Houston Federal Bribery Lawyer

Houston Federal Bribery Attorney

Allow a qualified and experienced Houston federal bribery lawyer to handle your case if you’ve been accused of bribery, improper influence, public corruption, or other related charges. Federal criminal charges are very serious, so it’s highly advised that you have a legal professional represent you throughout the process.

The Law Offices of Richard Kuniansky has successfully represented numerous clients against charges of state and federal bribery. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, it’s crucial to consult a skilled legal professional who has practical experience in federal criminal proceedings.

What Constitutes Bribery Under State or Federal Law?

Bribery is unlawful and prohibited by both Texas state laws and federal legislation. Bribery is defined as having corrupt influence over a public servant or other official. This corruption includes offering, soliciting, accepting, or receiving money, gifts, or other incentives. The purpose of these actions is to influence the public official’s conduct, discretion, decision, or vote.

Offering payment or gifts to a public servant is considered a criminal offense only when the person offering them is intentionally doing so. Furthermore, they must know that offering a bribe is a crime and that the official is legally prohibited from receiving it. Active bribery is the offering of funds or gifts, while receiving said incentives is known as passive bribery. Both acts are equally illegal.

The “improper influence” aspect of bribery involves seeking to influence a legal proceeding in court or regarding an administrative agency by privately communicating with a government official or public servant. If there’s suspicion of the bribery of a public official or an employee within the federal government, it’s likely that federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are going to get involved and conduct an investigation into the matter.

Possible Defense Arguments Against Bribery Charges

How your criminal attorney builds a legal defense against your circumstances can vary. It will primarily depend on the details of the situation, including the parties involved (their professional title) and the amount or value of the bribe itself.

To convict you of bribery, the prosecution must sufficiently prove that your actions were conducted with the intent to offer gifts or money in exchange for political or legal favors, including a particular outcome of a court or administrative proceeding.

The role of your defense lawyer is to create reasonable doubt that this took place. They can accomplish this by providing supporting evidence and weakening the prosecution’s case and proof against you. Your attorney may use one of a variety of defense strategies in this process, such as asserting that:

• You are completely innocent of the charges.
• You lacked the intent to cause improper influence through your actions.
• Your conduct does not constitute an unlawful activity due to not meeting the definition of bribery.
• You were coerced into participating in the crime.

Punishment After a Bribery Conviction

The penalties you may face after being convicted of bribery can vary, depending on multiple factors. A key factor is whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. For example, offering a gift to a public official is likely to be charged as a misdemeanor. Bribing a federal judge is most likely to be treated as a felony violation.

Whether the bribery is a state or federal offense as well as the amount of the bribe can also be influencing factors of an offender’s sentencing. A bribery-related misdemeanor (offering of gifts, improper influence) is punishable by time in jail and a fine. Bribery itself is a second-degree felony, and those convicted may face heavy fines and a prison sentence.

Under some circumstances, a defendant may be eligible for probation instead of incarceration. A conviction for bribery at the federal level can make you more vulnerable to time in prison, but this depends on the prosecution’s discretion. Whatever charges and punishment you may be faced with, retaining the counsel of an experienced defense attorney is extremely beneficial when trying to lessen the penalties of a conviction.

FAQs

Is Bribery a Felony Offense in Texas?

In Houston, Texas, bribery is a second-degree felony offense, but related crimes may be tried as a misdemeanor, depending on the case. Offering a gift to a public servant or official and seeking to have improper influence over a court or administrative proceeding are both misdemeanor violations. Additionally, the value of a bribe and the status of the public servant who was the target of bribery can also influence whether the offense is regarded as a felony or a misdemeanor.

Is It Considered Illegal to Bribe a Federal Agent?

Yes, it is illegal to knowingly bribe a federal agent, agency, or employee of the federal government. Similar to how it’s unlawful to bribe a state government official or public servant, it is just as illegal to seek improper influence over a federal proceeding by bribing a servant of a federal agency. If you are suspected of being involved in federal bribery, you may be the target of a federal investigation and tried in federal court.

What Is the Penalty for Bribery in Texas?

If a defendant is convicted of bribery in Texas, they can be subject to a prison sentence and fines. Penalty specifics can vary, as they depend on, among other relevant factors:

• The nature and severity of the crime
• Whether the defendant has a history of prior criminal convictions
• The value of the bribe
• The target of the bribe
• The offender’s reasons for committing the crime

What Is a Public Corruption Crime in Texas?

Under Texas and federal laws, public corruption is a broad category of unlawful, improper, or unethical acts that are a breach of public trust. These offenses are committed for financial, commercial, or personal gain.

Public corruption includes:

• Kickbacks and bribery-related crimes
• Grafting (government officials misdirecting public funds for personal interests)
• Illegal lobbying
• Influence-peddling
• Extortion

Public corruption is often charged concurrently with bribery and similar crimes.

Let a Legal Professional Handle Your Bribery Charges

By promptly contacting a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Richard Kuniansky, you can increase your chances of avoiding a conviction or extreme penalties. Contact us today to speak with a skilled defense lawyer about your situation.