A felony charge for bribery is a serious matter. The negative impacts of a bribery conviction have consequences even after someone has served their sentence, such as difficulty securing government contracts and obtaining future employment.

Thankfully, a Boulder bribery lawyer could help protect you. With the right defense strategy, you may be able to overcome bribery charges and keep a clean record. Call dedicated criminal defense attorney Mike Petrash now to learn more.

What Qualifies as Bribery?

The crime of bribery involves offering, giving, or receiving something of value with the intent to influence the actions of a public official, such as a planning board member or a juror in a criminal trial. Bribery is not limited to cash payments; bribes can include:

  • Gifts
  • Favors
  • Services
  • Promises of future benefits

The key element is the corrupt intent behind the exchange. Under state law, a bribery charge can occur even if the bribe is not accepted or the intended influence does not occur. Simply offering or requesting a bribe with the intent to sway a decision, action, or vote can be enough to lead to criminal charges.

Bribery is a felony offense and treated harshly by prosecutors. This is especially true in situations involving public trust or government processes. The law applies to both parties in the transaction, as giving a bribe is as serious as accepting one. As there are complex legal standards and high stakes involved, anyone accused of bribery in Boulder could benefit from the support of an experienced defense lawyer.

Defenses to a Bribery Charge

You are entitled to a vigorous defense after being charged with bribery, and this starts with the support of experienced legal counsel. A bribery attorney in Boulder could review the allegations against you and develop a defense strategy tailored to your case. There are several approaches to these types of cases.

Lack of Evidence

It is the prosecution’s responsibility to prove its case against you beyond a reasonable doubt. Bribery cases often involve conflicting accounts of what happened, making it difficult for the prosecution to build a strong case. The best approach may be to highlight the weakness of the evidence against you.

Entrapment

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise participated in. If an attorney can prove government officials coerced or tricked someone into giving or receiving a bribe, a conviction could be avoided.

Lack of Intent

Bribery is a crime of intent. To achieve a conviction, the prosecution has to prove that the bribe was intended to influence an official in how they carry out their duties. Any doubt about the intention of the transaction could lead to an acquittal.

Talk to a Bribery Attorney in Boulder For Help Today

Being accused of giving or accepting a bribe can have devastating consequences for your career, reputation, and freedom. You have the right to fight the charges, but you should do so with experienced legal counsel. With the support of a Boulder bribery lawyer, you could achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Call Petrash Law today for a private consultation.