How is Hush Money a Felony?
In the world of finance and legal affairs, the term "hush money" typically refers to a payment or bribe made to influence someone’s silence or prevent them from revealing a wrongdoing or a secret. For instance, a politician who has been involved in some sort of scandal may attempt to silence a witness by offering them a large sum of money to keep the truth hidden. While in the past, hush money was often viewed as a common practice, laws have changed, and payments made to silence individuals about illegal activities are now criminalized. In this article, we will explore why hush money is illegal and what constitutes a hush money payment.
What is a Hush Money Payment?**
A hush money payment is a payment or bribe made to buy someone’s silence or in exchange for their silence regarding a particular issue or transaction. These payments can be made to prevent an individual from revealing information that would harm someone’s reputation or expose a wrongdoing. Historically, hush money payments were often used as a way to keep controversies or scandals under wraps.
**Examples of Hush Money Payments**
• 2019: Former presidential candidate, Michael Avenatti, was charged with paying $300,000 to an adult film actress to keep her silent about an affair with Donald Trump.
• 2015: FIFA officials were investigated for accepting bribes of up to $10 million to silence them about financial irregularities within the organization.
• 2016: Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen admitted to paying an adult film actress $130,000 to keep quiet about an affair with President Trump.
Why is Hush Money Illegal?**
Hush money payments are illegal under federal law because they facilitate illegal activities, such as bribery, extortion, or obstruction of justice. According to the **Federal statute 18 U.S. Code § 1505**, “Whoever knowingly does any act or causes any act to be done which object is to influence, delay, or defraud the due administration of justice in any matter whereby any interest of the Government of the United States might be affected, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.”
**Consequences of Hush Money Payments**
• **Criminal Penalties**: Individuals who pay or receive hush money payments can face criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
• **Loss of Reputation**: Individuals or businesses involved in hush money payments can suffer significant loss of reputation and public trust.
• **Financial Devastation**: The revelation of hush money payments can lead to financial disaster, as individuals or businesses risk losing assets, business associates, and even their career.
Enforcement of Hush Money Laws**
Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and the IRS, investigate and prosecute individuals and entities involved in hush money payments. In addition to criminal penalties, hush money payments can also result in civil penalties, such as fines and restitution.
| **Law Enforcement Agency** | **Responsibilities** |
| — | — |
| FBI | Conducts investigations and gathers evidence related to hush money payments |
| IRS | Investigaes and audits to determine the legitimacy of claimed expenses or deductions related to hush money payments |
Conclusion**
Hush money payments have become a significant issue in recent years, with notable cases involving high-profile figures. As laws have become stricter, it is no longer possible to keep this type of payment under the radar. The consequences of hush money payments, including criminal penalties, reputation loss, and financial devastation, highlight the importance of transparency and ethical behavior.
In summary, hush money is illegal because it facilitates illegal activities, corrupts public officials, and undermines the integrity of the judicial system. As laws become more stringent, it is essential for individuals and entities to understand the consequences of engaging in hush money payments.
