New York Bribery Lawyer

When most people think of bribery, they imagine giving money to a politician in return for being appointed to a public position. Indeed, this is generally considered to be bribery, which is illegal. However, New York has greatly expanded their definition of bribery.

Being accused of bribery can be a confusing and intimidating situation. An experienced New York bribery lawyer will work with clients who have been accused of a variety of bribery related charges. These clients often ask:

• What exactly is bribery?
• What are the potential penalties?
• What can our firm do to help?

To begin building a defense against such charges, do not hesitate before contacting a bribery attorney.

Defining the Charge

Bribery in New York includes both the giving and receiving of bribes. New York State Penal Law Part 3 Title L 200.45, states that conferring, offering to confer, or agreeing to confer any money or property to a public official with the understanding that an appointment to a public office will follow is a class D felony.

Similarly, NY Penal Law 200.50 makes the receiving, asking for, or agreement to receive a bribe a class D felony.

A more general definition of bribery for a public official is found in NY Penal Law 200.04. This makes it a class B felony to offer, or attempt to offer, payment to a public official to influence a vote, judgment, action, or decision in relation to any arrest, prosecution, or detention of any person for the alleged commission of a different class A felony. This is also known as Bribery in the First Degree.

Bribery in the Second Degree is a class C felony under NY Penal Law 200.03. This crime is defined as a person giving a gift in excess of $10,000.00 to a public servant in an attempt to influence that servant’s opinion, judgement, or action.

All Bribery attempts valued at less than $10,000.00 are a class D felony under NY Penal Law 200.00.

Other examples of bribery charges include:

• Receiving Bribes in the First-Degree, see NY Penal Law 200.12
• Rewarding Official Misconduct, see NY Penal Law 200.22
• Giving Unlawful Gratuities, see NY Penal Law 200.30

A knowledgeable bribery attorney in New York will understand the nuances in New York Bribery laws. They can help clients better understand the nature of the charges being brought and how best to fight them.

Potential Penalties

New York classifies Bribery in varying levels of severity. Giving Unlawful Gratuities is a class A misdemeanor while Bribery in the First Degree is a class B felony.

If a person is convicted of a class B felony, the sentence is as little as one to three years in prison and as much as eight and one third to 25 years in prison. If a person is a predicate felony, the minimum is four and one half to nine years and may be expanded to a maximum of 25 years.

If a person is convicted of a class C felony, there is a maximum of fifteen years in prison. Class D felonies carry a maximum of seven years’ incarceration. All of this assumes an individual is not a predicate felon whereby their minimum exposure mandates prison.

The least serious class of charge in Bribery, a class A misdemeanor offense, is less severe in its penalty, but a conviction still carries up to one year jail time and a fine of up to $1,000.00. New York Penal Law Title E Article 70 contains the full details of sentencing in New York. To best defend against such penalties, an individual should be sure to contact a New York bribery lawyer immediately.

Benefit of an Attorney

Entering into the New York criminal justice system can be an intimidating experience. From arraignment, through pre-trial hearings, to a potential trial, a bribery lawyer in New York City can help clients to protect their rights.

They will examine every aspect of your case, dissect the evidence, talk to witnesses, and challenge them in court.

A conviction of bribery can result in significant jail time as well as a mark on a person’s criminal record. Contact a New York City bribery attorney as soon as possible.