Bribery of Judges or Jurors – NRS 199.010 – NRS 199.030

Bribery of Judges or Jurors

Bribery of judges or jurors is a grave offense under Nevada law, codified in NRS 199.010 – NRS 199.030. This statute addresses the illegal act of offering, giving, or accepting bribes to influence the decisions or actions of judicial officers or members of a jury. Such offenses undermine the integrity of the judicial system and are prosecuted vigorously.

To convict someone of bribery of a judge or juror, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. Offer or Receipt of a Bribe: The accused must have offered or given a bribe, or accepted a bribe, with the intent to influence the behavior or decisions of a judge or juror.
2. Intent to Influence: The bribe was intended to corruptly influence the judge’s or juror’s actions or decisions in a case.
3. Knowledge: The accused acted with knowledge that the bribe was intended to corruptly influence judicial proceedings.

Related Offenses

Bribery of judges or jurors is related to several other criminal offenses, including:

1. Bribery of Public Officials – NRS 197.010 – NRS 197.040
2. Contempt of Court – NRS 22.030
3. Tampering with a Witness – NRS 199.220
4. Obstruction of Justice – NRS 199.280
5. Conspiracy to Commit Bribery – NRS 199.480

Examples

Understanding how bribery of judges or jurors works can be clarified with the following examples:

• Example 1: An individual facing a criminal trial offers a significant sum of money to a juror to sway their verdict. If the juror accepts the bribe, both the individual offering the bribe and the juror could face serious charges.
• Example 2: A party to a civil lawsuit offers gifts or cash to a judge in hopes of obtaining a favorable ruling. This act constitutes bribery if the judge’s decisions are influenced by the bribe.

Defenses to Bribery of Judges or Jurors

Defending against charges of bribery of judges or jurors involves several potential strategies:

1. Lack of Bribe: Demonstrating that no bribe was offered or accepted is a primary defense. Evidence showing that the payments or gifts were legitimate and not intended to influence judicial proceedings can negate the bribery charges.
2. No Intent to Influence: If the prosecution cannot prove that the accused intended to influence the judge or juror, the bribery charges may not stand. This includes showing that any interactions with the judge or juror were innocent and not related to corrupting their decisions.
3. Mistaken Identity or False Allegations: In some cases, defendants may argue mistaken identity or false allegations. If it can be proven that the accused was incorrectly identified or falsely accused, the charges may be dismissed.

Potential Penalty for Bribery of Judges or Jurors

Bribery of judges or jurors is treated with extreme seriousness in Nevada, and penalties for conviction can be severe:

• Category B Felony: Bribery of a judge or juror is generally classified as a Category B felony.
• Penalties: Conviction can result in 1 to 6 years in prison and/or a fine up to $50,000.
• Additional Consequences: A conviction may also lead to disqualification from holding public office, loss of professional licenses, and significant damage to personal and professional reputation.

Criminal Defense for Bribery of Judges or Jurors

If you are facing charges of bribery of judges or jurors, it is crucial to seek representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Josh Tomsheck, a distinguished criminal defense lawyer, is well-equipped to handle such complex cases. As a board-certified criminal trial attorney and registered specialist in criminal trial law with the State Bar of Nevada, Mr. Tomsheck has the expertise to mount an effective defense.

Mr. Tomsheck is also a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been recognized as a Mountain State’s Super Lawyer. With a proven track record of hundreds of complete dismissals and acquittals at trial, he is committed to defending his clients vigorously.

For more information about defending against charges of bribery of judges or jurors in Las Vegas, contact the law firm of Hofland & Tomsheck to schedule a free consultation. Call (702) 895-6760 today.