Bribery is often associated with big corporations and corrupt foreign governments, but it can happen on a smaller scale as well. If you have been charged with bribery, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential. A Newark bribery lawyer could review the evidence against you and make the best possible arguments in your favor.
There are two types of bribery crimes in New Jersey. The first, bribery in official and political matters, is laid out in New Jersey Statute 2C:27-2 and addresses bribes offered to elected officials, judges, and other public servants. The second, commercial bribery, is defined in New Jersey Statute 2C:21-10 and describes bribes offered to fiduciaries, licensed professionals, managers, or anyone else who accepts a bribe while claiming to make unbiased business decisions.
In both contexts, a bribe refers to any type of unauthorized benefit intended to influence the recipient’s behavior. For example, a person might offer money to a local official in exchange for prioritizing road improvements in their neighborhood. A doctor might get benefits from a pharmaceutical company for prescribing its medications, influencing their judgment regarding how frequently to write certain prescriptions. As a Newark attorney can further explain, both the person offering the bribe and the person receiving the bribe can be charged with a crime.
The penalties for bribery depend on both the type of bribery and the amount of money or the value of benefits involved. Bribery of public officials is a second-degree crime, potentially resulting in a prison sentence of five to 10 years and a fine of up to $150,000. Bribery with benefits worth $200 or less are third-degree crimes, coming with a possible sentence of three to five years and a fine of up to $15,000. A commercial bribery charge in which the benefit is worth $75,000 or more is a second-degree crime. Bribery with benefit amounts between $1,000 and $75,000 is a third-degree crime. If the benefit is less than $1,000, commercial bribery is a fourth-degree crime, which can result in a prison sentence of up to 18 months and up to a $10,000 fine.
Because penalties are presented in ranges, the actual sentence you could face if convicted varies significantly. An experienced bribery attorney in Newark could review your case and estimate the penalties you may be dealt. When determining your sentence, a court may consider your intent behind the bribery and whether you have any criminal history.
Being convicted of bribery can have serious consequences that affect the rest of your life. Even if you are not sentenced to prison time, a criminal conviction can affect your future job and housing opportunities. Hire a Newark bribery lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer could make the strongest available arguments on your behalf to help you get the best possible outcome. Contact the Law Office of Eric M. Mark to discuss your options today.
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