Public corruption is an overriding concern among good governance groups and citizens alike. The appearance that a politician is using his or her office to enrich themselves, their families, or people who’ve made themselves “connected” is offensive to notions of democracy, and corrosive to municipal budgets and fair contracting practices.
Those public officials who steer work to their own companies, those owned by immediate family members, or other entities with whom they have a substantial stake may be in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:27-9, Unlawful Business Transaction Where Interest is Involved. The “interest” in this case is the financial stake that the public official has in a business entity that was improperly granted contracts or other public monies.
N.J.S.A 2C:27-9 is a crime of the fourth degree, with a possible 18 month sentence if convicted. At this level, it is considered a low felony, and conviction will have long lasting and wide-ranging implications for the rest of your life. If you’re facing public corruption charges or any charges stemming from your work as an officeholder or public official, call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 and talk to an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney for free.