Bribery is viewed as a serious criminal offense. Allegations of offering or accepting a bribe could severely damage your reputation, but there are even steeper consequences that could come with a criminal conviction, including prison time and hefty fines. A dedicated white-collar crimes attorney could help you defend yourself against these accusations.
If you have been accused of public corruption, you have the right to a vigorous defense. Your legal counsel could evaluate the facts of your case and help you push back against these allegations. Discuss your options with a Charleston public corruption and bribery lawyer before attempting to defend yourself in court.
The criminal offense of bribery applies to specific circumstances. This crime involves a private citizen offering something of value to a government official in the hopes of having them take specific action as part of their duties. This could be anything from rendering a favorable decision in court to accepting a zoning request.
The critical aspect of bribery is an explicit meeting or communication between the accused and the public official. This misuse of an office or privilege is what constitutes public corruption. These allegations could involve payments made to elected officials, government employees, or other public officials. A skilled Charleston lawyer could help you defend against these allegations of bribery and public corruption by determining if the allegations meet these minimum standards.
In South Carolina, bribery is classified as a felony. That means a conviction could involve harsh penalties like costly fines or up to 10 years in prison. There are also serious collateral consequences to consider, including the loss of the right to vote or own firearms. A felony conviction could also make it difficult to find a job or adequate housing in the future.
The important thing to remember is that these penalties only come into play upon a conviction. A Charleston public corruption and bribery attorney may be able to secure a dismissal or acquittal, and these penalties will never be served.
An arrest for bribery does not mean all hope is lost. In fact, these cases can be difficult for the state to prove. With an aggressive defense strategy, it may be possible to avoid a conviction completely, but doing so requires the right defense strategy. Some common defenses in public corruption cases include:
Developing a viable defense strategy in a bribery case can be challenging. That is why it is crucial to seek out the assistance of a seasoned Charleston lawyer when dealing with public corruption and bribery charges.
If you have been accused of public corruption, the decisions you make next could impact your life forever. Facing these challenges alone could be dangerous, so you should let a Charleston public corruption and bribery lawyer help you defend against these allegations. Our team at Bill Nettles, Attorney at Law, has decades of experience in white collar crime and the knowledge to protect your rights. Reach out today for a private consultation.
