The corruption of public officials undermines the integrity and trust of governmental operations. Federal bribery and corruption charges are serious offenses with severe penalties that can devastate careers, families, and communities.
The first step in defending against corruption allegations is to understand what federal laws governing public corruption entail. Then, you can build a strong case that you did not act corruptly or that your actions were misunderstood.
Corrupt activities are generally categorized as “petty corruption” or “systemic corruption.” Petty corruption occurs at the implementation end of the delivery of public services. It takes place in small places such as registration offices, police stations, and state licensing boards. Systemic corruption, on the other hand, involves a systematic breakdown of an entire institution or process. The corruption of a public agency is usually a result of several factors such as weak supervision, a lack of internal control, and corrupt practices in private companies that a government entity partners with.
Federal Bribery and Corruption
Government agencies, such as the Department of Justice, aggressively pursue individuals accused of committing corrupt acts. A conviction for bribery or corruption in a government position can lead to substantial fines, years of prison time, and the forfeiture of any ill-gotten gains. In addition, convicted individuals may be barred from serving in any other public capacity. These severe penalties are designed to deter corruption and protect the public’s interest in a well-functioning government.