Arrested for a bribe? What shall I do?

There are many different anti-corruption bodies operating in Ukraine today. We can learn about their work through the mass media: high-profile arrests of politicians, officials, representatives of law enforcement agencies and ordinary people who specialize in providing public services (executors, appraisers, notaries, etc.). Protecting the rights of those suspected of bribery is a rather complicated process. That is why, if you or your loved ones have been detained for a bribe, you must contact professional lawyers. "PRIKHODKO & PARTNERS" specialists have practical experience in this field. When forming the line of defense for our clients, we pay special attention to violations by investigative bodies of procedural or material law in terms of gathering information about the suspect, detention, investigative or other procedural actions.

Bribery: peculiarities of terminology in Ukrainian legislation

Several years ago, the definition of "bribe" was removed from Ukrainian legislation. Today, it is more correct to use the definition "unlawful benefit". In accordance with Articles 368-370 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, unlawful gain is defined as:

• Cash
• Transfer to the account (non-cash).
• Providing certain services to a person (for example, providing a ticket to a resort, sanatorium, etc. for free or at a non-market price).
• Valuables - works of art, jewelry, etc.

According to Ukrainian legislation, persons who give/accept bribes and act as intermediaries are divided. All the above-mentioned categories fall under articles of the Civil Code.

What is the punishment for receiving a bribe in Ukraine?

According to Article 368 of the Criminal Code, the punishment for bribery is a fine, dismissal or imprisonment (the term is determined by the size of the bribe and the presence/absence of aggravating factors).

Important: deprivation of liberty is awarded both to the official or civil servant who received it, and to persons who acted as intermediaries or directly provided bribes.

Aggravated bribery is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. In addition, the property of the convicted person is confiscated and a ban on occupying a similar position in the future comes into effect (minimum term - 3 years).

Among the aggravating circumstances of obtaining an illegal benefit:

1. Repeated bribery.
2. Demanding a bribe.
3. The high post of a briber.
4. Group conspiracy.

A large bribe is from 200 of the tax-free minimum income of citizens, especially large - from 500.

Algorithm of actions of a suspect in bribery

If you suspect bribery, you should seek help from professional lawyers. "PRIKHODKO & PARTNERS" specialists guarantee adequate protection of suspects. Important: it is worth contacting our lawyers at the stage of pre-trial investigation. This factor will provide the best protection of the client against illegal actions on the part of representatives of investigative bodies. We will help develop a strategy for behavior during interrogation.

The lawyers of "PRIKHODKO & PARTNERS" carry out a thorough study and research of the materials of the criminal proceedings, applying all available knowledge in the field of criminal legal norms. Thus, clients of our law firm can count on receiving a positive result, namely:

• Acquittal.
• Closure of criminal proceedings.
• Change in the legal qualification of the case.
• Determining the punishment acceptable to the accused/suspect.

Each specific case involves the construction of an individual algorithm of actions. Sign up for a consultation with the lawyers of "PRIKHODKO & PARTNERS" - leave a request for the price calculation of the help of a specialized lawyer on bribery!