Public corruption occurs when government officials demand, accept, solicit or agree to accept something of value in return for their influences or services. In addition to legal ramifications, if you are convicted of public corruption, you could face embarrassment and may have your reputation permanently tainted. The experienced NYC attorneys at the Law Offices of Tacopina Seigel & DeOreo provide government officials facing charges of public corruption with trustworthy and sound legal advice. In addition, the firm’s lawyers know the importance of acting quickly to clear your name and protect your future.
Public corruption comprises a large number of criminal activities. Rarely is a government official accused and charged with a single crime — individuals arrested for public corruption often face many charges, including bribery and official misconduct. Combined, these allegations can result in lengthy prison times and large fines. In some cases, the mere presence of a public corruption investigation can cause a government official to lose office, regardless of whether there is a conviction. If you are accused of committing any of the public corruption crimes below, seek help from skilled NYC lawyers as soon as possible:
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Successfully combating public corruption charges requires that you take immediate legal action. The highly qualified NYC criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Tacopina Seigel & DeOreo can stand by your side and provide you with knowledgeable guidance about the following:
Public corruption charges can originate from violations of New York’s ethics and penal codes. Ethics code violations can be punished civilly or criminally. The more common public corruption charges in New York include receiving a bribe (Section 200.12), receiving unlawful gratuities (Section 200.35) and knowing and willful violation of financial disclosure statutes (Public Officers Law § 73-a). The prosecution in a public corruption case must plead and prove all of the elements of the specific offense with which the defendant is charged.
Discovery in a public corruption case usually consists of financial audits and forensic accounting evidence, but witness testimony can also be crucial to the prosecution’s case.
Because most public corruption charges involve transfers of money, forensic accountants are often key witnesses. Where services, rather than money, underlie the state’s case, the service providers are often compelled to testify.
If you are a public official, it is vital to your career and your freedom that you handle allegations of corruption immediately. The highly respected and experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Tacopina Seigel & DeOreo can provide you with competent advice on how to move forward with your case. Call today at 212-227-8877 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney at the firm.