In New York, any form of bribery is unethical and illegal. Bribery occurs when an individual offers, gives, receives, or solicits money or goods to influence a person’s actions or behavior. When you are charged with a criminal offense such as bribery you will face an array of harsh penalties including hefty fines, jail time, and other serious consequences that will negatively affect your life. Keep reading to learn about the potential penalties of this offense and discover how a skilled Rockland County Criminal Defense Attorney can help you navigate this complex situation.
What is bribery?
Essentially, under the law, bribery is defined as giving, receiving, offering, or soliciting something of value to gain some sort of benefit or unlawful advantage. It is important to understand that giving or receiving a gift does not qualify as bribery unless there is a mutual understanding of something being reciprocated in exchange for the gift. Ultimately, both parties benefit in some way as the gift was given with the intent of getting some sort of benefit in return.
What are the potential penalties for bribery in New York?
When you offer a bribe or accept a bribe, you will be subject to harsh penalties. Like any other criminal offense, the severity of the penalties you will be subject to depends on the degree of your offense. In New York bribery is usually classified as a felony offense. If you are charged with bribery in the third degree it will be considered a Class D felony. A Class D felony is punishable by fines, community service, probation, and one year of jail time. Bribery in the third degree is the lowest charge you can face for this offense. If you offered a bribe or accepted a bribe of more than $10,000 your charge will escalate to bribery in the second degree and it will be classified as a Class C felony. Bribery in the second degree is punishable by up to 15 years of jail time. The most serious of all New York bribery offenses is bribery in the first degree. Bribery in the first degree is classified as a Class B felony. This offense is punishable by up to 25 years of jail time. However, the penalties and repercussions don’t stop there. The stigma of such an offense can tarnish your reputation and hinder your ability to find employment if you work as a public servant. Felony offenses will remain on your criminal record permanently, meaning a conviction will haunt you for the rest of your life. To prevent the harsh penalties of bribery, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of a determined Rockland County criminal defense attorney.
If you have been charged with bribery, you need to take hire appropriate legal representation as soon as possible. Our firm will work tirelessly to defend your rights and interests.
