Although they are rarely violent offenses, allegations of bribery are still prosecuted harshly in South Carolina and are often categorized as high-level felonies. Even if you have no history of criminal charges or convictions, being found guilty of seeking a preferred result to a government proceeding through an offer of money or something else of value could lead to you facing years of imprisonment. In addition to this, steep financial penalties can often occur.
Securing a positive outcome to this type of criminal case could be much easier with support from a skilled South Carolina bribery lawyer. Beyond just helping you build a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances, a qualified white collar defense attorney could also provide much-needed guidance about what to expect from your legal proceedings and what specific state laws might impact you.
South Carolina Code of Laws § 8-13-705 is the statute that law enforcement authorities in the Palmetto State most commonly file bribery charges under. Under this section of state law, it is unlawful for any person to directly or indirectly give, offer to provide, or promise any good, service, or amount of money to a public official or government employee, specifically to influence how that person discharges their responsibilities.
Any such offer made to induce a public official to aid in or ignore an act of fraud also constitutes criminal bribery. This could mean that any official who solicits or accepts such an offer can be charged and prosecuted under the same statute. It is also considered unlawful for any person to offer money or something of value to influence how someone testifies before a court, legislative committee, or government agency.
Bribery is a felony offense, and anyone convicted of this crime may be sentenced to a maximum ten-year term in state prison and a maximum $10,000 fine. Additionally, as a bribery attorney could further explain, a person convicted under this statute is rendered permanently ineligible to hold any public office in the state of South Carolina. Any currently serving public official thus convicted automatically forfeits their position or employment.
Bribery is an offense that refers to the act of offering, giving, or receiving gifts or other objects of value to influence the direct actions of an individual who holds some form of authority. Within this definition, there are multiple scenarios where bribery could occur outside of those related to having a spot in public office.
Under S.C. Code § 16-17-540, bribery of an employee, agent, or servant with the intent to influence some action performed by that person in relation to their employer’s business is a misdemeanor punishable upon conviction by up to one year of jail time plus a $500 fine.
S.C. Code § 16-17-550 allows even harsher penalties for bribery of an athletic official or athlete meant to induce a particular outcome to an athletic competition or event—specifically, the same fines associated with the corruption of a public official. A South Carolina bribery lawyer could assist in contesting charges filed under any of these sections of state law.
With relatively few exceptions, bribery is almost always classified as a felony in South Carolina and prosecuted accordingly. Without representation from a defense attorney with experience challenging similar charges, you may have difficulty protecting your rights and effectively pursuing a positive final case result.
A qualified South Carolina bribery lawyer could provide the tenacious counsel and support you might need to preserve your best interests. Call today for a consultation.
