Edina Bribery Lawyer

Bribery is an offense that is not taken lightly in Edina. A conviction could result in severe consequences, including potential jail time and significant fines. Mere suspicion or suggestion of a bribery offense could harm your reputation in your personal and professional life.

If you are facing a charge for allegedly offering or accepting a bribe, it is essential for you to seek the assistance of a legal professional. A knowledgeable Edina bribery lawyer could help provide you with a better chance of achieving a favorable resolution.

The Criminal Definition of Bribery in Edina

A bribery offense is a white-collar crime involving an individual offering another person something of value, such as money, in return for something else. Typically, a person offers a bribe when looking for a favor or other beneficial treatment. It is important to understand that bribery could be charged against both the person offering the bribe and the person receiving it.

Bribery charges commonly occur in an attempt to influence another person to act in a certain way. For instance, under Minnesota Statute § 609.42, public officials, witnesses in court cases, individuals with knowledge or information about a crime, and prosecutors can all be charged if they accept or offer money in the form of a bribe.

A conviction also requires proof of intent, which often leads police officers to set up a sting operation when they become aware of a potential bribe. An attorney well-versed in bribery cases could help defend against unlawful police activity and demonstrate a defendant’s lack of intent.

Common Types of Bribes

Often, bribery cases involve individuals in their official capacity, such as someone holding public office. Someone might attempt to pay off a public official to influence a decision or change an outcome in their favor. Some common examples of circumstances that might result in a bribery charge include the following:

• Paying a government official to issue a construction permit

• Paying a judge to issue a favorable decision judges

• Paying police officers to get out of a ticket or other charge

• Paying an athlete or referee to determine the outcome of a match before it starts

An individual charged with bribery could be facing severe consequences regardless of the form of the offense. A seasoned lawyer in Edina could help determine the potential legal options to seek a positive resolution of a bribery case.

What are the Potential Penalties for Bribery?

The potential penalties for a bribery conviction typically depend on the type of charge an individual is facing. For instance, an individual may be charged with general bribery, which relates to solicitations to public officials and carries jail time of up to 10 years and fines up to $20,000 for a conviction. Contest bribery pertains to influencing the outcome of a sporting game or contest and, if convicted, could carry up to a five-year jail sentence as well as a fine of up to $10,000.

Commercial bribery is another punishable offense under state law, and it relates to the bribing of employees by their employers or vice versa. A conviction for this type of bribery also could lead to up to 5 years in jail and a fine of $10,000. An Edina attorney could help an individual understand the unique nature of the bribery charges they are facing.

Call an Edina Bribery Attorney Today to Learn More About Your Legal Options

A bribery case typically presents many complexities that might involve both state and federal law. Proceeding without a seasoned attorney might present many issues for you, even if you believe that there is no chance of a conviction. An Edina bribery lawyer would work tirelessly to build a strong defense against your charges and protect your best interests. Schedule your initial consultation today to get started.