What is Bribing a Witness?
It is unlawful under California Penal Code 137 to give a witness anything as a bribe to influence what they say when they are on the witness stand. Likewise, a witness who accepts a bribe to affect what they say in their testimony in court can also be charged with a crime under Penal Code 138.
If you are charged with witness tampering and bribery, you could spend up to four years behind bars, the same is true for a witness that takes a bribe. Both the person who bribes a witness and a witness who agrees to a bribe will be charged with felony crimes. These laws were put in place to safeguard against false testimony by making both a person bribing as well as a person asking for or taking a bribe eligible for serious charges for these actions.
Whether it be financial compensation, tangible gifts, or promises if the prosecution in a Los Angeles criminal case can clearly show that there was intent on either side or both to offer a bribe or acquire one, then felony charges will ensue. Not only will charges come with years in prison, but there are also expensive fines a defendant must pay. Other consequences can include having to take anger management courses and the loss of the 2nd Amendment rights.
Possible Defenses to Charges of Witness Bribery in California
A defendant facing bribery charges in California has to have a strong, and convincing legal defense protecting their best interests. The Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at the Manshoory Law Group fully understand how to counter California bribery charges. To determine the best explanation as to why your charges are illegitimate they will comprehensively review all details of your case.
Examples of effective bribery defense strategies include:
- When the prosecution shows that you had the intent to bribe another party, the Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys at the Manshoory Law Group can artfully argue that the prosecution is incorrect and that the acts that happened were by chance. That the behaviors you engaged in were not connected to motivating a witness to change their story.
- If you were under the influence at the time the bribe was made it can be said that you didn’t have your senses when the situation took place.
- You were trying to protect someone you loved and felt compelled to engage in the acts because of the duress you were feeling.
- The police entrapped you and undercover officers actively tried to get you to offer or take a bribe. In any other situation without the pressing by the undercover authorities, you would have never done such a thing.
Work with a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Countering bribery charges in Los Angeles is complex and should only be done with the help of an experienced Los Angeles felony defense attorney. The talented Los Angeles white-collar crime attorneys at the Manshoory Law Group are committed to fighting on your behalf and obtaining the best possible results.
To learn more about how the attorneys at the Manshoory Law Group can help you beat your criminal charges, please call (877) 977-7750 to schedule a free case evaluation.