Although there’s nothing wrong with trying to get exactly what we want, sometimes you can take it too far if getting what you want means bribing a public official.
Even if the bribe seems small or even harmless, doing it can lead to serious trouble under Tulsa, Oklahoma bribery laws.
If you’ve been caught violating Oklahoma bribery laws, contact an experienced Tulsa criminal defense attorney today.
Understanding Oklahoma Bribery Laws
Oklahoma law prohibits giving “any money, goods, right in action, property, thing of value or advantage, present or prospective, or any promise or undertaking, asked, given or accepted, with a corrupt intent to influence unlawfully the person to whom it is given, in his action, vote or opinion, in any public or official capacity.”
It is therefore illegal under Oklahoma bribery laws to give a public official anything with the intent to coerce him or her into taking or not taking any specific action.
A prosecutor must prove each of the following criminal elements beyond a reasonable doubt in order to convict a defendant of violating Tulsa, Oklahoma bribery laws:
- offering, giving, or promising;
- money, goods, property, or other valuable thing;
- to an employee, official, legislator, or other public officer;
- knowing he or she was a public employee; and
- with the intent to influence his or her official action.
OUJI-CR 3-5
Tulsa Bribery Penalties
Anyone convicted of violating Oklahoma bribery laws can face between five and 10 years in state prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Free Consultation: Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of breaking Oklahoma bribery laws, options are available to you. Call for a free consultation with an experienced Tulsa criminal defense attorney to discuss your available legal options.
Contact the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm by calling 918-756-9600 or toll free at 1-888-447-7262.
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