When a public official or business is charged with corruption, it can have far-reaching consequences that affect career opportunities and personal relationships. Whether it’s misuse of pension funds by an elected official, abuse of police power to coerce a confession or channelling bribes for government contracts, corruption charges carry serious penalties.
It can be hard to prove corrupt acts, and the higher the level of government, the more stringent the standard of proof required to convict. The key to proving corruption charges is evidence that can demonstrate the specific elements of the offence – for example, a video recording of an official taking a bribe, or details of corrupt payments made.
Evidence can also help to establish motive for corrupt acts. For example, a witness’s experience of previous instances of lying under oath can be useful as an explanation for why they may have lied in a given case. However, it is important to note that evidence of motive does not imply bias or character and should be treated the same as circumstantial evidence.
Corruption charges can damage a person’s reputation and ruin their professional life, so it is essential to have a team of criminal defence lawyers fighting for your freedom. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the better. Whether you are an innocent business owner facing accusations of bribery or a government employee accused of embezzlement, Norman Spencer Law Group is here to support you throughout the process.