Anyone who makes or accepts a bribe in Kansas may find themselves facing serious charges.
No matter what type of bribery you are being investigated for, you should contact a Manhattan bribery lawyer as soon as possible to begin planning your case defense. Prosecutors pursuing bribery charges tend to have extensive documentary and testimonial evidence on their side, and you may have slim odds of overcoming such strong opposition without assistance from a seasoned criminal defense attorney.
Kansas law defines both “bribery” and “bribe receiving.” The former is the act of offering money, a service, or something else of value in exchange for privileged action or discretion from a public servant; and the latter an act of soliciting or accepting any such benefit in exchange for privileged action or discretion as a public servant. It is worth reiterating that a bribe does not necessarily have to actually take place in order for a criminal case to proceed. Anyone who attempts to facilitate a bribe has committed a crime under state law.
According to Kansas Statutes § 21-6001, bribery is a severity level 7, nonperson felony. Thus, a conviction for bribery could mean serving between 11 to 34 months (approx. 1 to 3 years) in jail. Additionally, any person convicted of bribery in Kansas—notwithstanding an expungement—shall be forever disqualified from holding public office or public employment in this state.
As a Manhattan bribery attorney could explain, enhanced maximum penalties and mandatory minimum sanctions may be applicable in situations where a defendant has been convicted of a non-violent or violent felony prior to being arrested on charges of bribery.
Any allegation of bribery in Manhattan involving an employee or public servant of the federal government, or any bribery scheme that occurs across state lines, may result in prosecution under federal law rather than state law. According to 18 United States Code § 201, a conviction for a federal bribery crime may result in a fine equivalent to three times the financial value of the bribe in question, as well as a maximum term of 15 years in federal prison.
Notably, it is possible for someone to face bribery charges under both federal and state law at the same time, depending on the nature of their actions and the specific parties involved. A qualified bribery lawyer’s representation can be especially crucial during cases of this nature in Manhattan.
Bribery charges can be exceptionally difficult to contest at the state level and even more challenging when federal authorities are involved. Put simply, you have little chance of achieving a successful outcome in a situation like this if you try to fight your case without support from experienced legal counsel.
A dedicated Manhattan bribery lawyer could be the ally you need to effectively protect your interests and rights. Call today for a private consultation.
