House stiffens judicial bribe penalties

The Sun Herald, 2/27/8

The House passed a bill Tuesday that sets tough penalties for those convicted of bribing judges.

House Bill 1108 would expand the state’s obstruction-of-justice charge for the felony. Under an amendment offered by Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, the offense would carry a sentence of no less than five and up to 20 years in prison and a fine of three times the bribe, but no less than $25,000.

Judiciary A Committee Chairman Edward Blackmon Jr., D-Canton, offered the bill, which originally had a five-year sentence and a $5,000 fine. Blackmon said many things could fall under the description of bribe.

“It doesn’t have to be money, it can be a promise of something,” Blackmon said.