Navigating Federal Bribery or Corruption Charges in Florida
Facing federal bribery or corruption charges is one of the most serious legal situations that a person can find themselves in. Unlike state-level offenses, charges that fall under federal jurisdiction mean that prosecutors have significantly greater resources at their disposal, and the penalties are often far more severe.
If you are under investigation for a federal charge, take immediate action to work with the best federal defense attorney in St. Petersburg with The Rickman Law Firm. Our team is ready to fight for your rights.
What Constitutes Federal Bribery or Corruption?
Federal bribery or corruption charges generally involve offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in order to influence the actions of a public official or another individual in a position of authority. Bribery or corruption cases may also include kickbacks, fraudulent contracts, or misappropriation of funds tied to government programs. Because federal agencies such as the FBI or the Department of Justice often lead these investigations, the government can pull from more resources to build as strong of a possible case against the charged individual.
Potential Penalties of a Federal Bribery or Corruption Case
Convictions for federal bribery or corruption can be devastating. Penalties can include up to 15 years in federal prison, fines that may reach hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, and mandatory forfeiture of assets obtained through corrupt dealings, not to mention the permanent damage to your professional reputation and loss of certain civil rights.
The factors that can influence the severity of the consequences can include the scope of the alleged offense, the value of money or benefits exchanged, and whether any public officials were involved.
Defending Against Federal Charges
Every bribery or corruption case is unique, but there are several defenses that may be available and applicable, depending on the circumstances.
Common strategies include your Tampa federal criminal defense lawyer with The Rickman Law Firm challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, questioning whether the alleged conduct actually meets the legal definition of bribery, and exposing any flaws in how the government conducted its investigation. In some cases, they may choose to demonstrate that there was no corrupt intent behind your actions.
Because federal cases are often complex and involve extensive paper trails, electronic communications, and witness testimony, having an experienced defense attorney is the most important step to take.
Speak With a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Florida
Federal prosecutors are aggressive and meticulous when pursuing bribery or corruption charges, and attempting to navigate a federal case without proper legal guidance can be devastating.
If you are facing federal bribery or corruption charges in Florida, you need experienced legal representation from the best federal defense attorney in St. Petersburg as soon as possible. At The Rickman Law Firm, our team understands the complexities of federal cases and has a proven record of defending clients against serious allegations.
For a complimentary case consultation with a federal criminal defense lawyer in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm, call The Rickman Law Firm at (813) 370-1185 or fill out a consultation form today.