Bribery by Legislators and Elected Officials

Bribery is broadly defined in California law and occurs when an elected legislator such as a California state senator, a member of the California State Assembly, or a local city council member trades his or her vote for money or something of value.

Bribery goes both ways: just as a person can be convicted for offering a bribe to a legislator, a legislator can be convicted for asking for a bribe.

But there are two sides in every story and the whole bribery area is a complex topic. Let’s say one of those angry neighbors is willing to frame you or a law enforcement officer catches you offering a bribe.