Facing federal bribery charges in Hanover County? Under 18 U.S.C. § 201, acceptance or solicitation of a bribe carries up to 15 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide results. Former prosecutor Mr. Sris leads your defense. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division) | 18 U.S.C. § 201 (official U.S. Code)
Federal bribery under 18 U.S.C. § 201 prohibits a public official from directly or indirectly demanding, seeking, receiving, accepting, or agreeing to receive anything of value in return for being influenced in the performance of an official act. The statute also covers witnesses who solicit bribes in exchange for testimony. This is a felony offense prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled federal bribery cases since 1997.
Review the full statute at 18 U.S.C. § 201 (official U.S. Code). The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia maintains procedural rules at EDVA official court website.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately upon learning of an investigation or receiving a subpoena.
- Do not speak with federal agents without counsel present. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Preserve all documents, communications, and records that may be relevant to the alleged bribery scheme.
- Your lawyer will analyze the evidence to determine whether the government can prove a corrupt intent and quid pro quo.
- File pretrial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or challenge the sufficiency of the indictment.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a favorable resolution, including potential plea agreement or dismissal.
In Hanover County, federal bribery under 18 U.S.C. § 201 carries up to 15 years in federal prison and significant fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance or Solicitation of a Bribe (Public Official) | Federal Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $250,000 or 3x the value of the bribe | Federal employment disqualification | Forfeiture of position; permanent federal debarment; supervised release up to 3 years |
| Acceptance or Solicitation of a Bribe (Witness) | Federal Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $250,000 or 3x the value of the bribe | N/A | Supervised release; potential immigration consequences for non-citizens |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legal experience. The firm represents clients in federal courts across Virginia, including the EDVA Richmond Division serving Hanover County.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Results depend on the specific facts of each case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), accessible via I-95 and I-295. We serve Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
Federal bribery lawyer near Hanover County — serving all of Central Virginia.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for acceptance or solicitation of a bribe under federal law?
Yes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 201, the penalty is up to 15 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000 or three times the value of the bribe, and supervised release. Federal employment disqualification and debarment are also possible.
Can a bribery charge be dismissed before trial?
It depends. A bribery charge can be dismissed if the government cannot prove a corrupt intent or a specific quid pro quo. Pretrial motions challenging the sufficiency of the indictment or illegally obtained evidence may lead to dismissal.
Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for bribery?
Yes. If you are under investigation for bribery, you need a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Do not speak with federal agents without counsel. Early legal intervention can protect your rights and potentially prevent charges.
What is the difference between bribery and illegal gratuity?
Bribery requires a corrupt intent and a specific quid pro quo — an exchange of something of value for an official act. An illegal gratuity involves giving something of value for a past official act without a prior agreement. Bribery carries a maximum 15-year sentence; illegal gratuity carries up to 2 years.
How long does a federal bribery case take in EDVA?
It depends. Federal bribery cases in the Eastern District of Virginia typically take 6 to 18 months from indictment to resolution. Complex cases involving multiple defendants or extensive wiretap evidence may take longer. The Speedy Trial Act requires trial within 70 days of indictment.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.