Bribery might seem like a charge more suited to political thrillers and blockbuster movies, but it's a real and severe allegation that can carry significant penalties. You may remember the 2019 case involving Edward P. Mangano of Nassau County, who was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on bribery charges. His wife, Linda, also implicated in the case, was sentenced to 15 months in jail.
As you can see, the stakes are high when it comes to bribery charges. Keep reading to learn more about what bribery entails, the different charges you could face, and why seeking legal counsel immediately is imperative.
Understanding Bribery Charges
At its core, bribery involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in a position of authority.
Bribery charges can encompass a wide range of activities, a few of which include:
- Offering cash to a government official to sway a decision or action.
- Providing gifts or services to a corporate executive in return for business favors.
- Soliciting employees of a competitor to help you undermine your competition.
In addition to bribing another individual, accepting and receiving a bribe also constitutes a crime under the law. The legal consequences can be severe whether you’re the one offering the bribe or on the receiving end.
Penalties for Bribery in New York
In New York, the legal system distinguishes between bribery of a public servant and bribery in commercial contexts. The penalties associated with these charges are steep, underscoring the necessity of taking any bribery allegations seriously.
Section 200 of New York's Penal Code deals explicitly with bribery concerning public servants, broken down as follows:
- Bribery in the Third Degree: Class D felony, punishable by up to seven (7) years in prison.
- Bribery in the Second Degree: Class C felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Bribery in the First Degree: Class B felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
Bribery of a non-public servant is charged as one of two degrees:
- Commercial Bribing in the Second Degree: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one (1) year in prison.
- Commercial Bribing in the First Degree: Class E felony punishable by up to four (4) years in prison.
The specific charges and penalties for bribery will ultimately depend on the precise circumstances surrounding each case. Factors such as the value of the bribe, the role of the individual in their organization or community, and the impact of their actions will all influence the severity of the charges.
The Critical Importance of Legal Counsel
Facing bribery charges can be a daunting experience. However, it's crucial to remember that every individual is entitled to a defense. An attorney knowledgeable about New York's bribery laws, like ours at Foley Griffin, can help you understand the charges against you and advise on the best course of action.
If you’re under investigation or have been charged with bribery, seeking legal assistance must be your top priority. The implications of a bribery charge can be far-reaching, affecting your personal and professional life.
Defending against bribery charges can be challenging, and multiple defense options could be available, such as challenging the evidence's validity or arguing entrapment. Early intervention by a skilled lawyer can make a difference in how your case progresses and can potentially impact your case outcome.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Foley Griffin for legal assistance.