Los Angeles Bribery Defense Lawyers

Los Angeles Bribery Charge Defense

Bribery is a serious charge that carries heavy penalties in Los Angeles. California law defines most forms of bribery as a felony—both for the person attempting a bribe and the person accepting a bribe. Thus, bribery charges can ruin your reputation, destroy your life, wreck your career, and put you behind bars.

If you face charges of bribery, several valid legal defenses could be effective. With the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you increase the chances of the charges being dismissed, reduced, or acquitted.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we know what it takes to defend against bribery charges, and we aggressively pursue full exoneration for the people we represent. In fact, managing partner Mark Werksman has been listed by Los Angeles Magazine as one of LA's "top white-collar criminal defense attorneys." Call our Los Angeles firm today at (213) 688-0460 to speak with one of our experienced lawyers.

How is Bribery Defined in California?

In California Penal Code PC 7, bribery is defined as: "Anything of value or advantage, present or prospective, or any promise or undertaking to give any, asked, given, or accepted, with a corrupt intent to influence, unlawfully, the person to whom it is given, in his or her action, vote, or opinion, in any public or official capacity." In other words, it's a crime to offer, give, ask for, or receive anything with the corrupt intention of influencing any official act or opinion.

This means that if you offer someone a bribe, you can face criminal charges regardless of whether the bribe is accepted or agreed upon. So, for example, if an official "suggests" that payment or services could sway their vote, cause them to grant special permission, or act in any way other than how they would normally, they too can be charged—whether a bribe is accepted or not.

Examples of Bribery

To better understand how bribery works, here are some examples of what would and wouldn't be considered bribery:

• Contactor Bill is building a high-rise and realizes that a costly mistake was made that could cause a major setback. When the building inspector arrives and notices the problem, Bill offers him $5,000 to keep quiet about it and sign off anyway. The building inspector agrees, takes the money, and lets the infraction slide. In this case, both Bill and the building inspector could be charged with bribery. If the building inspector had refused the bribe and reported it to the police, Bill could have been accused of bribery, and the building inspector would have been safe.
• Contractor Bill is building a high-rise, and a building inspector has noticed a major problem that could set the project back by over $200,000. The building inspector offers to make it all "go away" if Bill pays him $5,000, which Bill accepts and pays. In this case, again, both Bill and the inspector committed bribery. If, however, Bill refused and reported the inspector to the police, the inspector could be charged, and Bill would be safe.

These same scenarios can be applied to any amount of money, service, preferential treatment, or any advantage offered, given, accepted, or requested by any person performing an official act.

What To Do After a Bribery Arrest

Facing a bribery charge can be an overwhelming experience, but it's crucial to stay composed and take strategic steps to protect your rights. Safeguarding your legal position and building a strong defense is paramount at this time.

Remain Silent

It's essential to exercise the right to remain silent as protected by the Fifth Amendment. Any statements made can become evidence in court, so it's crucial to avoid comments that could be misinterpreted or incriminating. Calmly inform officers of this decision and request an attorney. Legal counsel will provide guidance, protecting your rights and impacting the case's outcome positively by limiting the prosecution's evidence. This step is key to building a robust defense strategy.

Avoid Discussing Your Case in Custody

Avoid discussing case details in custody. Conversations with inmates or over-monitored channels can unintentionally provide evidence to prosecutors. Remarks may be misconstrued, harming your defense. Informants may also report what they hear. Reserve all discussions for confidential meetings with your attorney to protect your defense integrity and prevent damaging statements in court. Caution in custody safeguards your rights and positions you better for legal proceedings.

Call Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP

Contacting a qualified law firm like Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP is crucial. With extensive experience in complex bribery cases, our lawyers offer the knowledge to navigate Los Angeles's legal landscape. We evaluate your case, providing immediate advice and tailored defense strategies to mitigate charges or seek acquittal. Early engagement with an attorney can significantly influence your defense, ensuring procedural safeguards are met.

What Are the Legal Penalties for a Bribery Conviction?

Unless the bribe is minor and in specific situations (such as to a ministerial official for a sum of under $400), it is typically classified as a felony crime in California. A conviction can lead to significant consequences, including substantial fines and imprisonment.

The exact penalties for bribery depend on the specifics of the case, such as the amount involved in the bribery, the individual's role, and any prior criminal history. If one is convicted of bribery, they are facing:

• Substantial Fines: A minimum fine of $2,000 with an unlimited maximum based on the value of the bribe.
• Imprisonment: Individuals convicted of bribery may face imprisonment extending two to four years.
• Loss of Professional Licenses: A conviction can lead to the revocation of professional licenses, which can severely impact one's career and livelihood.
• Reputation Damage: Bribery convictions can tarnish personal and professional reputations, affecting relationships and professional stature.
• Employment Restrictions: There can be significant restrictions on future employment opportunities, limiting one's options and ability to progress in their field.
• Civil Penalties: In addition to criminal consequences, individuals may be subject to civil penalties, including restitution payments to compensate affected parties.
• Removal from Public Office: Individuals convicted of bribery may face removal from public office, significantly impacting their career and public service capabilities.

