Bribery Law in Columbus, Ohio
Introduction to Bribery Charges
A bribe is an illegal offer or exchange of something of value to manipulate or influence the behavior of a public official or law enforcement officer. If you are charged with bribery, you face serious consequences, including jail time, prison time, fees, fines, and other consequences that may affect your personal and professional life. It’s important to hire an attorney experienced in bribery law as soon as possible so you can begin preparing your defense. Steven S. Nolder, Attorney at Law, has decades of experience in bribery law in Columbus, Ohio. Call us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
What Is Bribery in Legal Terms?
According to the law, a bribe occurs when one person or entity illegally offers something of value, like money, to influence or control another person’s decision or behavior. For instance, you can be charged with bribery if you offer a law enforcement officer money or sex in exchange for dropping charges against you or destroying evidence. Bribes are often used to get around rules and regulations or avoid prosecution or other legal actions, and they are considered illegal and unethical. Bribery is typically considered a white-collar crime.
Types of Bribery
Bribery has different types and scales, but all forms are illegal. They may range from minor transactions to major deals. While there isn’t a universal classification system for bribes, the United States expressly prohibits them, and you can face serious consequences if you are accused of, charged with, or convicted of bribery. The most common types of bribery are:
- Extortion
- Quid pro quo
- Tips, gifts, favors, donations, or other forms of exchange in return for some illegal or unethical favorable outcome or reward
Penalties for a Bribery Conviction
Bribery is a federal felony. If you are convicted of bribery, you could face a sentence of up to five years in prison and criminal fines. You will also likely face personal and professional consequences for your crime. If you are a public servant, law enforcement officer, party official, school district director, attorney, officer, or employee convicted of bribery, you may be disqualified from pursuing specific areas of employment post-conviction. In some cases, just being charged with bribery is enough to warrant disqualification. Your right to vote may be affected, you will have a permanent criminal record as a felon, you may lose your professional license, and you may be prohibited from holding public office or a position of trust in your community.
Why Choose Steven S. Nolder as Your Bribery Lawyer
Bribery is a serious criminal offense, and it’s very important that you hire an experienced bribery lawyer. Steven S. Nolder, Attorney at Law has decades of experience in criminal law and will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive case. With his help, you may be able to negotiate a settlement, get your charges reduced, or receive an acquittal of bribery charges. Steven S. Nolder and his team will evaluate the evidence against you, scrutinize the investigation process, and look for errors or flaws that work in your favor. He will also track down witnesses who can provide information that will benefit your defense. We realize that facing criminal charges is scary and overwhelming, and our goal is to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system while building the best defense possible.
Contact Steven S. Nolder Attorney at Law
Call us today to schedule an initial consultation to discuss bribery and federal law in Columbus, Ohio. Steven S. Nolder and his team will give you the best chance of success in court by acting aggressively and proactively to pursue every possible defense. We will investigate the charges against you, gather documentation, evaluate the evidence, interview witnesses, and develop a stringent defense. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to request more information.