The state of Texas considers bribery to be a serious crime with wide-ranging implications, so it’s crucial to have a skilled bribery defense attorney by your side to protect your rights and fight the charges from the very start. At M|C Criminal Law, we are experienced white-collar crime attorneys with a proven track record of successfully defending clients against all types of white-collar crime allegations.
Because bribery charges threaten not only your freedom but also your reputation, career, and future, our team of skilled attorneys will guide you through the legal process and help you manage the social ramifications, offering both expert advice and crafting a defense strategy tailored to your unique situation. We understand the stakes. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Your future is too important to leave to chance – reach out to us and take the first step toward protecting it.
The offense of bribery is defined in the Texas Penal Code, Title 8, Section 36.02. The Code states that:
‘A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly offers, confers, or agrees to confer on another, or solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept from another:
(1) any benefit as consideration for the recipient’s decision, opinion, recommendation, vote, or other exercise of discretion as a public servant, party official, or voter;
(2) any benefit as consideration for the recipient’s decision, vote, recommendation, or other exercise of official discretion in a judicial or administrative proceeding;
(3) any benefit as consideration for a violation of a duty imposed by law on a public servant or party official; or
(4) any benefit that is a political contribution as defined by Title 15, Election Code, or that is an expenditure made and reported in accordance with Chapter 305, Government Code, if the benefit was offered, conferred, solicited, accepted, or agreed to pursuant to an express agreement to take or withhold a specific exercise of official discretion if such exercise of official discretion would not have been taken or withheld but for the benefit.’
In other words, bribery occurs when someone offers, accepts, or agrees to exchange something of value, like money or gifts, to influence a decision or action. This means that both the public and public officials can be charged with bribery and that nothing needs to have been exchanged, the mere act of offering or accepting to receive something can constitute the offense of bribery.
Bribery can involve everyone from a party official or even a voter and can happen in various situations, such as in judicial proceedings or political decisions. Additionally, bribery is not just about giving something in exchange for a favor but also includes offering something to encourage a violation of duties or to sway official actions. Essentially, bribery is the act of using benefits to manipulate or influence decisions in an improper way.
As you can see, bribery has a wide definition and can encompass many actions, such as:
In each of these examples, the exchange of something valuable is intended to influence the decisions of public officials, voters, or judicial figures. Even if the bribe is not ultimately accepted or acted upon, simply offering or agreeing to the exchange can still lead to criminal charges for bribery under Texas law.
That also means that anyone can be accused of bribery and it is necessary to hire an experienced bribery defense attorney to gather evidence and build a case.
Per the Texas Penal Code, bribery is a second-degree felony, which carries a punishment of 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. On top of that, a successful bribery conviction can have lasting consequences far beyond just the legal penalties. A conviction for bribery can cause significant damage to a person’s reputation, affecting their personal life and professional prospects.
Being convicted of bribery can make it extremely difficult to find employment in certain fields, particularly in any public service, government, or business roles where ethics and integrity are critical. The social stigma associated with a bribery conviction may lead to long-term challenges in maintaining professional relationships and can even result in disbarment for those in legal or professional sectors.
On top of that, bribery charges don’t only exist under Texas state law. Bribery can also be charged as a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code Section 201. This statute covers the bribery of federal officials, including members of Congress, federal judges, and any other government employees or officials. It is a federal offense to offer, give, or receive anything of value with the intent to influence the actions of these officials in their official duties.
Depending on the nature of the bribery, it could also lead to additional criminal charges related to conspiracy or corruption. In both state and federal cases, facing bribery charges requires an experienced team of bribery defense lawyers to protect your rights and mount a strong case to challenge the accusations.
If you are facing bribery charges in Texas, it’s essential to have a defense team with the experience and knowledge necessary to navigate these complex and high-stakes cases. At M|C Criminal Law, we are experienced white-collar crime lawyers from Dallas, TX who understand the intricacies of bribery laws, both at the state and federal levels.
Our unique background, including years of working in the criminal justice system as both prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers, provides us with a deep understanding of how to build a robust defense against bribery allegations. Our understanding of the legal landscape allows us to anticipate the moves of prosecutors and develop a defense that aligns with your best interests.
Whether you are facing a state-level charge in Texas or federal bribery charges, we know how to challenge the evidence and present a strategic defense. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the best possible representation throughout the legal process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward defending your future.
