Bribery and Honest Services Fraud
The law firm of Parkman, Adams & White has represented public officials accused of abusing their office for personal gain or political spite, as well as those accused of bribing elected officials. We are accustomed to high-profile cases and media scrutiny, and have represented several high-ranking politicians across the United States.
Nationwide Public Corruption Lawyers
Jim Parkman and his law partners, Martin Adams and William White, are knowledgeable about a vaguely written law and proactive in challenging the charges. Parkman, Adams & White initially represented Don Hill, former mayor pro tem of Dallas, accused of directing staffers to solicit builders at $10,000 apiece in exchange for awarding lucrative housing tax credit contracts. We also represented Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick on perjury charges related to an earlier political scandal.
Bribery charges can be tough to prove. Authorities must demonstrate that the official received cash, campaign contributions, improper gifts or services and provided or explicitly promised something in return (contracts, appointments, project approvals, a certain vote, etc.)
Many officials are instead are charged with "depriving the public of honest services." The theory behind honest services fraud is that the politician acted out of personal gain or political favor in opposition to the best interests of the citizenry. The law is broader and the standard of proof is lower than for charges of bribery.
Our clients commonly face related and state and federal charges such as conspiracy, wire fraud or mail fraud, money laundering, extortion, bid rigging or obstruction of justice.
Aggressive Defense of Bribery Allegations
Parkman, Adams & White actively counters the government's case. Were the alleged corruption or bribery charges based on a wiretap or interception of e-mail or text messages? Are the accusations leveled by a political opponent? What is the evidence that any compensation changed hands or that any dishonest service was rendered? Was it simply a failure to report legitimate gifts from a constituent?
We intervene swiftly to avoid indictment or get charges dismissed, and prepare from the beginning for the possibility of a trial to clear our client's name. If prosecutors have an airtight case, we will explore plea agreements that avoid prison time and soften the other consequences.
If facing bribery charges or other corruption, you are represented by proven criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of collective experience in white collar crime. We practice nationwide. Contact our office if you have been charged or questioned in relation to a public scandal.
