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Public Corruption

Federal Public Corruption Defense Lawyer

Representing public officials and executives in corruption and bribery investigations across the United States

Due to the tremendous impact public corruption has on democracy and national security, federal agencies and investigators take this type of offense very seriously. Public corruption is one of the most heavily investigated federal offenses and those suspected of this crime may be monitored for a long period of time before charges are ever formally filed.

Public corruption is actually a broad category. Federal prosecutors employ specialized units that only investigate issues related to public corruption work. For example, a widely known unit that deals with these types of cases is the Public Integrity Section within the United States Department of Justice.

This unit investigates a wide range of cases that will sometimes result in criminal charges in very high profile cases. However, they frequently deal with cases that don't get much media attention. Public integrity units within in U.S. Attorney's Offices nationwide will handle cases against all types of individuals who are not involved in politics.

Public corruption involves a breach of public trust or abuse of position by federal, state, or local officials and their private sector accomplices. By broad definition, a government official, whether elected, appointed or hired, may violate federal law when they ask, demands, solicits, accepts, or agrees to receive anything of value in return for being influenced in the performance of their official duties.

Public corruption is considered to be a type of white collar crime because of the corporate environment in which it occurs. There are many different criminal offenses falling under the umbrella of public corruption, including extortion, embezzlement, illegal kickbacks, fraud, and money laundering.

Criminal Conflicts of Interest

The Department of Justice will pursue cases against federal employees after there has been an allegation of a criminal conflict of interest – which are complicated laws that carry criminal sanctions.

There are two primary criminal conflict of interest statutes that include 18 U.S.C. § 207 and 18 U.S.C. § 208 – that are somewhat different. It's not difficult for a federal employee to violate conflict of interest laws. Federal prosecutors claim they only go after the worst offenders, but many don't believe these claims.

Wage Fraud, False Statements, Bribery,

Federal employees are often investigated by public integrity units for criminal prosecution. Common cases include wage fraud, false statements, and bribery, among many others. The Department of Justice will also pursue criminal cases against federal contractors, such as bid rigging, and anyone associated with the procurement process.

A federal prosecutor will pursue a criminal case against state officials for campaign finance violations, or any type of case for abusing their government position. They will also pursue wire fraud and obstruction of justice cases. Most federal indictments will include a conspiracy charge.

Hobbs Act and RICO Act

It's important to note they don't just charge somebody with public corruption. Federal prosecutors can use a wide range of different offenses.  They have the Hobbs Act under 18 U.S.C. § 1951.

They also will use all types of different U.S. Codes, such as the RICO Act to charge someone they believe are involved with some form of public corruption. A federal prosecutor will review the facts and circumstances around their conduct that will determine what type of criminal charges they will pursue against them.

If you are under investigation, or already charged, with a public corruption offense, you will need to know what to expect and what will happen to you. A federal criminal case, such as a public corruption investigation functions like all other federal criminal investigations.

The pretrial and trial process in a federal court will function the same against a high profile individual as it would for a low-level drug dealer.  However, there are some unique aspects to public corruption cases. Some of the federal statutes are somewhat different and you need to consult with a federal criminal lawyer for more information.

Contact Eisner Gorin LLP for Help

if you are federal employee, you need to understand the law and the process moving forward. If you believe you are being investigated for public corruption, you should seek legal representation immediately.

Any time a public official or political figure is accused of deceptive behavior, there is much at stake. Your reputation, your livelihood, and possibly even the safety of you and your family could be at risk when accused of public corruption.

From the investigation, to the grand jury indictment, to the trial, our federal criminal defense lawyers will be beside you every step of the way providing the aggressive representation you will need to fight against accusers, investigators, and prosecutors.

Contact Us Today

Eisner Gorin LLP is committed to answering your questions about Criminal Defense law issues in Los Angeles, California.

We'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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