Last Updated on: 20th October 2023, 07:32 pm

How an Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney Can Fight Your Bribery Charges

Being charged with bribery can be an incredibly scary and overwhelming experience. These charges carry serious penalties like hefty fines or even jail time. But with an aggressive criminal defense lawyer on your side, you stand a fighting chance at beating the charges. Keep reading to learn how a skilled attorney can defend you against bribery accusations and secure your freedom.

Understanding the Elements of a Bribery Charge

In order to convict you of bribery, the prosecution must prove all the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. This includes showing:

• You offered, conferred, or agreed to confer a benefit (like money) to a public official
• The benefit was intended to influence the public official’s vote, opinion, judgment, exercise of discretion, or other action in their official capacity
• The public official accepted or agreed to accept the offered benefit

If the prosecution fails to establish any single one of these components, you cannot legally be found guilty. An aggressive defense lawyer will closely analyze the evidence to identify any missing or weak links in the chain of proof.

Questioning the Strength of the Prosecution’s Evidence

In preparing your defense, your attorney will rigorously scrutinize all the proof the prosecution plans to present. This includes thoroughly investigating:

• How the bribery allegations first came to light
• The credibility of witnesses testifying against you
• The authenticity of documents, recordings, or other evidence
• Flaws in police investigative procedures

If any evidence seems fishy or contradicted, your lawyer can file motions asking the judge to rule that proof inadmissible. For example, if the prosecution wants to introduce a key recording of you, but your lawyer finds proof the tape was doctored, the judge may exclude it from trial. This deals a major blow to the prosecution’s case against you.

Presenting Affirmative Defenses

Beyond contesting the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, an experienced defense attorney will also consider affirmative defenses that could defeat the charges. Common defenses in bribery cases include:

• You lacked criminal intent – The prosecution must prove you knowingly and intentionally engaged in bribery. But if you can show you had no idea your actions could be construed as bribery, you may be able to beat the charges.
• You were entrapped – If police pressured you into committing bribery you otherwise wouldn’t have, your lawyer may argue entrapment. This is a complete defense resulting in acquittal.
• You made a mistake of law – In some cases, you can argue you sincerely misunderstood the law and didn’t realize your conduct amounted to bribery. While this is an uphill battle, it may persuade the jury to show leniency.

A skilled attorney will assess which of these defenses seem viable given the specific facts of your case.

Negotiating a Plea Deal

While your lawyer will vigorously pursue acquittal at trial if feasible, they’ll also simultaneously negotiate with the prosecution for a favorable plea bargain. Typical outcomes may include:

• Pleading guilty to reduced charges, like a misdemeanor instead of felony
• Having charges dropped entirely in exchange for cooperation
• Securing a lighter sentence recommendation from the prosecution

Over 95% of criminal cases end in plea deals, so this is an extremely important aspect of your defense. An experienced negotiator can secure you the best possible bargain.

Guiding You Through the Pre-Trial Process

In the weeks and months leading up to trial, your lawyer will advise you through critical steps like:

• Arraignment – At your first court appearance, you’ll enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Your attorney will guide you in making the right strategic choice.
• Preliminary hearing – The judge reviews evidence to decide if charges should proceed to trial. Your lawyer will argue against this.
• Pretrial motions – Your attorney can file motions challenging evidence, requesting access to proof, or seeking dismissal of charges.
• Pretrial conferences – Your lawyer negotiates and plans with the prosecution on issues like plea deals, witness lists, or trial length.

With an aggressive attorney handling these steps, you’ll be in the best position leading up to your trial date.

Presenting a Powerful Defense at Trial

If your case does go to trial, a skilled defense lawyer’s advocacy can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal. During trial, your attorney will:

• Deliver compelling opening and closing arguments to frame the case favorably
• Cross-examine prosecution witnesses to undermine their credibility
• Object to improper questions or evidence that could bias the jury
• Present persuasive witnesses and evidence for the defense
• Raise doubts in the jury’s mind about your guilt

At the end of the day, your lawyer’s number one priority is instilling reasonable doubt in the jury so they cannot convict you. An aggressive trial lawyer won’t stop fighting for your exoneration.

Don’t Go It Alone – Hire a Tough Bribery Defense Lawyer!

Defending against bribery charges is complex and the stakes are extremely high. Don’t take chances by going it alone against experienced prosecutors. Hire a battle-tested defense attorney who will boldly fight the allegations. With an aggressive lawyer exposing flaws in the prosecution’s case – and presenting evidence of your innocence – you have an excellent chance at beating these charges and clearing your name.