You may assume that bribery only occurs at a higher level, whether it be between nations or between industries. However, it may also commonly occur between everyday companies and individuals. If one is caught participating in bribery, the consequences may be extreme. Follow along to find out what the penalties for bribery are and how one of the experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers at The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. can help you fight off these accusations.
What are the consequences of bribery in the state of New Jersey?
First of all, according to New Jersey law, bribery is the offering or giving of any item of value to influence the actions of another person. An individual may commit bribery if they breach their duty of fidelity. That is, a duty of fidelity is when an individual has a role that requires them to act in good faith for others they serve and to not serve their personal interests. Examples of such roles include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A trustee, guardian, or fiduciary appointed in another’s estate plan.
- A lawyer, accountant, or appraiser hired by another.
- A physician taking care of another.
- An officer, director, or manager of an organization.
With that being said, the penalties for a bribery conviction are contingent on the amount of money in play. More specific examples are as follows:
- A bride of $1,000 or less: this is considered a crime of the fourth degree, which constitutes a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 18 months.
- A bribe anywhere between $1,000 to $75,000: this is considered a crime of the third degree, which constitutes a fine of up to $15,000 and imprisonment for anywhere between three to five years.
- A bribe of $75,000 or more: this is considered a crime of the second degree, which constitutes a fine of up to $150,000 and imprisonment for anywhere between five to 10 years.
Can my charges be expunged?
If you have been convicted as guilty of committing expungement, you may rest assured knowing that you may have an opportunity for expungement. Meaning, you may be able to wipe this incident away from your criminal record.
This is so long as the required waiting period has passed, along with having not committed any other crimes since. With an early pathway expungement, this waiting period may be anywhere between four to five years. In addition, you may have to provide evidence that points to your positive change in character, behavior, and decisions (i.e., education history, employment history, community service history, etc).
Without further ado, if you wish to have your charges expunged, you must retain the services of a skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyer immediately. We can assure you that we are passionate about your case, so contact us today.
