Whether they are allegations of misuse of public funds on the part of a mayor, self-dealing by an employee in local government, or abuse of power by a police officer, corruption charges are taken seriously and can have significant legal and business implications. In some cases, the allegations are so serious that federal prosecution is inevitable.
The Department of Justice has been aggressive in pursuing corruption and bribery charges, particularly against executives in the private sector. If you or your company face charges, you need expert legal representation immediately.
Corruption Charges are More Than Just Bribery
A former Louisiana official was recently charged with public corruption stemming from allegations that he misappropriated federal grant funds awarded to the state for medical research. In addition to alleged public bribery, malfeasance in office, and theft, the charges also included money laundering.
In the Federal criminal code, corrupt dealings are governed by Section 201 of the Criminal Code, which establishes penalties for Federal public officials. This includes secretaries, data entry clerks, custodians, and drivers—anyone employed by the Federal government—who uses their position to obtain an advantage for themselves.
The most severe penalties include up to 15 years in prison, substantial fines, and disqualification from holding Federal office. Other consequences may be increased regulatory scrutiny by governmental agencies, loss of business opportunities, and the damaging effects on your reputation. At Norman Spencer Law Group, we fight to protect the rights of individuals and businesses facing federal bribery and corruption charges. Our firm is prepared to provide comprehensive support for a wide range of legal needs, from challenging the evidence to negotiating plea agreements and preparing for trial.