Being charged with bribery can be overwhelming and confusing. In some cases, an individual might not even be certain why he or she was charged with bribery in the first place. These and other white collar crimes can be incredibly nuanced, so having a better understanding of the charges can help defendants craft the best possible criminal defense plan.
Authorities in North Dakota usually file bribery charges when they believe they have evidence that indicates a person has attempted to influence or alter a public or government employee or official through certain means. Although this is often understood in the context of offering money for favorable treatment, cash is not always involved. In some instances, bribery might involve a person offering a gift or favor.
Bribery charges can still be filed even if there is no written statement outlining what money or gifts are being exchanged for which favorable acts. However, prosecutors do have to prove that an individual did make an offer of bribery. This means that it is not enough to simply suspect that an exchange of money or favors was done with a specific intent. Authorities may turn to things like taped phone calls, security videos and even police body cams as evidence that bribery took place.
Due to the nature of this charge, bribery can occur across a wide range of fields, companies and industries. However, because of public perception of white collar crimes, this might not be something that most people realize. When facing allegations of bribery, it is usually a good idea to consult with an attorney when working on criminal defense planning. Doing so can help North Dakota defendants determine how to proceed in order to secure the best possible outcome for their unique situation.
