Former New Jersey state Sen. Wayne Bryant, who is currently serving a four-year sentence for corruption, is facing additional charges. The new public corruption charges include 20 counts of federal mail fraud, one count of soliciting corruption and one count of extortion under color of official right.

Federal prosecutors have accused Bryant of taking $192,000 in false legal fees as bribes for him to encourage, as a lawmaker, certain controversial redevelopment projects. Bryant claims these were not bribes but real retainer fees. The prosecution's case rests on the fact that Bryant did not do any work for the project. However, firms can request "retainer fees," which require them to be available to work for the client if legal issues arise.

In 2008, Bryant was convicted on 12 public corruption charges after he used his political influence to obtain a job that would increase his pension with relatively little work on his part. He allegedly directed more than $10 million of state money to his employer, a medical school. Bryant's conviction was upheld by a federal court in August 2011.

If convicted of these new corruption charges, Bryant will face additional time in prison and fines. Bryant has asked for a bench trial (a trial without a jury) for this case, during which he will confront the same federal prosecutors.

As a state Senator for 13 years, Bryant was well-respected until the corruption charges brought down his career.

Public corruption charges, such as embezzlement, misuse of public funds and accepting bribes carry heavy penalties. Perhaps the heaviest penalty is the possibility that a conviction could destroy your career and your public image. That is why it is important to fight these charges with an attorney experienced in federal criminal defense.

Source: NJ.com, "Convicted former state Sen. Wayne Bryant set for trial on fraud charges," Associated Press, Jan. 30, 2012