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Louisiana Public Corruption Lawyers

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Public Corruption Lawyer in Louisiana

Federal public corruption and bribery statutes apply at all levels of the United States government. From state and local to federal government officials, any illegal transaction involving public officials can potentially lead to fines, prison time, and irreparable damage to a public official’s reputation. However, public corruption and bribery statutes don’t just apply to government officials. They also apply to business owners and company executives who offer bribes to public officials—this action is considered a federal crime. Even if the bribe isn’t paid, the public officials and private citizens on both sides of a contemplated transaction can face conspiracy charges and life-altering penalties. 

Public corruption is a serious state and federal crime that carries severe punishments based on the circumstances of the crime. Attorney Eric G. Johnson is a seasoned public corruption attorney who has represented clients successfully against federal prosecutors seeking public corruption convictions. His years as a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) demonstrate his commitment to protecting the rights and future of his clients against serious charges. Protect your rights by contacting John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm today.

What Is Public Corruption?

Public corruption refers to the violation of a public official’s duty of faith towards their community. Most public corruption crimes consist of an official being offered something of value in exchange for a decision that favors the party making the offering. 

Public corruption can be committed on a state, local, and federal level by anyone appointed, hired, elected, or otherwise employed by a constituency of citizens. 

Understanding Federal Public Corruption

One of the primary investigators of public corruption is the FBI. They state that the majority of public corruption cases fall into one of five categories:

  • Judicial 
  • Legislative
  • Regulatory
  • Contractual
  • Law enforcement

The U.S Code of Crimes and Criminal Procedures outlines the three distinctive public corruption offices.

1. Receiving a Bribe by a Public Official

The U.S. Code of Crimes and Criminal Procedure section 18 U.S.C. § 201(b)(2) makes it a federal crime for any public official to accept a bribe in connection with their public office position. 

The statute defines a public official as “a member of Congress, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner, either before or after the official has qualified, or an officer or employee or person acting for or on behalf of the United States, or any department, agency or branch of Government thereof, including the District of Columbia, in any official function, under or by authority of any such department, agency, or branch of Government, or a juror.”

Officials found guilty may face statutory fines or financial penalties equal to three times the monetary equivalent of the value they received, up to 15 years of federal imprisonment, and disqualification from public service. 

2. Receiving an Illegal Gratuity by a Public Official 

Section 201(c)(1)(B) defines the federal offense of receiving an illegal gratuity. The statute applies to all public officials and covers monetary and non-monetary forms of compensation. According to Section 201(c)(1)(B), any public official that directly or indirectly seeks, demands, receives, accepts, or agrees to receive, or accepts anything of value to perform an act for the favor of another party is considered guilty of corruption. Penalties for this crime include statutory fines and up to two years of federal imprisonment. 

3. Theft of Government Money or Property 

In addition to the charges of receiving improper payments from private citizens, public officials may also face corruption charges for the improper use of government funds. Under 18 U.S.C. Section 641, a public official is guilty if they embezzle, steal, or knowingly convert their use or use of another, or without authority sells or disposes of any record, voucher, money, or item that is of value to the U.S., or property made or is being made under contract for the U.S. In cases where the value is $1,000 or more the penalties include statutory fines and up to ten years of federal imprisonment. The maximum prison time is one year when the value is less than $1,000.

How a Louisiana Public Corruption Lawyer Can Help

When facing public corruption charges, it’s critical to be given proper legal advice throughout the entire process. A federal case can be extremely stressful and complicated. There is a lot at stake, from career reputation to facing federal prison time, which is why it’s critical to have a Louisiana criminal defense attorney to guide you through every step of the process. 

An attorney helps you understand the charges against you, what your rights are, how to protect your rights, and help you make decisions moving forward that set your case up for a favorable outcome. A dedicated attorney will help you gather evidence and identify strengths and weaknesses in the government’s case to help identify the best defense strategy. 

Being charged with a federal public corruption crime can mean facing state and federal penalties. It may mean dealing with a prosecutor employed by the U.S. government. Working with a skilled attorney familiar with public corruption laws and going up against government prosecutors is the best way to ensure you are set up to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact an Experienced Louisiana Public Corruption Lawyer 

Public corruption crimes can involve an extended investigation that is painfully personal and disrupts your everyday life. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we understand that these charges impact not just your everyday life, but your career as well. The outcome of these cases can significantly change the course of your life. Attorney Eric G. Johnson is committed to his clients and protecting their rights. He works hard to ensure his clients feel confident in their representation and aggressively pursues the best possible outcomes. 

Facing charges for public corruption can be overwhelming; that’s why Attorney Eric G. Johnson is proud to provide unmatched legal advice and representation. He understands public corruption laws and how to build the best defense strategies that benefit his clients. Schedule a consultation today by completing our contact form or calling (318) 377-1555.