White Collar Crimes

WHITE COLLAR CRIMES: CORRUPTION BY THREAT OR FORCE AGAINST A PUBLIC SERVANT

Because of their positions of power, public servants are given special protections by the Florida legislature. The legislature wanted to ensure that persuasion of public servants was done through traditional lobbying channels and not by threats or violence to those in power. With that said, white collar crimes attorney Adam L. Bantner, II can help those that have been accused of this type of crime. Call 813.416.7965 for your free consultation regarding white collar crimes today!

THE STATUTE, FLA. STAT. 838.021

The lawyer is giving legal advice..(1) It is unlawful to harm or threaten to harm any public servant, his or her immediate family, or any other person with whose welfare the public servant is interested with the intent to:

(a) Influence the performance of any act or omission that the person believes to be, or that the public servant represents as being, within the official discretion of the public servant, in violation of a public duty, or in the performance of a public duty.

(b) Cause or induce the public servant to use or exert, or procure the use or exertion of, any influence upon or with any other public servant regarding any act or omission that the person believes to be, or that the public servant represents as being, within the official discretion of the public servant, in violation of a public duty, or in performance of a public duty.

(2) Prosecution under this section shall not require any allegation or proof that the public servant ultimately sought to be unlawfully influenced was qualified to act in the desired way, that the public servant had assumed office, that the matter was properly pending before him or her or might by law properly be brought before him or her, that the public servant possessed jurisdiction over the matter, or that his or her official action was necessary to achieve the person’s purpose.

(3)(a) Whoever unlawfully harms any public servant or any other person with whose welfare the public servant is interested shall be guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(b) Whoever threatens unlawful harm to any public servant or to any other person with whose welfare the public servant is interested shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

THE PUNISHMENTS

A person who actually harms a public servant is guilty of a third degree felony, which is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or 5 years of probation.

A person who threatens a public servant is guilty of a second degree felony, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or 15 years of probation.

DEFINITIONS, FLA. STAT. 838.014

(1) “Benefit” means gain or advantage, or anything regarded by the person to be benefited as a gain or advantage, including the doing of an act beneficial to any person in whose welfare he or she is interested, including any commission, gift, gratuity, property, commercial interest, or any other thing of economic value not authorized by law.

Concept of justice, Lawyer holding a hammer pretending to hit on(2) “Bid” includes a response to an “invitation to bid,” “invitation to negotiate,” “request for a quote,” or “request for proposals” as those terms are defined in s. 287.012.

(3) “Commodity” means any goods, merchandise, wares, produce, chose in action, land, article of commerce, or other tangible or intangible property, real, personal, or mixed, for use, consumption, production, enjoyment, or resale.

(4) “Corruptly” or “with corrupt intent” means acting knowingly and dishonestly for a wrongful purpose.

(5) “Harm” means pecuniary or other loss, disadvantage, or injury to the person affected.

(6) “Public servant” means:

(a) Any officer or employee of a state, county, municipal, or special district agency or entity;

(b) Any legislative or judicial officer or employee;

(c) Any person, except a witness, who acts as a general or special magistrate, receiver, auditor, arbitrator, umpire, referee, consultant, or hearing officer while performing a governmental function; or

(d) A candidate for election or appointment to any of the positions listed in this subsection, or an individual who has been elected to, but has yet to officially assume the responsibilities of, public office.

(7) “Service” means any kind of activity performed in whole or in part for economic benefit.

Florida Bar

Adam Bantner – Criminal Defense Attorney at Law

If you are in need of an expert criminal defense attorney specializing in legal defense against DUI, traffic, criminal, violent crime charges, or a personal injury – you’ll find it here.

Adam L. Bantner, II is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney representing those accused of crimes in Hillsborough and Polk counties. He is the Past President of the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys., is a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and AVVO rated “Superb.” Adam is a member of Valrico Law Group.

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Adam Bantner, II is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Law Attorney representing those accused of crimes in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. When you are facing criminal charges, you want an expert in your corner. The Florida Bar has recognized Adam as an expert criminal defense attorney.

I have been defending the accused since 2006 and am Past President of the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

I have tried over 30 jury trials, on charges ranging from driving on a suspended license to murder.

In addition, I am a Brandon personal injury attorney. If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, give me a call to see how we can help!

I approach each case on the principle that every client deserves zealous representation, with attention to detail and to their individualized needs. My mission is to get the best possible result for every client, in every case, every time. Give me a call to see how I can assist you to get the best results in your case. I are here to help.