Legal Definitions - solicitation of a bribe

Solicitation of a bribe refers to the crime committed when an individual *requests*, *asks for*, or *encourages* another person to offer them something of value in exchange for an improper influence on an official decision or action. It is the act of *initiating* the corrupt exchange, even if the bribe is never actually paid or accepted by the person being solicited.

Examples:

• Scenario: A city council member is approached by a real estate developer seeking a zoning variance for a new project. During a private meeting, the council member subtly suggests that the variance application would move through the approval process much more smoothly and quickly if the developer were to make a "personal contribution" of a significant sum directly to the council member's private bank account, rather than a legitimate campaign fund.
  Explanation: The council member is engaging in solicitation of a bribe by *requesting* something of value (the personal contribution) from the developer in exchange for using their official position to improperly influence the zoning variance approval. The crime is complete the moment the request is made, regardless of whether the developer actually pays the money.
• Scenario: A government procurement officer is overseeing the bidding process for a lucrative contract to supply office equipment. The officer contacts a representative from one of the bidding companies and implies that their company's proposal would be "guaranteed to win" if they were to arrange a high-paying, no-show consulting job for the officer's unqualified sibling.
  Explanation: Here, the procurement officer is *enticing* the company to provide a benefit (the no-show job) in exchange for improperly influencing the contract award. This act of encouraging the corrupt exchange constitutes solicitation of a bribe.
• Scenario: A police officer pulls over a driver for a serious traffic violation that carries a hefty fine and points. After reviewing the driver's license and registration, the officer leans into the car window and whispers that they could "make this whole thing disappear" if the driver were to hand over a specific amount of cash directly to them, rather than receiving a ticket.
  Explanation: The police officer is *asking for* money (something of value) from the driver in exchange for improperly neglecting their official duty to issue a citation. This direct request for a payment to avoid legal consequences is a clear instance of solicitation of a bribe.