Bribery Defense

What penalty applies to taking a bribe?

Imprisonment from six to nine years; by a person holding a state-political office, in a large amount or by a group – from seven to eleven years; by extortion, an organized group, a previously convicted person, more than once, or in a particularly large amount – from eleven to fifteen years.

When is the giver of a bribe released from liability?

Where he voluntarily reported it to the body conducting the criminal proceedings. The decision on release is taken by that same body.

When is a bribe considered to be in a large amount?

Where the sum exceeds ten thousand GEL; in a particularly large amount – where it exceeds thirty thousand GEL.

What penalty applies to the giver of a bribe?

Under part 1 – a fine, corrective labor, house arrest or imprisonment for up to three years; to induce an unlawful act – from four to seven years; by an organized group – from five to eight years.

What does a lawyer examine in a bribery case?

The subject's status, the actual transfer of the advantage, the existence of an agreed action, the element of extortion, the amount and the lawfulness of the evidence.

5 min·10 Jan 2026

Taking and Giving a Bribe – Articles 338 and 339: What These Norms Cover

A bribery charge in the Criminal Code of Georgia rests on a construction built on two norms. Article 338 defines the penalty for an official or a person equated to him who receives or demands a bribe; Article 339 – for the giver. This division is decisive for the defense: one and the same factual episode creates two different qualifications, and each side requires its own approach.

A bribe is not only money: securities, other property, a property benefit or any other unlawful advantage – all these forms fall under the article if they are disposed of in return for an action connected with the performance of official rights and duties: carrying out an act, refraining from an act, using official authority, or providing official patronage.

Updated: 14 Oct 2026

Legal basis:

Bribery Defense

What penalty applies to taking a bribe?

When is the giver of a bribe released from liability?

Where he voluntarily reported it to the body conducting the criminal proceedings. The decision on release is taken by that same body.

When is a bribe considered to be in a large amount?

Where the sum exceeds ten thousand GEL; in a particularly large amount – where it exceeds thirty thousand GEL.

What penalty applies to the giver of a bribe?

What does a lawyer examine in a bribery case?

The subject's status, the actual transfer of the advantage, the existence of an agreed action, the element of extortion, the amount and the lawfulness of the evidence.

5 min·10 Jan 2026

Taking and Giving a Bribe – Articles 338 and 339: What These Norms Cover