Public officials are held to a high standard by their community. They have a duty to serve their region with respect and remain ethical to Michigan’s statutes. When officials are accused of abusing their power for personal gain, they may face criminal prosecution and removal from office.
It’s important to note that public corruption can occur at the local, state, or federal levels. Unfortunately, the act can result in serious penalties such as incarceration and significant fines. Managing attorney J. Dallo of Dallo Law, P.C. understands that allegations of public corruption can be embarrassing and stressful to handle.
If you have been charged with public corruption in Michigan, Dallo Law, P.C. can provide quality legal representation.
Michigan Public Corruption Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know is under investigation for public corruption in Michigan, contact Dallo Law, P.C.. J. Dallo at Dallo Law, P.C. is a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer that can advocate aggressively on your behalf. He will treat you with respect and give your case the discretion it deserves.
Don’t wait another moment for skilled legal representation that could protect your freedom and future. Dallo Law, P.C. is based in Bloomfield Hills, but we accept clients throughout the greater Macomb County and Oakland County, Michigan area.
Information Center
- Types of Public Corruption in Michigan
- Public Corruption Statutes in Michigan
- Federal Charges for Public Corruption
- Additional Resources
Types of Public Corruption in Michigan
Public corruption involves a breach of public trust or abuse of position by a government official. Some common examples include:
- Bribery to win government contracts
- Filing false returns to hide illegal money
- Extortion
- Getting paid for false invoices
- Accepting or giving kickbacks to secure project approval
- Soliciting gifts or payments due to governmental position
- Threatening harm to try to obstruct commerce
Public Corruption Statutes in Michigan
The different activities that could be present during the commission of a public corruption crime can lead to various criminal charges. The specific charges that constitute the umbrella of Michigan public corruption are:
Bribery of a Public Officer
According to Michigan Legislature 750.117 of the Michigan Penal Code, a person shall not corruptly give, offer, or promise to any public officer, agent, servant, or employee something of value. This includes money, property, or another valuable thing to influence the juror or public officer to do something or not do something in their official capacity.
An individual who violates this statute will be guilty of a felony, punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to 10 years of incarceration.
Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Officer
Per Michigan Legislature 750.118 of the Michigan Penal Code, all executives, legislative, and judicial officers are prohibited from corruptly accepting any gifts or gratuities. Any public official who rebels against this statute will be required to forfeit his office and is forever disqualified to hold any public office.
He or she will also be guilty of a felony, punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to 10 years of incarceration.
Corruption of a Juror, Appraiser, Receiver
According to 750.119 of the Michigan Penal Code, a person who corrupts an appraiser, receiver, trustee, administrator, etc., by giving, offering, or promising any gift with the intent to bias the opinion or influence the official’s decision regarding any matter pending in a court can be charged with public corruption. This specific crime is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and up to $20,000 in fines.
Willfully Attempting to Influencing Juror
According to 750.120 of the Michigan Penal Code, a person who willfully attempts to influence the decision of a juror in any case by argument or persuasion, other than as part of the proceedings in open court in the trial of the case, is guilty of a misdemeanor. The punishment for a misdemeanor is up to 1 year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines.
Federal Charges for Public Corruption
Public corruption is a crime with a long history in the United States. For this reason and more, it is prosecuted harshly. Acts of public corruption involve bribery, abuses of power, or misappropriation of funds.
The federal bribery statute (18 U.S. Code 201) prohibits corruptly giving, offering, or promising anything of value to a federal public official or appointee with the intent of influencing him or her to perform an official act or to commit fraud. The statute also prohibits the act of receiving those same types of bribes by public officials and appointees.
The punishment for bribery of a public official includes a fine of up to three times the value of the bribe, and imprisonment of up to 15 years. A conviction can also disqualify the individual from holding any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States.
Additional Resources
Michigan Penal Code – Visit the official website for the Michigan Legislature to view chapter 750 which covers a variety of public corruption laws. Access the site to view punishments for each statute.
National Association of Attorneys General – Visit the official website for the National Association of Attorneys General to read information about anti-corruption. You can see relevant articles, courses, and trainings.
Oakland County Public Corruption Defense Lawyer, MI
If you have been arrested for public corruption, criminal defense lawyer J. Dallo at Dallo Law, P.C. can stand by your side from the initial investigation onward. J. Dallo is a dedicated and aggressive fighter, both in and out of the courtroom. He is prepared to utilize his years of experience to formulate the best possible defense for your case.
You can contact Dallo Law, P.C. at (248) 283-7000 to set up your first consultation. Dallo Law, P.C. accepts clients throughout the greater Oakland County and Macomb County area including Bloomfield Hills, Warren, Sterling Heights, Utica, St. Troy, Pontiac, Rochester Hills, Waterford Township, Southfield, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield Township, Clarkston, and Novi.