Maryland Bribery Lawyer
Have you been charged with a crime related to bribery in the state of Maryland? It can be difficult determining what to do in situations like this. Furthermore, it can be an unusual charge, as it is an act often requires at least two individuals. There is the alleged individual who makes a bribe, and the alleged recipient.
Accepting bribes, as well as offering a bribe, are both considered to be illegal acts in the State of Maryland. If you wish to dispute this charge, contact a Maryland white collar lawyer today. The sooner you contact the Maryland bribery lawyer, the earlier they can review your case and discuss the details of the situation.
Bribery of a Public Employee
Pursuant to Maryland Code Section 9-201, it is forbidden for employees holding public office to accept bribes, or for individuals to make bribes, or offers thereof to public officials. Public officials, in accordance with the laws in the state of Maryland, include:
- An executive officer of the State
- A State judge
- A State judicial officer
- A member or officer of the General Assembly
- A Baltimore City Police Officer
- A Maryland State Police officer
- A member, officer, or executive officer of any political subdivision
If convicted of bribery, individuals can face several penalties, including losing the right to vote or hold public office in the future. Further, penalties can include monetary fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to twelve years. This is why it is critical to contact a Maryland bribery lawyer as soon as possible.
Bribery of a Juror
Bribes made to, or received by, a juror fall under a completely different code of the law. Under Maryland Code Section 9-202, it is also illegal to make a bribe to an individual serving on a jury, or to receive such a bribe as a juror.
Being convicted of a bribe in violation of Section 9-202 could result in imprisonment not exceeding six years, and getting barred from serving on a jury in the future.
Defenses
One of the most commonly used defenses to bribery is entrapment. It has been upheld, in the Maryland Court of Appeals, the following notion from a U.S. Supreme Court case Sorrells v. the United States, that the function of law enforcement is the prevention of crime and the apprehension of criminals. Manifestly, that function does not include the manufacturing of crime.
Entrapment, in its most frequently used definition, is when one actor in an alleged bribery knew what they were was doing and was doing so to trap or trick the other actor into accepting a bribe. The Maryland bribery lawyer will pursue either this defense or others to protect the accused’s best interests.
Other types of bribes in the state of Maryland include:
- Promising Rewards During Political Campaigns in violation of Maryland Code Section 9-203
- Bribes in Athletic Contests in violation of Maryland Code Section 9-204 and/or Section 9-205
- Bribery of a Health Service or Benefit in violation of Maryland Code Section 8-511
Contact a Maryland Bribery Attorney Today
If you have been charged with bribery anywhere in the state of Maryland, call today. A qualified Maryland bribery lawyer can help you make sense of any charge of bribery against you. A dedicated attorney will sit down with you to discuss every detail of your side of the case. Do not wait any longer before seeking legal support.