Southaven Criminal Defense Attorneys Protecting Clients Accused of Bribery

Upholding clients’ rights throughout Southaven, Olive Branch, Hernando and beyond since 1964

Bribery is one of those white collar crimes that highly influential people can easily fall prey to. When individual attains a high level of status, power and influence in government and in the private sector, there will always be people who are willing to pay for access to that power and influence. There are laws in place to protect the integrity of the government and to make sure that the government is run fairly and in accordance with the law.

At the Southaven, Hernando and Olive Branch law offices of Taylor Jones Taylor, you will find aggressive, experienced attorneys who are prepared to protect your rights under the law when you have been accused of bribery. The firm takes on all manner of white collar crimes, and the criminal defense legal team is thoroughly versed in the federal laws with regard to bribery.

Understanding the law

When something of value (cash, contacts, votes, influence, contract guarantees, etc.) was given to a public official with corrupt motives or demanded by a politician in order to influence any official or governmental act, it can be characterized as bribery. What must be proven is intent. The intent to influence or the agreement to be influenced in exchange for a gratuity is essential in order to prove that bribery occurred. According to the federal statute, there must be a quid pro quo to give or receive something valuable in exchange for the gratuity or bribe. (18 U.S.C. § 201) Influence peddling on the part of elected officials, or offering gifts and valuable goods, services and perks to public officials in exchange for favorable treatment and other benefits can take many forms.

Bribery charges are not limited to government officials, of course. Investors, banking executives, foreign nationals, businesspersons– anyone can stand accused if there is alleged intent.

What are the possible consequences of bribery charges?

With regard to the crime of bribery, both the party who offers the bribe and the party who accepted the bribe may be charged with a crime under federal bribery laws. If the bribery involves an officer of a court of law, obstruction of justice charges may also appropriate. There are also state laws against bribery in Mississippi. According to MS Code § 97-11-13 (2014), the penalty for violating the state bribery laws include prison term of not more than ten years, fines of not more than $5,000 or both.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 201(b), the bribery of a public official, or the acceptance of bribes by a public official carries the penalty of not more than 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both, restitution of not more than 3 times the amount of the bribe, and the individual will be barred from holding public office.

Public officials at all levels of government from mayors, legislators and other government officials, to law enforcement, judges and other officials have been accused of bribery, fraud, embezzlement and misuse of public funds. A skilled Southaven bribery defense attorney from the law firm of Taylor Jones Taylor will hold the prosecution to their obligation to prove every element of the crime to the jury.

Skillful defense strategies for those accused of bribery

Taylor Jones Taylor has successfully represented people accused of white collar crimes such as bribery throughout the northwest region of Mississippi for more than 50 years. The attorneys make home and jail visits, and they will work closely with the accused and their families in their offices in Southaven, Hernando and Olive Branch. To inquire about the firm’s services, please call 662-342-1300 or fill out this contact form. The firm proudly serves Tupelo, Oxford, Cleveland, Batesville, and Grenada. How can we help you today?