Attempting to bribe a public officer or official is a serious crime in every state. Tahlequah, Oklahoma bribery laws can be especially serious. Thus, if you’ve been caught attempting to “pay off” a public officer or employee, contact an experienced Tahlequah attorney.
Understanding Oklahoma Bribery Laws
It is illegal in Oklahoma to give “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.”
Therefore, under Oklahoma bribery laws, it is illegal to give any item to a public employee as an incentive for them to take any action. Okla. Stat. tit. 21. § 381
It would also be illegal to give an incentive to a public official to not take some type of action.
The crime is a felony in Tahlequah.
To secure a criminal conviction under Oklahoma bribery laws, the prosecutor must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- offering, giving, or promising
- money, goods, property, or other valuable thing
- to an employee, official, legislator, or other public officer
- knowing they are a public employee, and
- with the intent to influence their official action.
OUJI-CR 3-5
A guilty conviction can lead to 5 to 10 years in the state penitentiary and up to $5,000 in fines.
Low-cost Initial Consultation: Tahlequah Bribery Defense Lawyer
Facing conviction under Oklahoma bribery laws can be a frightening experience.
If you or someone you know is facing this charge, please call a Tahlequah felony defense lawyer at 918-458-2677.
If you prefer written correspondence, send us your legal question using the form at the top right of this page.
