Bribery Lawyer in St. Louis

Bribery Defense Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Bribery is a serious white-collar offense that can carry long-term criminal, professional, and reputational consequences. If you’ve been accused of bribery in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, it’s critical to work with a skilled criminal defense attorney who understands the complexity of these cases and how to fight them.

Combs Waterkotte provides aggressive, experienced legal defense to individuals facing bribery charges. Our team is ready to challenge the prosecution, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Understanding Bribery Charges in Missouri

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 576.020, bribery involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value with the intent to influence the actions of a public official or employee in their official capacity. These charges may apply to both the person offering the bribe and the person receiving it.

Bribery can take many forms, including:

• Offering money or gifts in exchange for a favorable government contract
• Promising campaign support in return for political favors
• Influencing public policy or regulatory decisions through payment or incentives
• Receiving kickbacks for awarding business opportunities or licenses

Bribery cases often involve detailed financial records, witness testimony, emails, or surveillance, and the burden is on the prosecution to prove intent.

Penalties for Bribery in St. Louis, MO

Bribery is considered a felony in Missouri and carries severe legal consequences. The specific penalty depends on the circumstances, but commonly includes:

• Class D felony — Up to 7 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
• Restitution — Reimbursement to the victim or government agency affected
• Permanent criminal record — A conviction for bribery can follow you for life, affecting employment, licensing, and reputation
• Loss of professional license — Doctors, attorneys, contractors, and other licensed professionals may lose their credentials
• Federal charges — If bribery involves federal funds, agencies, or interstate commerce, you may also face federal prosecution

The stakes are high. You need legal representation that understands both the law and how to build a strategic defense. You need a Combs Waterkotte St. Louis bribery defense lawyer.

Defending Against Bribery Charges in St. Louis, MO

Every bribery case is different. At Combs Waterkotte, we start by thoroughly analyzing the evidence and the prosecution’s theory of the case. We then build a customized defense based on the facts and legal options available.

Possible defenses against bribery charges may include:

• Lack of Intent — The prosecution must prove that you knowingly intended to influence or be influenced. A misunderstanding or innocent interaction is not enough for a conviction.
• Entrapment — If law enforcement pressured or tricked you into offering or accepting a bribe, this could be a strong defense.
• Insufficient Evidence — Bribery charges often rely on circumstantial or incomplete evidence. We challenge every detail and demand proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
• False Accusations — Bribery claims can arise in highly political or competitive environments. We investigate motives and expose inconsistencies in the allegations.