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All kinds of criminal charges can threaten your liberty, but bribery charges can threaten your personal and professional lives as well. The impact of these charges can extend far beyond the courtroom, affecting your relationships, career opportunities, and reputation.
An experienced Denver bribery lawyer understands that even if you are not convicted, the charges themselves can be damaging unless they are handled properly, both in terms of the legal process and the potential harm to your reputation. Reach out to well-practice defense attorney and former prosecutor Mike Petrash for help with your case today.
Bribery is a crime that involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in order to influence the actions of an official or some other person in a position of authority. This can involve cash payments, gifts, or even promises of future benefits if they are aimed at securing a favorable outcome.
In Denver, bribery is governed by state law, specifically Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-302. The law makes it illegal to attempt to influence a public servant through the provision of any sort of benefit. It also applies to anyone who accepts those kinds of benefits in exchange for taking a favorable action—in other words, both the person offering the bribe and the person receiving it.
Colorado law categorizes bribery as a felony, which means that the potential consequences can involve substantial fines and years in prison. A felony conviction can also lead to a permanent criminal record, which can affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, or even exercise certain rights.
Some bribery defenses are nonstarters. For example, it is not a defense to show that the person who sought to be influenced was not qualified to act in the desired way. One key component of bribery cases is the element of “intent.” In order to commit the crime of bribery, the defendant needs to intend to influence the public servant’s official actions through the offer or provision of an illegal benefit. If the prosecution cannot prove the defendant’s intent to influence the public servant, the case falls apart.
Other potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case might involve how the prosecution gathered evidence or whether the prosecution committed any procedural errors. For instance, if the evidence was obtained unlawfully, it could be excluded, significantly weakening the prosecution’s case.
Some bribery cases are resolved through plea negotiations, which might involve a lesser charge or a sentence to probation, without any jail time. Plea bargains can be a strategic way to avoid the uncertainty of a trial, particularly if the prosecution’s evidence is strong. It can be challenging for someone inexperienced with bribery cases and their likely outcomes to determine whether a plea offer is a “good deal” or not. However, an experienced bribery attorney could help by weighing the pros and cons of accepting a plea deal, ensuring that you make an informed decision that is in your best interests.
If you are facing bribery charges, your future might be on the line in more ways than one. The consequences of a bribery conviction can be far-reaching, affecting your personal life, career, and freedom. Contact a Denver bribery lawyer today to discuss your case and find out how you can take action to protect your rights.