Orangeburg County Bribery Lawyer

South Carolina exacts strict punishment for bribery convictions. One’s liberty, career, and financial stability are all at stake. Right from the beginning, you must take these charges seriously. Retaining a knowledgeable Orangeburg County lawyer as soon as possible, preferably when you learn you are under suspicion, may make the difference in the outcome of your case.

Bribery Under State Law

Bribery involves the corruption of public servants. It is the providing of a gift to a public official or employee, and in exchange, they use their official status to benefit the person providing the remuneration. In these instances, the official serves their needs and not the public’s. They not only violate the people’s trust but the law, as outlined in South Carolina Code of Laws § 8-13-705.

The gift in question can be anything of value – money, jewelry, vacations, use of a private jet. Almost anything may support bribery charges if it influences a public representative’s decision-making. All parties to the transaction can face charges. Authorities can implicate anyone who offers, solicits, receives, or provides a gift in exchange for favorable activity.

Improperly influencing testimony given under oath (i.e., at trial or before a government body, such as a legislative hearing) also constitutes bribery. As with public officials, it is illegal for witnesses to request or accept a gift in exchange for testifying a certain way. It is equally unlawful for parties to offer or agree to provide something of value to garner favorable statements during a proceeding.

The S.C. Code also prohibits rigging sporting events by paying off athletes and athletic officials. Section 16-17-550 covers players, managers, coaches, umpires, and referees. Anyone who has the power to impact the result of an athletic contest could face bribery charges.

While the facts of each case differ, seasoned bribery attorneys have the skills and support systems to investigate cases, negotiate with prosecutors, and, if necessary, challenge the State’s case at trial. At every stage, they focus on reaching a favorable resolution for the defendant.

Punishments for Bribing a State or Local Official

Bribery undermines public confidence in our institutions. To discourage this behavior, South Carolina classifies bribery as a felony and imposes harsh penalties. Whether the activity involves a political official, witness, or athletic participant, violators risk a maximum of 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Once convicted, a person has a criminal record. In general, criminal records can interfere with a person’s ability to rebuild their life once they have completed their sentence. Such histories often bar an individual from obtaining mortgages, student loans, admission to higher education, professional licensing, and limit their employment opportunities. A crime like bribery, which calls into question a person’s honesty and integrity, may compound these problems. Bribery attorneys understand these far-reaching consequences and work with defendants to mitigate the adverse impact of these charges.

Federal Law Also Prohibits Unduly Influencing Public Servants

The federal government also outlaws bribing its representatives, agents, officials, politician, employees, and witnesses. Violations of 18 United States Code § 201 carry even harsher penalties than under State law. Those found guilty of federal bribery counts may serve up to 15 years in prison, pay fines three times the bribe amount, and suffer disqualification from holding public office.

Seek the Counsel of a Skilled Bribery Attorney Today

Bribery cases can be tricky. There may be a complex web of facts, multiple defendants pointing the finger at each other, and prosecutors eager to win a conviction and quell public outcry. Our Orangeburg County bribery lawyers will account for these and other factors as they develop a solid defense strategy tailored to your unique needs. Call us today.