Bribery is a serious offense in the state of Colorado that involves offering money or some other benefit to a public official as a means of influencing their decisions. In scenarios where someone offers a bribe to a public servant or an official accepts or asks for a bribe, a felony charge can result. The recent, highly publicized college admissions scandal has brought some attention to this closely related criminal offense. Two months ago, one of the parents charged in this scandal plead guilty after paying $15,000 to have someone correct his daughter’s ACT answers. A crime of this magnitude requires strategic representation from an expert bribery attorney.
What is Considered Bribery in Colorado?
C.R.S. 18-8-302 defines the complex offense of bribery in the state of Colorado. A person commits this crime if they:
- offer or provide any pecuniary benefit (money, property, economic gain),
- to a public servant,
- with the intent to influence the official’s judgment, vote, or other action
It is important to note that bribery is unlawful for both the person making the offer and the public official asking for or accepting the bribe. Public servants include many different positions such as:
- police officer
- fire marshall
- prosecutor
- mayor
- state senator
- city clerk
- health officer
- public works officer
- code enforcement worker
- city, state, or federal official
How Long Can You Go to Jail for Bribery in Colorado?
Bribery is a class 3 felony in Denver and throughout Colorado. There are significant penalties for conviction which include 4 – 12 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, fines of up to $750,000, and 5 years of mandatory parole. Additionally, immigration consequences exist for this offense and anyone in the midst of applying for citizenship could face deportation. A felony conviction also has long-term ramifications such as difficulties finding and maintaining stable employment, passing background checks, and obtaining loans.
Criminal Bribery Offenses | Denver Defense Attorney
Bribery is an especially serious charge in Colorado and comes with massive consequences. Being accused of bribery or attempting to bribe a public official requires strong, experienced defense from an expert attorney. Our defense lawyers have decades of combined experience navigating the criminal justice system in Colorado. Our results speak for themselves. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation where we will carefully analyze your unique situation and suggest next steps. We devote our skills, resources, and time to obtaining the best possible outcome for each of our clients and realize that good people make poor choices or get caught in particularly difficult situations. When they do, a compassionate and caring law firm is essential to their future.
If you or someone you know is facing a bribery charge in Colorado, be smart. Contact the expert defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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