The Process for Los Angeles Bribery Cases

Navigating bribery cases in Los Angeles involves a series of procedural steps, each critical to the overall legal strategy. Here is a typical progression:

• Investigation: The process begins with an investigation by law enforcement, gathering evidence to substantiate the bribery allegations. This can involve surveillance, interviews, and financial audits.
• Arrest and Charges: If sufficient evidence is found, an arrest may be made, followed by formal charges being filed against the accused.
• Arraignment: The accused attends an arraignment hearing, where the charges are read, and a plea is entered. Bail may be set, or the individual may be released on their own recognizance.
• Pre-Trial Motions: Defense attorneys may file motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence that was improperly obtained.
• Trial or Plea Bargain: The case may proceed to trial, where a defense strategy is executed, or a plea bargain may be negotiated to resolve the case.
• Sentencing or Acquittal: If found guilty, sentencing occurs; otherwise, an acquittal results in the accused's release.

What Are Legal Defenses for Bribery?

Bribery is an intent crime, which means the prosecution must prove the accused had an intent to corrupt to qualify as a crime. With this in mind, there are several valid and effective defenses against a charge of bribery:

• Lack of Intent: The accused argues that there was no intention to influence the recipient unlawfully, demonstrating that they did not act with corrupt motives.
• Misunderstanding: In some cases, statements can be misinterpreted as a bribe when they were never intended that way. This defense can be used to show there was no corrupt intent.
• Intoxication: If you are sufficiently intoxicated that your mental capacity is diminished, it could support the defense that you had no actual intent.
• Mistake: In some cases, people honestly don't realize who they're talking to or what they're doing, and comments or suggestions can be misconstrued as a bribe in error.
• Entrapment: The accused claims that law enforcement induced them to commit bribery, which they would not have done otherwise.
• Insufficient Evidence: This defense contends that the prosecution's case lacks the necessary proof to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Coercion or Duress: The accused was forced into committing bribery, which can form the basis of this defense.

How a Los Angeles Bribery Defense Attorney Can Help

Navigating bribery charges in Los Angeles requires adept legal support. A qualified bribery defense lawyer can provide crucial support, guiding the accused through complex legal procedures and developing a strong defense strategy to protect their rights and future.

Legal Guidance and Support

With a deep understanding of California's bribery laws and legal landscape, a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can craft robust defense strategies. Lawyers analyze case specifics to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's arguments, challenge evidence validity, question intent, and demonstrate a lack of corrupt intent. They guide clients through the legal process, ensuring comprehension of each step and their rights while providing emotional support. A defense attorney's diligent representation aims to protect the client's reputation and secure the best possible outcome.

Case Analysis and Strategy

Comprehensive case analysis is crucial for an effective defense against bribery accusations. A Los Angeles bribery defense lawyer reviews all case aspects, assesses prosecution evidence, and identifies legal anomalies. This analysis reveals inconsistencies or procedural errors that weaken the prosecution. Based on these findings, a tailored defense strategy is crafted. This may involve negotiating plea deals, preparing for trial, or filing motions to dismiss charges. Attorneys use their knowledge of past cases and current precedents to anticipate and counter prosecution strategies. By tailoring defense plans, they aim to minimize the charges' impact and achieve a resolution in the client's best interests.

Plea Bargaining

Plea bargaining is a tactical approach a Los Angeles bribery defense attorney might employ to secure a more favorable outcome. It involves negotiating with the prosecution to reduce charges or lighten sentencing in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser offense. Attorneys assess the prosecution's case and trial risks to decide if plea bargaining is viable. They use their negotiation skills and legal community connections to advocate effectively. A plea deal can help clients avoid trial uncertainty and lessen the penalties of bribery convictions. Though not suitable for every situation, it can strategically resolve cases to align with a client's long-term interests.

Constitutional Rights Protection

Lawyers must ensure these rights are upheld throughout the legal process for a fair trial. They closely examine arrest and investigation circumstances to detect any rights violations, such as unlawful searches or coercive questioning. If violations occur, they can file motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence, weakening the prosecution's case. They also inform clients of essential rights like remaining silent and accessing legal counsel. This diligent protection upholds legal integrity and guards against undue prejudice, aiming for a fair outcome in bribery cases.

Let Our Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys Defend Your Rights

It's up to your lawyer to determine which defense will be most effective in your case, and our white-collar criminal defense lawyers at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP are some of the most creative and effective criminal defense lawyers in California. When you hire us, you don't just get one attorney—you get the entire firm behind you with our resources dedicated to your defense. We successfully represent some of the top people in our state.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable bribery defense lawyers in Los Angeles, call the Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP law firm at (213) 688-0460.

Recent Bribery Case Result

• A Glendale man was accused of bribing DMV officials to obtain false driver’s licenses for people whose licenses had been suspended, and faced four years in state prison and deportation if convicted. Mark Werksman got the case dismissed after a two-day preliminary hearing.

View more case results obtained by the firm.

Additional Information

• When Is Lobbying Considered Bribery?
• Intent Crimes: What Do They Mean For You?