to bribery laws. Federal officials are not subject to these laws, but similar federal laws do apply to them. Due to the potential severity of these charges, consulting an Atlanta bribery lawyer may be wise.
Although O.C.G.A. § 16-10-2 does not explicitly define the “things of value” or considerations that would trigger charges against individuals, it does enumerate some specific items that are not “things of value.” Neither offering these items to government officials and employees nor their acceptance would result in bribery charges under state law. These items include:
Similarly, individuals may receive awards, plaques, and mementos to recognize their service activities, promotional items that the public or private officials routinely receive, and food or beverages provided in the ordinary course of social or business events. Gifts from immediate family members of public officials cannot be the subject of a criminal charge. The involvement of any of these “things of value” concerning a bribery charge may allow an Atlanta attorney to build a strong defense.
Bribery is a felony offense that can result in a prison sentence ranging from one to 20 years. A convicted person may be subject to a fine of up to $5000. A felony conviction also results in the forfeiture of some civil rights, such as the right to possess firearms.
Because bribery charges often are directly tied to the government positions or employment of individuals, a conviction for this offense also can lead to a loss of that position or job. In many cases, a convicted individual may no longer work for governmental units or hold political positions. A felony conviction can also affect professional licenses and certifications.
Bribery is a criminal offense that can result in multiple unwanted repercussions for your professional and personal life. You could face incarceration and the loss of your career if convicted. Talking to an Atlanta bribery lawyer may be the most effective first step when faced with these accusations.
Contacting a local attorney early in the criminal process can be critical to a successful outcome. All too often, individuals hesitate to get legal advice or protect their legal rights when confronted with criminal accusations. By enlisting the help of an experienced legal advocate from the outset of your case, you may work toward a better resolution. Call today to get started on your case.
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