Practice Areas
Public Corruption & Bribery Defense
Public corruption cases put reputation, career, and liberty on the line at once. They often begin quietly - with an informant, a wiretap, or a cooperating witness - and they turn on intent, on the meaning of an official act, and on whether an agreement existed at all. These matters call for a defense built on the law's narrow definitions, not the headlines.
What public corruption covers
Public corruption is a broad category of offenses involving the alleged misuse of public office or the exchange of something of value for official action. Many are charged federally, where bribery, extortion, and honest-services fraud statutes give prosecutors significant reach over the conduct of officials and the private parties who deal with them.
- Bribery of public officials and federal-program bribery
- Honest-services wire and mail fraud
- Extortion under color of official right (Hobbs Act)
- Illegal gratuities and conflict-of-interest allegations
- Campaign-finance and disclosure offenses
Why the definition of an ‘official act’ matters
The Supreme Court has narrowed what counts as an ‘official act,’ and the line between ordinary political courtesy and a corrupt agreement is often where these cases are decided. Setting up a meeting, making a call, or hosting an event is not, by itself, the kind of formal exercise of government power the bribery statutes require. Separating lawful relationships from an unlawful agreement is central to the defense.
How these cases are defended
Public corruption matters are evidence-intensive and frequently rest on cooperators and recorded communications. The defense begins with a careful review of how the government built its case — testing the reliability of informants, the context of recordings, and whether the alleged quid pro quo can be proven at all. Where the conduct is ambiguous, the work is to show it for what it was.
Prior results and recognitions do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
General information about public corruption & bribery. It is not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts.
Do public corruption charges only apply to government officials?
What is honest-services fraud?
Are these cases usually federal?
Facing a federal investigation or serious charges?
Speak directly with George G. Mgdesyan about your situation. Consultations are confidential, and the sooner you call, the more can often be done.