Source: https://www.gorelick-law.com/bribery-in-alameda-and-contra-costa-county
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 21:15:25+00:00

Document:
Under California law, it is a crime to attempt to influence an official by offering a bribe. Accepting a bribe is also a crime in California. A conviction for bribery can result in jail time and fines. Anyone convicted of taking a bribe may also be prohibited from ever holding a public office in California.
Similarly, under California Penal Code § 67, it is a felony for any person to offer a bribe to any executive official in California with the intent to influence the executive in any act, decision, vote, opinion, or proceeding.
Bribery of a public government official is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three or four years.
Under California Penal Code § 137, it is a felony to offer or promise any bribe to any witness, person about to be called as a witness, or person about to give material information pertaining to a crime to a law enforcement official with the understanding that the bribe will influence the testimony of the witness.
It is also a felony to offer a bribe with the understanding that the witness will not show up for the trial or judicial proceeding. A witness who accepts a bribe with the understanding that the will be influenced by the bribe is also guilty of a felony.
Under California Penal Code § 92, it is a felony to offer a bribe to any judicial officer or juror with the intent to influence his or her vote, opinion, or decision. Penalties include imprisonment of two, three, or four years in state prison.
Under California Penal Code § 93, it is a felony for any judicial officer or juror to ask for, receive, or agree to receive a bribe with the understanding that the bribe will influence his or her vote, opinion, or decision. The penalties for accepting such a bribe include imprisonment for up to four years and restitution of between $2,000 and $10,000, or other amount based on the bribe received.
Under California law, it is also a crime for certain individuals to accept a bribe. This includes government officials and public employees.
Under California Penal Code § 86, it is a felony for any legislative member of a city, state, or local government district to ask for, receive, or agree to receive any bribe, on the understanding that the bribe will influence their official actions.
Accepting a bribe is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years, and pay restitution of between $4,000 and $20,000. However, in cases where a bribe has actually been received, the defendant may be required to pay at least the amount of the actual bribe, but not less than $4,000, up to double the amount of any bribe, up to $20,000.
Under California Penal Code § 165, it is a crime for any member of a board of supervisors, board of trustees, or member of a public corporation to accept a bribe upon the understanding that it will influence the member's vote, opinion, judgment or action. A conviction accepting a such a bribe is punishable by two, three, or four years in state prison. Additionally, upon a conviction, the member must forfeit his or her office, and forever be disqualified from holding any public office.
The penalties for bribery depend on the value of the bribe, individuals involved, and whether the bribe was offered or requested. Offering a small bribe may be a misdemeanor; however, most bribery offenses involve felony charges.
A conviction for felony bribery can result in imprisonment in the state prison for 2, 3, or 4 years. The defendant may also be required to pay a fine or restitution. If a public official is convicted of taking a bribe, they may also be prohibited from holding any office of public trust in the future.
Bribery of a federal official may be charged as a federal bribery crime. Bribery is included in the high crimes and misdemeanors in the U.S. Constitution. Federal bribery penalties include a fine of up to three times (3x) the value of the bribe and imprisonment for up to 15 years.
There are a number of possible defenses to criminal charges of bribery in California. What one person considers to be a bribe may be an offer for something unrelated to a public official's vote or opinion. For example, a donor may be offering a politician an election donation to support a particular candidate. This donation may be unrelated to the upcoming vote on a proposal that is in the donor's interest.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal bribery charges or under an investigation involving alleged bribery, speak to an experienced East Bay defense lawyer. Lynn Gorelick has over 30 years of criminal defense experience and understands the penalties involved with bribery. Lynn Gorelick understands how to approach the individual facts of each case for the greatest chance of success.

References: § 67
 § 137
 § 92
 § 93
 § 86
 § 165