Bribery is a “wobbler” offense, which means it can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. It all depends on the specifics of the crime, such as the amount of money and individuals involved.
For instance, bribing public officials like government employees, judges or police officers is usually charged as a felony. You could be jailed for up to four years if convicted. Similarly, bribing a witness in a court case could lead to felony charges. This includes offering money or other benefits in exchange for false testimony or encouraging them not to testify.
Commercial bribery in private business settings is also a criminal offense. The severity of the charges depends on the value of the bribe. If it’s $1,000 or less, you will be charged with a misdemeanor carrying a potential penalty of up to one year in county jail. If it exceeds that, you could face felony charges with a prison sentence of up to three years.
Additional consequences of a conviction
It’s not just the potential jail term you should be worried about when charged with bribery in California, whether it’s a felony or misdemeanor. A conviction can lead to significant fines and a criminal record that could affect various aspects of your life. You may also be barred from holding any public office in the future if the bribery involves public officials and lose some civil rights that follow a felony conviction.
Facing bribery charges can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate this alone. The stakes are too high to take your chances and go it alone. Seeking legal guidance can help clarify the complexities of your case, protect your rights and mitigate the potential penalties, all of which can go a long way in achieving a favorable outcome.
