• Assault & Domestic Assault
• Burglary & Theft
• Drug Crimes
• DUI & DWI
• Firearms & Guns
• Fraud
• Harassment & Privacy
• Kidnapping & Obstruction Justice
• Manslaughter & Homicide
• Sex Crime Charges
• White Collar Crimes
• Pre-Charge & Avoiding Charges
• Record Expungment
• Racketeering / RICO
• Drug Trafficking / Importation
• Money Laundering
• Public Corruption

Criminal Attorney Minnesota: Public Corruption

Public corruption involves a breach of public trust. It is generally an abuse of position by federal, state, or local officials and private sector accomplices. By broad definition, a government official violates federal law by asking, demanding, soliciting, accepting, or agreeing to receive anything of value in return for being influenced in the performance of their official duties.

Ethics violations occur at all levels of government. Public corruption can include allegations of judicial, legislative, regulatory, contract, and even law enforcement corruption. Breaches of the public trust can impact every level of American life, from how well the U.S. borders are secured and local neighborhoods are protected, to verdicts handed down in courts of law, to the quality of roads and schools. As a result, public corruption is one of the FBI’s top investigative priorities. It is listed behind only terrorism, espionage, and cyber crimes.

One of the mostly commonly recognized forms of public corruption is bribery of a public official. Law enforcement corruption accounts for more than one-third of the current corruption investigations. Law enforcement corruption cases typically involve officers accepting money to protect drug-trafficking and organized criminal activity.

State court penalties for public corruption range from six months in prison and a $1,000 for misdemeanor misuse of confidential information to a prison term of 8 years and up to a $250,000 fine for felony bribery. A federal offense can garner similar serious penalties, which may include thousands of dollars in restitution, time in federal prison, or both.

Public corruption charges can lead to serious consequences if not dealt with correctly. Retaining a criminal attorney in Minnesota can prevent a conviction and otherwise protect your rights. With your future at stake, contact the knowledgeable Minnesota criminal defense attorney Paul Edlund as soon as possible. Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, the Greater Twin Cities Metro and beyond, Mr. Edlund is an attorney in Minnesota with an exceptional rate of success. The earlier a lawyer is involved with your case, the better your attorney will be able to defend you: Contact Paul Edlund today for a consultation!