When corruption charges surface, they can have far-reaching effects for the accused and their organization. Convictions for these types of white-collar crimes can result in jail time, hefty fines, restitution payments, lost professional licenses and certifications, damage to reputation and even loss of future employment opportunities. With the increasing focus on corporate ethics, it is more important than ever for businesses to be prepared for potential corruption allegations and to understand how to defend against such charges.
The most common form of corruption is bribery, which involves offering something of value to a government employee in exchange for an illegal advantage or gain in a public matter. Federal corruption laws prohibit rank-and-file federal employees as well as elected officials from taking, soliciting, accepting or agreeing to accept a bribe. Bribery may also be combined with other charges such as graft, which involves illegally obtaining access to government money.
Individuals charged with corruption may also face theft and fraud charges. In fact, it is not uncommon for corruption cases to include charges of theft and fraud because these offenses are often a part of the corrupt behavior under investigation. Defending against corruption charges requires that individuals develop an effective strategy. There are several ways to fight corruption charges, including challenging evidence, demonstrating lack of intent or knowledge and utilizing expert witnesses. Moreover, the best way to protect one’s interests is to work with a Boston attorney specializing in white-collar crime who can provide experienced guidance.