Bribery is a criminal charge that is being seen with increasingly frequency, in part because it can refer to any of a broad range of actions. Simply described, the crime occurs when influence is traded for a benefit of some kind. At Stephen Bilkis & Associates, you can meet with a New York Bribery Lawyer for free advice on how to understand and effectively defend yourself against a Bribery charge—and to avoid the filing and prosecution of criminal charges that are often related to Bribery, such as Fraud or Embezzlement.

Generally speaking, Bribery is committed if a gift or money is offered in return for a business advantage or other benefit. In other words, it occurs when some type of influence is exerted in order to win preferential treatment. For example, money might be offered in return for a public official's vote, to sway someone to overlook a violation, to gain a government contract, or to influence the testimony of a juror. If you engage in any of these types of acts, you may find yourself facing Bribery charges from the New York City District Attorney, the Westchester County District Attorney office, or the office of the District Attorney on Long Island in Nassau or Suffolk County.

Typically the intended target or recipient of a bribe is a public official, which is anyone employed by the government, from a Congressman to a buildings inspector. However, the understanding and definition of the crime has been expanded to include other types of officials, including corporate officers who are in the position to bestow benefits that otherwise might be at odds with the corporation's policies.

It is crucial to understand two things about the crime of Bribery: The bribe does not have to be delivered and received for the crime to have been committed; promising the bribe and agreeing to receive it are sufficient. And both parties can be found criminally liable—the individual who agrees to accept the bribe, as well as the one who offers it. Both New York State and the federal government have harsh penalties for both parties involved, especially with respect to public officials whose duty is to act in the public's best interest and not their own.

While typically a criminal charge, a Bribery charge can also lead to civil charges. The criminal charge, and the penalty for conviction, will be more severe based on the severity of the offense (the amount of money offered or the type of benefit gained). However, the right strategy can result in your successful defense. Talk to the experienced team at Stephen Bilkis & Associates by calling 1-800-NY-NY-Law today. We'll meet with you for free at any of our offices in the boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, or the Bronx), in Westchester, or in Nassau County or Suffolk County offices on Long Island.