Alexandria Bribery Lawyer

Criminal Defense for Those Accused of Bribery in Virginia

Bribery is a white-collar crime and a civil offense under federal and state laws that involves offering, giving, accepting, or soliciting a thing of value to influence a dishonest, corrupt, or biased decision. In most cases, bribery can lead to penalties such as suspension, debarment, or termination of business contracts.

Given that the consequences of a criminal conviction often include incarceration, a steep fine, and professional ruin, the accused should obtain the services of a bribery defense lawyer as quickly as possible.

At King, Campbell, Poretz, and Mitchell, we focus exclusively on criminal defense. Collectively, our bribery defense team boasts over 130 years of experience and has represented people in all federal and state courts, and military jurisdictions.

If you need legal representation involving a bribery charge in Alexandria or Leesburg, call (703) 468-8557 or contact our firm online.

What are the Types of Bribery?

Bribery can take several forms, each involving the exchange of something of value to influence actions or decisions. Here are the main types of bribery:

Active Bribery

Often referred to as offering a bribe, this involves the giver providing something of value to influence the recipient's decision. 

If money or an item is transferred in secret without the knowledge or consent of the primary recipient, a successful bribery charge is difficult to sustain. On the other hand, if you use an intermediary, often referred to as a conduit, to make the transaction, it may be possible to argue that you gave the thing of value as a gift without “corrupt intent.”

Passive Bribery

Simply put, passive bribery is the act of receiving bribes. In many cases, both passive and active bribes never involve the exchange of money. Instead, it can take the form of lavish gifts, preference for job promotions, nudges by board members to approve proposed plans, or even tempting benefits that push a recipient into making certain decisions.

Judicial Bribery

Also referred to as magistrate bribery, this form of bribery occurs in the legal system and impacts a judge or similar officer of justice. A bribe may be offered by a defendant or a plaintiff to influence a court case they are involved in or using questionable means to receive a preferred judgment or sentence.

Political Bribery

A political bribe is an offer or receipt of a thing of value to influence a political official’s decisions for personal or group gain. That is why campaign finance laws exist—to discourage the practice of political bribery.

How is Bribery Proven in Court?

To prove bribery in court, the prosecution must show that the bribe was substantial enough to have influenced the recipient's actions and demonstrate that the recipient's decision would have been different if the bribe had not been offered.

Intent is often a difficult and subjective element of bribery cases. For defendants who detect they are under investigation, or even more important, before an investigation has commenced, they benefit significantly by the early intervention of an experienced bribery lawyer.

Facing bribery charges in Alexandria or Leesburg? Our top-tier bribery defense attorneys can protect your rights. Call at (703) 468-8557 or contact us online now!

What are the Penalties for a Bribery Conviction in virginia?

The punishments for bribery convictions vary and depend on several circumstances surrounding the case, including the fluence of the act, the nature of the relationship between the one offering the bribe and the recipient, the position of the accused, and the value of the asset being offered.

A criminal bribery conviction can spiral an individual’s life into a wreckage after the prison term. The overwhelming loss of reputation, credibility, and public humiliation that follows a conviction can all but erase the value of years of hard work in establishing an effective public reputation.

In Virginia, convictions for bribery can carry the following penalties:

• A prison term of up to 40 years
• Fines as high as $1,000,000
• Being ineligible to serve in a public office
• Disqualification from being a witness in court
• Licensing review and revocation in professions

How to Defend Against Bribery Charges

If you face bribery charges in federal court, you must confront federal prosecutors working in the US magistrate system, as well as facing grand jury investigation to bring the charge against you. You must also avoid becoming the target of enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) or Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Some common defenses for bribery charges include:

• The Crime Was Not Bribery: If a payment or benefit was provided without expecting a favor or condition, it may be classified as a gift rather than a bribe.
• The Crime Was Not Intentional: Highlight that the bribery was accidental or misunderstood, or that the involved parties believed their actions were in the public interest. Requires presenting counter-testimony and credible evidence.
• Entrapment: This defense asserts that law enforcement or government officials induced the person to commit the crime, which they would not have committed otherwise. This protects citizens from government overreach and coercion.
• No Corruption of Duties: The defense can show that the alleged bribe did not affect the official’s actions or decisions, and thus did not constitute bribery.

Successfully contesting bribery charges is possible, but you can only rely on our Alexandria criminal defense attorney who understands the intricacies of the case, and the process, to establish powerful defense options.

Contact King, Campbell, Poretz, and Mitchell. our alexandria attorneys Can Help!

Due to our focused practice, we have the resources, qualified investigators, expert witnesses, team of attorneys, and background in federal procedure to tackle the most difficult and contentious bribery cases. In the past, we have successfully not only defended our clients against such charges but, more importantly, obtained full acquittals and complete dismissals.

If you face bribery allegations, call (703) 468-8557 for a consultation and confidential review of your case or contact us online.