Defending Against Federal Public Corruption Charges in NYC

Defending Against Federal Public Corruption Charges in NYC

Being charged with public corruption can be scary. But with the right legal help, you can get through this. I’m here to walk you through the basics of defending against federal public corruption charges in New York City.

Why are Corruption Charges Serious?

A conviction can lead to hefty fines, decades in prison, and destruction of your reputation. So fighting the charges is critical. Public corruption cases are complex too, often involving vast amounts of records, financial data, and witness testimony.

Prosecutors take corruption very seriously as well. They want to send a message and deter future wrongdoing. The government devotes huge resources to these investigations. FBI agents, forensic accountants, technology specialists–the whole arsenal gets deployed.

Build a Strong Defense Team

With so much on the line, you need an experienced white collar criminal defense lawyer. Look for someone with a track record of winning public corruption trials. This area is highly specialized–you want a seasoned pro.

Also make sure your attorney has resources. Corruption cases generate mountains of discovery. Your lawyer needs the manpower to dig through it all. A boutique firm with 20 attorneys is better than a solo practitioner.

Money matters too. Expect legal fees in the hundreds of thousands or more. So your lawyer shouldn’t be intimidated by the government’s army of prosecutors.

Understand the Charges and Evidence

Your lawyer needs to break down the indictment and explain what the government must prove. Where are the weak spots? What evidence is lacking?

Pore through the discovery together too. This could include documents, witness statements, surveillance video, etc. Knowing the strengths and flaws of the government’s case is key.

Consider Taking a Plea Deal

Over 90% of federal cases end in plea bargains. This avoids the expense and uncertainty of a trial. If the evidence is strong, a plea deal may be wise. But don’t rush into anything–make sure your lawyer fights for the best possible terms.

Explore Defenses

For corruption cases going to trial, common defenses include:

• You lacked criminal intent – The government must prove you knowingly committed the crime. If you can show you didn’t realize your conduct was illegal, that could raise reasonable doubt.
• You didn’t actually commit the crime – When the government lacks direct evidence, you can argue they haven’t met their burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Entrapment – If the government induced you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have, entrapment is a possible defense. But it rarely succeeds.
• Duress – You can claim you only broke the law because of threats against you or your family. However, this is hard to establish.

Other defenses depend on the specific charges and facts of your case. An experienced lawyer will know how to exploit weaknesses in the government’s position.

Attempt to Suppress Evidence

If evidence was obtained illegally, your lawyer can file a suppression motion. If granted, this evidence gets excluded from trial. Suppression motions often allege:

• Fourth Amendment violations – If your property was searched without a proper warrant, the results may be suppressed. This includes wiretaps too.
• Miranda violations – If you weren’t read your rights before police questioning, your statements may be excluded.

However, don’t get your hopes up. Suppression motions rarely succeed fully. But getting even some evidence thrown out could help.

Question the Witnesses

For cases going to trial, intense cross-examination of witnesses is crucial. Your lawyer needs to undermine their credibility and reveal inconsistencies. Pointing out witnesses who cut deals with the government is helpful too.

Consider Testifying

You have the right to testify in your own defense, but also the right to remain silent. Your lawyer should advise you here. Testifying is risky because it opens you up to cross-examination. But it also gives you a chance to tell your side of the story.

Highlight Good Character

Your lawyer can call witnesses to vouch for your integrity and law-abiding history. This makes it less likely the jury sees you as a criminal. Submitting community service awards, military records, and charitable deeds helps too.

Appeal if Convicted

If you lose at trial, appeals are still possible. Common grounds are procedural errors, insufficient evidence, and incorrect jury instructions. While appeals rarely lead to an acquittal, a sentence reduction is possible.

Don’t Try to Fix This Alone

Defending against corruption charges is daunting. But an experienced attorney levels the playing field. With smart advocacy and preparation, you can achieve the best possible outcome. So get experienced counsel on your side immediately.

Sources:

• Department of Justice Public Corruption
• Trump Organization Trial
• Public Corruption Charges
• White Collar Crime Defenses