What is a Bribe?
The crime of bribery in Tulsa falls into a number of different categories. In general, a bribe is “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.” This essentially means giving something of value with the intent that it sways a certain person’s acts or opinions.
Executive and Legislative Bribery
Simply offering a bribe, even if not accepted, is a crime in Oklahoma. The definition above applies to attempting to influence an executive officer in Oklahoma.
Those found guilty are subject to a felony punishment of up to $5,000 in fines, up to 10 years in prison, or both. The same punishment may be applied for offering to bribe a member of the legislature.
Other Types of Bribery
Oklahoma also defines bribery involving other circumstances.
If you are working with someone who owes you a fiduciary duty and you attempt to bribe them, you can be charged with a felony.
If the offer of a bribe involves a credit union or other similar institution, the crime is a misdemeanor. If there is intent to defraud, it is a felony.
Attempting to bribe officers, jurors, and judges are other specific types of bribery.
In terms of peace officers, the punishment is up to five years in prison with no fine or a combination of a maximum one-year jail term and up to $3,000 in fines.
For jurors or judges, offering a bribe brings a felony punishment equal to that for executive officers and legislative members.
Interestingly, it is also a felony to attempt to bribe players or officials involved in a sporting event, whether amateur or professional.
If Charged, Talk to a Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
Bribery charges are serious, and you should speak to a Tulsa criminal defense attorney to learn more about your options. For a initial and confidential consultation, call Seventh Street Law Firm at 918-932-2777.