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Federal authorities go to great lengths to prosecute individuals accused of allegedly misusing the privileges of their offices, and the punishments associated with public corruption can be severe. Various sections of the United States Penal Code prohibit certain actions considered to be forms of public corruption.
If you have been accused of fostering or engaging in public corruption within the state of Nebraska, you may face prosecution under federal law rather than state law. If so, you can benefit greatly from the relentless representation of a criminal defense attorney familiar with federal courts and effectively pursue a positive resolution to your case. Talking to a Lincoln federal public corruption lawyer should be your top priority after being charged with bribery, theft, or any other federal offense related to misuse of a public office.
How Federal Courts Prosecute Allegations of Bribery
18 United States Code §201 considers bribing a public official for the purpose of influencing their decisions or rewarding them for a certain decision a federal crime. This statute also prohibits any federal official from accepting a bribe in exchange for taking – or refraining from taking – an action within the scope of their official role.
Under federal law, a public official is anyone who is elected to serve in Congress, works for or with a department, agency, or branch of the federal government, or who has been selected as a juror in a federal trial. Among other services, a local attorney can help clarify whether a particular person qualifies as a public official under current federal corruption law.
If convicted of federal bribery, a person in Lincoln may face up to 15 years in prison, as well as a fine equal to 3 times the value of the bribe they offered. Federal prosecutors often pursue cases where a bribe is agreed upon but never actually executed. This means that executing the bribe is not necessary for a conviction.
Other Federal Statutes Addressing Public Corruption
Various other forms of public corruption may also be prosecuted as federal offenses under different statutes in the United States Penal Code. For example, 18 USC §666 specifically prohibits obtaining more than $5,000 in federal funding through embezzlement, fraud, or theft. A conviction may result in significant fines and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Likewise, anyone officially charged with disbursing federal funds may face prosecution under 18 USC §651-653 if they falsely certify a payment, embezzle federal funds by paying a federal employee less than they are lawfully owed, or misuse public funds in some other way. Additionally, Chapter 29 of USC Title 18 establishes various regulations related to political contributions, voting practices, and other election-related activities.
Depending on the circumstances, several federal statutes may apply to an alleged instance of public corruption. Working with an experienced lawyer is a virtual necessity for anyone who wants to effectively defend themselves against federal public corruption charges.
Work with a Lincoln Federal Public Corruption Attorney Today
Public corruption can take many different forms, and there are many different statutes that may impact a given case. Constructing an effective legal defense against federal public corruption charges requires thorough knowledge of federal law and legal precedent, both of which an attorney at Berry Law can provide.
A Lincoln federal public corruption lawyer could be your most important ally in the legal battle to come. Call Berry Law today to set up a confidential consultation with an experienced attorney.
