Have you been charged with the attempt to influence a public servant in Colorado? If so, you should consider hiring an attorney right away. Attempting to influence a public servant or official is usually considered to be a form of bribery. This crime is taken seriously in the state of Colorado. Criminal penalties can be harsh with fines of up to $500,000 possible!
Many people do not have an adequate understanding of exactly what attempting to influence a public servant is. We are here to answer all of your questions and give you a comprehensive understanding of these kinds of criminal charges. However, for customized answers to your unique legal questions, we recommend calling one of our attorneys. That way, we can review the specific details of your case and give you qualified legal advice. For a consultation, contact us!
The sooner you contact one of our skilled Colorado criminal defense attorneys, the more likely it is you will attain a favorable outcome for your case. Do not face serious felony charges like attempting to influence a public servant alone! Instead, call the skilled lawyers at Koziel & Lehr Law LLC today.
You can reach us by phone at (720) 314-8750. We are ready to defend your rights, freedom, and future now!
About Attempting to Influence a Public Servant in Colorado
Attempting to influence a public service falls under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-8-306, a statute concerning bribery and corrupt influences. Anyone who tries to influence the opinions or behaviors of a public servant by using monetary gains, economic influences, deceit, or threats of violence, may be charged with the attempt to influence a public servant.
Attempting to influence a public official or servant is usually committed in the form of illegal bribery or threatening. This crime is most often committed when an individual offers or attempts to offer a public official some form of payment in exchange for services. However, it may also occur through making threats.
The attempt to influence a public service is a class 4 felony in Colorado. Convictions of this offense are accompanied by penalties like prison sentences, fines, probation and more.
What are the penalties for convictions of attempting to influence a public servant in Colorado?
Attempting to influence a public servant is a class 4 felony offense. The minimum penalty for class 4 felony offenses is 4 years in prison and a fine of $3,000. The maximum penalties for convictions of this class 4 criminal offense are a fine of up to $750,000 and up to 12 years in prison.
Additionally, a parole period of at least three years is enforced if there is a prison sentence. Additionally, the circumstances surrounding criminal charges and convictions will also be considered in court. Other consequences may include disqualification from holding certain public offices in the future. Moreover, felony convictions leave a conviction on your criminal record that could influence your life negatively in the future.
Is all bribery illegal in Colorado?
Colorado has several statutes that address crimes of bribery. Class 3 felony bribery crimes fall under Colorado Revised Statute 18-8-302. Compensating somebody for past activities, soliciting compensation, and attempting to influence a public servant, are all illegal bribery crimes. All of these bribery crimes have to do with pecuniary benefits. Pecuniary benefits include property, money, commercial interests, and any forms of compensation that offer economic gain.
So, if a public servant accepts, agrees to accept, or solicits a pecuniary benefit with the knowledge that their vote, judgment, or actions will influence whether or not this benefit will be given, they are committing a crime. Additionally, if an individual offers a pecuniary benefit to any public servant or official in person in a position of power, they may be found guilty of bribery crime in Colorado.
Who are considered to be public servants in Colorado?
You are probably curious about who Colorado’s public servants actually are. Public servants are any officers or employees of the government. Public servants could be hired, elected, or temporarily designated to occupy a government position.
For instance, police officers, correctional facility officers, District Attorneys, prosecutors, Highway Patrol officers, Fire Marshals, mayors, city clerks, Senators, Public Health officials, social service workers, public works officers, Medicaid officials, and code enforcement workers are all public servants.
What if the public servant asked for a bribe?
According to C.R.S. 18-8-304, soliciting unlawful compensation is also illegal in Colorado. Therefore, public servants that seek economic benefits in exchange for official services could be charged with the crime of soliciting unlawful compensation. This is a class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties can include 364 days in jail and fines. Whether the public servant asked for compensation could influence your case. Your attorney will be able to determine whether this is relevant to your charges.
Have you been accused of attempting to influence a public servant or other bribery crimes? If you are facing charges or allegations of this nature, we recommend calling our criminal defense lawyers right away. Our experienced Denver criminal defense attorneys have been representing the interests of clients in Colorado for years. As past public defenders, our legal team knows how to navigate Colorado’s complicated court systems.
Call Koziel & Lehr Law LLC for a Consultation or With Questions About the Attempt to Influence a Public Servant at (720) 314-8750.