Criminal Defense Lawyers

Understanding Federal Bribery Charges

Bribery is a serious federal offense that involves offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving something of value in exchange for influence on a government/public official or employee. Bribery also includes attempting to bribe a federal official. Federal bribery charges can be brought against both the person offering the bribe and the official who accepts it.There are several federal laws that criminalize bribery, including:

• 18 U.S.C. § 201 – Bribery of public officials and witnesses
• 18 U.S.C. § 666 – Theft or bribery concerning programs receiving Federal funds
• 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 – Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

Penalties for bribery convictions depend on the specific facts of the case and the federal statute the defendant is charged under. Let’s take a closer look.

Penalties for Bribery of Public Officials

Under 18 U.S.C. § 201, penalties for bribing a federal public official can include:

• Up to 15 years in federal prison
• Fines up to 3x the monetary equivalent of the bribe
• Disqualification from holding any future federal office

However, the specific sentence a defendant receives depends heavily on the details of the case. Federal courts use the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines to calculate an offender’s sentencing range.According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, in fiscal year 2021:

• The average prison sentence for bribery offenders was 28 months
• 76.5% of bribery offenders were sentenced to prison
• The median loss in bribery cases was $56,000

Here is a breakdown of the percentage of bribery offenders receiving a prison sentence over the past 5 fiscal years:

As you can see, a significant majority of defendants convicted of federal bribery charges are sentenced to prison time. However, the length of the sentence varies widely depending on factors like:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

• The defendant’s criminal history
• The value of the bribe
• Whether the defendant was a public official
• Whether the offense involved high-level officials
• The defendant’s role in the offense
• Whether the defendant accepts responsibility

At Spodek Law Group, our skilled federal defense attorneys closely examine every aspect of the prosecution’s case to identify weaknesses and opportunities for mitigating our client’s sentence. We’ve successfully helped many clients avoid prison time or receive much lower sentences than originally anticipated.

Bribery Under Other Federal Statutes

In addition to the general bribery statute, federal bribery charges can also be brought under other laws like the theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds statute (18 U.S.C. § 666). This law prohibits bribery related to an organization, government, or agency that receives more than $10,000 in federal funds. Penalties include:

• Up to 10 years in prison if the bribe was more than $5,000
• Up to 5 years in prison if the bribe was less than $5,000

Bribery of foreign officials under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is also a serious offense. Penalties for FCPA violations include:

• Up to 5 years in prison for individuals
• Criminal fines up to $250,000 for individuals and $2 million for organizations

Strategies for Defending Federal Bribery Charges

If you’re facing federal bribery charges, it’s crucial that you hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will carefully review the facts of your case to identify the best path forward. Common defense strategies in bribery cases include:

• Arguing insufficient evidence of bribery – Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was a clear quid pro quo, or “this for that” agreement. If they lack sufficient evidence of an exchange, your attorney may be able to get the charges dismissed.
• Asserting entrapment – If a government agent induced you to commit bribery that you otherwise wouldn’t have, entrapment could be a viable defense. However, this is a difficult defense to prove.
• Negotiating a plea deal – If the evidence against you is strong, your attorney may advise negotiating a plea bargain to reduce the charges or secure a lower sentence. They will work to get you the best deal possible.

At Spodek Law Group, we understand the high stakes involved when you’re facing bribery charges. A conviction could mean years behind bars and a destroyed reputation. That’s why we fight aggressively to protect our clients’ rights and futures.Our team includes nationally recognized federal criminal defense attorneys like Todd Spodek, a second-generation defense lawyer who has been featured on major media outlets like Fox 5, Newsweek, and the NY Post. We have a track record of success, even in the toughest cases. Some of our recent bribery case results include:

• Client facing 5 years in prison for bribing a federal agent, case dismissed
• Client charged with bribery of a public official, sentenced to probation
• Client accused of paying $500,000 bribe to foreign official, charges dropped

While we can’t promise a particular result, we can assure you that our team will leave no stone unturned in building the strongest possible defense on your behalf. We offer free, confidential consultations, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re facing bribery allegations.

The Importance of Hiring the Right Federal Defense Lawyer

Not all criminal defense attorneys have the skills and experience to handle complex federal bribery cases. These are high-stakes matters that require a specialized understanding of federal laws and sentencing guidelines. Choosing the wrong lawyer could mean the difference between going home to your family and spending years in federal prison.At Spodek Law Group, we have a deep bench of seasoned federal defense attorneys who have successfully handled bribery cases across the country. Our team includes former federal prosecutors who understand how the other side thinks and what it takes to win. We’re not afraid to take on tough cases, and we’ll fight for you every step of the way.Some of the reasons clients nationwide choose Spodek Law Group:

• Proven track record of success in federal bribery cases
• In-depth knowledge of federal sentencing guidelines
• Aggressive defense strategies tailored to each client
• Client-focused service and 24/7 accessibility
• Free and confidential initial consultations

We know you have options when it comes to choosing a federal defense lawyer. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Selective approach – Unlike firms that take on every case, we’re selective about who we represent. We only take cases we believe we can make a real difference in. Each client gets our full time and attention.
• Collaborative team – We take a team approach to each case, with our attorneys working together to build the best possible defense. Our team includes former FBI agents, former federal prosecutors, and nationally recognized trial lawyers.
• Unrivaled experience – Our attorneys have handled some of the nation’s highest-profile federal cases, including the case of Anna Sorokin, which was the subject of a Netflix series. We know what it takes to win, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

If you or a loved one is facing federal bribery charges, the most important thing you can do is act quickly to hire an experienced defense lawyer. Call us today at 212-300-5196 or visit us online at https://www.federallawyers.com to schedule your free consultation. Let us put our skills and experience to work for you.ConclusionA federal bribery conviction can carry serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and steep fines. If you’re facing these charges, it’s normal to feel scared and overwhelmed. But you don’t have to face this alone.At Spodek Law Group, we have a proven track record of success defending clients accused of bribery and other serious federal crimes. Our team will thoroughly investigate your case, identify the best defense strategies, and fight for your rights at every stage of the process. We understand what’s at stake, and we’ll do everything in our power to secure the best possible outcome.Don’t let a bribery accusation ruin your life. Contact the skilled federal defense attorneys at Spodek Law Group today to discuss your case and learn how we can help. With our experience and commitment on your side, you can face your legal challenges with confidence.