Bribery by or of Government Officials in California: What You Need to Know

Bribery is a serious criminal offense in California and is strictly prohibited under Penal Code 165 PC. At the Spodek Law Group, we understand that bribery charges can have severe consequences, which is why we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible defense. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about bribery by or of government officials in California, including the definition of bribery, potential legal defenses, penalties for conviction, related offenses, and more. Attorney Todd Spodek and our team of experienced California criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to protecting your legal rights and helping you navigate the complexities of the legal system.

What Constitutes Bribery under Penal Code 165?

According to Penal Code 165 PC, bribery occurs when a person offers or gives something of value to a government official with a corrupt intent, or when a government official receives or agrees to receive something of value with a corrupt intent. The bribe must be given or received in exchange for the official’s action in an official matter. This statute applies to all government officials, including members of common councils, boards of supervisors, and public corporations’ board of trustees.

Examples of unlawful acts of bribery under this statute include giving a member of a company’s board of trustees $3,000 in exchange for their support on a particular initiative, a member of the Los Angeles City Council accepting a bribe to vote against a development project, or a company owner presenting a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors with complimentary items in exchange for their assistance in awarding contracts.

Legal Defenses to Bribery Charges

If you are facing bribery charges under Penal Code 165 PC, there are legal defenses available that you can use to challenge the allegations against you. At the Spodek Law Group, our experienced California criminal defense attorneys can help you construct a strong legal defense. Some successful defenses to bribery charges include:

“No county supervisor or related official” defense: This defense argues that PC 165 only applies to certain officials, and if the accused did not have such a rank or title at the time of the alleged offense, this defense can be used.

“No corrupt intent” defense: Under this defense, the accused can prove their innocence by demonstrating that they did not act with the intent to defraud.

“Entrapment” defense: If a person was charged after an undercover sting operation, this defense can be used. It claims that the defendant was enticed into committing a crime by law enforcement and is a valid defense if the accused can establish that the crime was done solely as a result of entrapment.

Penalties for Conviction of Bribery by or of County Supervisors or Public Corporations in California

Bribery allegations of this nature are prosecuted as felonies and carry significant penalties, including up to four years in state prison or county jail, as well as substantial fines. In lieu of prison time, a court may sentence a defendant to felony probation. It is essential to have an experienced California criminal defense attorney on your side who can help you minimize the potential penalties and fight for your legal rights.

Related Offenses

In addition to bribery by or of county supervisors or public corporations, there are several other offenses related to bribery under California law, including bribery by or of executive officers (PC 67 and 68), bribery by or of legislators (PC 85 and 86), and bribery by or of judges and jurors (PC 92 and 93).

Contact Spodek Law Group for Assistance with Bribery Charges

If you are facing bribery charges under Penal Code 165 PC, it is crucial to have a skilled and experienced California criminal defense attorney on your side who can help you build a strong defense and protect your legal rights. At the Spodek Law Group, we have successfully defended numerous clients facing bribery charges in California, and we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible legal representation.

Our law firm operates nationwide, with a lot of clientele in the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Long Beach, Riverside, San Diego, Oakland, the San Francisco Bay area, Orange County, Sonoma County, Ventura, Sacramento, San Jose, the greater Los Angeles area, and all throughout California. Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys has a deep understanding of California’s criminal justice system and can guide you through every step of the legal process.

If you are facing bribery charges, please contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. We will assess your case’s details and provide you with the best possible legal advice and representation. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and concerns and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. With Spodek Law Group on your side, you can rest assured that you have a strong advocate fighting for your legal rights and protecting your future.

Here is a table outlining the potential penalties for conviction of bribery by or of county supervisors or public corporations in California:

Offense Penalty
Violation of PC 165 Up to four years in state prison or county jail, or felony probation
Bribery by or of executive officers (PC 67 and 68) Up to four years in state prison or county jail, or felony probation
Bribery by or of legislators (PC 85 and 86) Up to four years in state prison or county jail, or felony probation
Bribery by or of judges and jurors (PC 92 and 93) Up to four years in state prison or county jail, or felony probation