What is the difference between bribery and illegal gratuities?

Bribery and illegal gratuities are both forms of white collar crime under Washington state law, but there are some key differences between the two. Bribery is an illegal act whereby someone offers money or something of value to another person in exchange for that person performing an official act or disregarding their duties. Illegal gratuities, on the other hand, are payments or favors given to someone who has already performed their official duties or responsibilities. When a person is bribed, the action is focused on influencing their actions or decisions. The person may do something they wouldn’t otherwise do, or they may do something in an improper or illegal way. On the other hand, illegal gratuities are payments made as a reward for a job already done. The penalties for bribery are much more severe than illegal gratuities. Bribery is considered a felony offense and can lead to imprisonment for up to 10 years. Illegal gratuities are generally charged as misdemeanors and may result in fines or a jail sentence of up to one year. In both cases, the person receiving the payment or benefit from the other party may face civil or criminal penalties. It is important to note that each state has its own laws governing bribery and illegal gratuities, so it is important to understand the specific laws in your jurisdiction.

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