Aggressive Sevierville Defense Attorneys Helping Officials Facing Public Corruption Charges
Comprehensive defense strategies for Tennessee and local officials
Public corruption is difficult to define, but you know it when you see it. Yet the Federal Bureau of Investigation considers public corruption its top priority because, in the Bureau’s own words, it “poses a fundamental threat to our national security and way of life.”
At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, we help public officials in Tennessee who have been wrongfully accused of corruption. We are known in Sevier County, the Tri-Cities region and throughout East Tennessee as aggressive, non-nonsense defense attorneys who fight for your rights at every step. If you are facing federal charges of public corruption, we want to hear your story.
What is public corruption, exactly?
The definition of “public corruption” is broad. Legally, it is defined as “a breach of public trust and/or abuse of position by federal, state, or local officials and their private sector accomplices,” committed by any government official (appointed, elected, or in the transitional process between the two, or hired) “when he/she asks, demands, solicits, accepts, or agrees to receive anything of value in return for being influenced in the performance of their official duties,” in violation of federal law.
Examples of public corruption
Public corruption can occur at the local, state, federal or international level. Some of the more well-known corruption charges include:
- Election fraud, including civil rights violations, and voter or ballot fraud
- Tax evasion
- No-contract bidding (though not all no-contract bids are corrupt)
- Bribery and graft
- Campaign finance violations
- Embezzlement
- Racketeering
- Extortion
Public corruption is usually considered a “white collar” crime, and the penalties usually vary based on the specific crime a person is convicted of committing. However, if the corruption charges are enhanced with charges of violent crimes, such as assault or murder, the penalties can be far steeper. A murder conviction could lead to the death penalty in Tennessee – a penalty far more severe than what tax evasion would be given.
Building a defense against charges of public corruption
The problem with corruption charges is that the basis for the accusation is so broad – and, generally speaking, people love to hate politicians and public officials. Because of this, public corruption charges are often given a lot of air time by local media outlets, both on television and online. While the urge to defend yourself will be strong, it is imperative that you not respond to the press nor other media outlets without speaking to your lawyer first.
At our firm, we help officials craft public statements and press releases (when it becomes absolutely necessary to release one), keeping in mind that anything you release can and most likely will be used against you in court. We immediately begin to review any alleged evidence and documentation pertinent to your case, and conduct interviews with potential witnesses. It is our goal to reach a resolution as quickly and efficiently as possible, before further damage is done to your reputation. If the government persists, however, we will fight aggressively on your behalf against all charges.
Work with a federal defense attorney you can trust if you’re facing charges of corruption
When it comes to public officials, even a whiff of impropriety can tarnish reputations for good. Delius & McKenzie, PLLC helps clients fight back in a court of law, and in the court of public opinion. If you are facing public corruption charges, work with the team who knows how to help. Please call 865-428-8780 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with an experienced Sevierville corruption charge defense lawyer. We are proud to represent clients throughout the Tri-Cities Region, Sevier County and East Tennessee, including those in and around Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport, Greeneville, Seymour, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
