Dallas Bribery & Corruption Defense Attorney
Bribery and corruption allegations frequently arise in connection with government contracts, political contributions, and business transactions. Once prosecutors bring criminal charges, the penalties can be severe. You need a defense team prepared to protect your rights.
Broden & Mickelsen, LLP has decades of experience representing clients accused of white collar crime, including bribery and corruption crimes at both the state and federal levels. We’re ready to fight for your freedom and guide you through these high-stakes matters. Contact Broden & Mickelsen, LLP for legal advice from a Dallas bribery & corruption defense attorney.
How a Dallas Bribery & Corruption Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
Bribery and corruption prosecutions can be aggressive. Without an experienced bribery defense attorney by your side, you could risk your freedom and future. A bribery and corruption lawyer from the law firm of Broden & Mickelsen, LLP can carefully evaluate the prosecution’s evidence to identify weaknesses, then conduct an independent investigation to gather exculpatory evidence. If law enforcement or the prosecution obtained evidence unlawfully, we’ll move to suppress it.
Our attorneys negotiate directly with prosecutors to pursue dismissals, reduced charges, or favorable plea agreements. From pre-trial hearings through trial and post-trial proceedings, we provide strong legal representation and straightforward legal advice so you understand the process and your options. We have proven results in similar cases and are well-versed in both state and federal criminal law.
Most importantly, Broden & Mickelsen, LLP has the skills and resources to fight for your rights, as evidenced by the following:
- We are board-certified specialists in both criminal law and criminal appellate law.
- Our attorneys bring over six decades of combined criminal defense experience to every case.
- We have a proven track record of success in state and federal trial courts, appellate courts, and post-conviction proceedings.
- We have extensive experience handling federal criminal charges, including money laundering, tax evasion, securities fraud, mortgage fraud, mail fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, and other financial crimes.
One client, Brad Hold, says, “We have our life back…our son was accused of a crime he did not commit. Through the hard work of Mr. Mickelsen, our son was found Not Guilty.”
If you or a loved one is facing charges for corruption or bribery, contact a knowledgeable Dallas federal criminal defense attorney from our law office for a free consultation.
Understanding Bribery and Corruption Charges in Texas and Federal Court
You can be charged with bribery and corruption at the state or federal level. Which criminal justice system handles your case depends on the specific facts of your case.
Texas Penal Code Chapter 36 addresses bribery and corruption offenses. Bribery is defined as offering, conferring, soliciting, or agreeing to confer a benefit as consideration for the recipient’s decision, vote, or recommendation as a public servant. These statutes are designed to prevent undue influence in government and public matters. The prosecution must prove that something of value was offered or accepted, intending to influence an official act.
Federal bribery and corruption laws are broader. They apply when the alleged conduct involves federal officials, federal agencies, or federal programs. Like Texas state law, 18 U.S.C. § 201 defines bribery of public officials and witnesses as giving or offering something of value with the intent to influence an official act or testimony. Federal corruption statutes may also include conspiracy charges when multiple parties are involved in planning or carrying out a scheme.
Because federal prosecutors have extensive resources, it’s important to hire a federal crime lawyer in Dallas whenever you face federal charges.
Building a Strong Defense in a Bribery or Corruption Case
A strong defense begins with careful analysis. Your Dallas corruption attorney can review how the state or federal government obtained evidence and whether the prosecution can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. While every case is different, possible defenses to bribery or corruption charges include:
- Lack of intent: This defense argues that no corrupt purpose existed when providing or accepting a benefit.
- Entrapment: Entrapment defenses show that law enforcement induced the conduct—in other words, if they hadn’t interfered, it wouldn’t have occurred.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution has to prove each element of their case beyond a reasonable doubt. This defense highlights weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, including a lack of testimony, inconsistencies in evidence, or unreliable witnesses.
- Constitutional violations: If evidence was obtained through illegal searches, seizures, or interrogation practices, it may be suppressed.
- Legitimate business dealings: This defense is similar to the defense of lack of intent. It argues that any benefit or payment was part of lawful business activity, not intended to influence an official act.
The attorneys at Broden & Mickelsen, LLP are among the small percentage of Texas lawyers board-certified in both criminal law and criminal appellate law. We’ve defended clients in complex white collar cases for decades. Our team is prepared to challenge the government’s case from every angle.
Possible Penalties and Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction
The criminal penalties for convictions of bribery and corruption are severe. In Texas, bribery is a second-degree felony. It’s punishable by up to twenty years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Convictions for related offenses under Chapter 36 can also result in lengthy prison terms and permanent felony records.
A federal bribery conviction may result in up to fifteen years in prison, substantial fines, and disqualification from holding federal office. Other statutes can impose similar penalties. This is especially common when large sums of money or federal programs are involved.
Beyond formal sentencing, the long-term consequences can affect every part of your life:
- Permanent criminal record accessible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards
- Loss of professional licenses for lawyers, doctors, accountants, and others in regulated fields
- Damage to any career prospects in both the public and private sectors
- Damage to your personal and professional reputation within your community and industry
- Difficulty securing loans or government benefits
The fallout from a bribery conviction can haunt you for years to come. Working with an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer is the key to protecting your long-term future.
Contact Our Dallas Bribery & Corruption Defense Attorneys for Legal Advice and Representation
Bribery and corruption allegations can involve overlapping state and federal laws, aggressive prosecution, and extensive investigations. Whether your case involves political office, business dealings, or government contracts, you need legal counsel that knows how to protect your rights and reputation.
Broden & Mickelsen, LLP offers comprehensive representation and aggressive defense in state and federal cases. With board certification, decades of legal experience, and a proven record of results in white collar crime cases, our team is prepared to fight for your future. Contact Broden & Mickelsen, LLP today for an initial consultation to speak with a Dallas federal criminal defense lawyer.