When most people think of bribery, they imagine cash-filled envelopes handed over in dimly lit rooms. But in reality, California’s bribery laws are far broader—and often far more complicated—than most people realize. You don’t need to hand over money to be charged. You don’t even need to follow through on the offer. In many cases, simply proposing an exchange of favors, gifts, or influence can trigger a criminal investigation.
At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we represent individuals throughout Southern California facing bribery allegations—public officials, business owners, employees, and everyday people caught in situations where the line between persuasion and illegal influence isn’t always clear. If you're under investigation or have already been charged, here's what you need to know about how California defines bribery—and what you can do to protect yourself.
What Exactly Is Bribery Under California Law?
California Penal Code §§ 92–93 and §§ 165–641 define bribery as offering, giving, receiving, or requesting anything of value with the intent to influence the actions of a public official or other individual in a position of trust.
Bribery laws apply to:
- Elected officials and government employees
- Jurors and witnesses
- Law enforcement officers
- Corporate executives
- Employees of private companies in certain regulated industries
Importantly, the “thing of value” doesn’t have to be cash. It could be:
- Gifts or expensive meals
- Promises of employment or promotions
- Access to opportunities, contracts, or special treatment
- Campaign donations (if tied to a specific action)
Even if the offer is never accepted—or if no benefit is ever delivered—you can still be charged if the intent to influence is present.
Common Scenarios That Lead to Bribery Charges
Not every gift or favor rises to the level of bribery. But certain patterns frequently result in legal trouble, such as:
- A business owner offering perks or discounts to a city official in exchange for zoning approvals
- An individual offering money to a police officer in hopes of avoiding a citation or arrest
- A contractor promising kickbacks to a public employee for steering projects their way
- A defense attorney accused of bribing a witness to change testimony
These scenarios become criminal not because of the gesture itself, but because they are tied to a specific request or expectation that influences official conduct.
Intent Is the Battleground
In many bribery cases, prosecutors don’t have video evidence or direct admissions. Instead, they rely on:
- Emails, texts, or recorded conversations
- Testimony from cooperating witnesses or co-defendants
- The timing of favors or payments relative to official actions
- Circumstantial evidence that suggests a “quid pro quo” arrangement
That means your intent—what you were thinking, expecting, or planning—is often at the heart of the case. A skilled defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of the facts, present alternative explanations, and raise doubts about whether your actions truly met the threshold for bribery.
Potential Penalties in California Bribery Cases
Bribery charges in California are often felonies, punishable by:
- 2 to 4 years in state prison
- Significant fines, sometimes equal to or double the value of the bribe
- Loss of professional licenses
- Permanent damage to reputation
- Ineligibility for public office
For public officials, a conviction can also result in disqualification from holding future public positions, even after serving time.
And because bribery is considered a “crime of moral turpitude,” it can have serious consequences for immigrants and licensed professionals.
The Right Defense Can Change Everything
Being charged with bribery doesn't mean you're guilty. In many cases, these charges stem from misunderstandings, overzealous investigators, or business practices that toe a legal gray area. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we know how to challenge the prosecution’s version of events, uncover the full story, and advocate for dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative resolutions.
If you’re facing bribery accusations in Southern California, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 immediately. The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future, your freedom, and your name.