Jurors and others accepting bribes

Vegas Criminal Attorney Explains Jurors Accepting Bribes

Members of a jury and others involved in the criminal justice system must act with the utmost of ethical behavior to maintain the integrity of the justice system. It is imperative, according to the U.S. Constitution, that every person be considered innocent until proven guilty and have the chance to confront his accuser and be tried by a jury of his peers. Jurors are expected to make decisions based on the law and the evidence presented to them, not be influenced by outside factors.

To ensure that jurors do not behave in a biased way and corrupt the operation of justice, there are strict laws regarding bribery of jurors. Both those who offer bribes as well as jurors and others who accept or solicit bribes can face harsh consequences under the law. It is imperative that any juror who is accused of bribery make smart choices about defending himself from serious accusations. LV Criminal Defense can provide help to those who are accused of bribery, so give us a call for assistance.

Our Las Vegas criminal defense team will work with you to determine if you should go to court and present defenses or introduce doubt to try for an acquittal or if you should negotiate a plea deal to reduce charges. We can represent you both in court and out, so give us a call today to find out how we can help.

Jurors Accepting Bribes Explained by a Nevada Defense Lawyer

Nevada Revised Statute section 199.030 explains the offense of jurors accepting bribes. According to the relevant statute, this law against accepting bribes applies to jurors, referees, arbitrators, appraisers, assessors, or any other person who has been authorized by law to hear or determine any legal matter, any question, any cause or controversy, or any legal proceeding.

If a person who falls within this definition asks for or receives, directly or indirectly, items of value with the understanding that these items will affect his vote, action, opinion, judgment, or decision, he can be found guilty of an offense under N.R.S. 199.030. Items of value are defined in N.R.S. 199.030 to include any compensation, reward, gratuity, or any promise of compensation, a reward, or gratuity.

Receiving or asking for a bribe as defined by N.R.S. 199.030 is considered to be a Category C Felony offense punishable under the terms provided in N.R.S. 193.130.

It is not only the juror or other referee or arbitrator who could be charged under N.R.S. 199.030. N.R.S. 199.010 also makes it a crime to bribe a judicial officer and N.R.S. 199.040 makes it a crime to influence a juror, prospective juror, arbitrator or referee. This means that in cases where a member of the jury or other person entrusted to hear or decide cases is bribed, both the juror who accepted and the person who made the offer can be tried and potentially face punishment within Nevada’s criminal justice system.