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Bribery is covered by a couple different statutes: Minn. Stat. §§ 609.42 (bribery in general), 609.825 (bribing an official of a contest), and 609.86 (commercial bribery).
Bribery can mean many things. Bribery means that a person “offers, gives, or promises to give, directly or indirectly, . . . any benefit, reward or consideration . . . to influence the person.” It is also mean that a person “requests, receives or agrees to receive, directly or indirectly, any such benefit, reward or consideration upon the understanding that it will have such an influence.” Bribery is a crime when the recipient is a public officer or employee and the bribery is in relation to the officer or employee’s duties. It is also a crime when the recipient is or will be a witness in front of a judge or hearing officer and the bribery is in relation to the witness’ testimony or presence at the proceeding. Finally, it is also a crime if the recipient is able to give information in a prosecution and the bribery is in relation to giving or refraining to give such information. If you are a public officer and you are convicted of this offense or the attempt of this offense, your job could be in jeopardy. The sentence for this offense is up to ten years in prison and/or up to a $20,000 fine. See https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=609.42.
If you bribe—by trying or agreeing to give or receive any benefit or reward—someone who referees or judges or similarly has the duty to determine the conduct or outcome of a contest, such as a race or sports game, you are subject to up to five years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine. If you were offered or promised the benefit or reward, knowing it was meant to influence the decision and you fail to report it to the offeror’s superior, you may be sentenced to up to one year in prison and/or up to a $3,000 fine. See https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=609.825.
Commercial bribery is similar but the context is a business. If you bribe an employee or agent, intending to influence their performance of duties or if you ask to be bribed by your employer or principal, your punishment is determined by the value of the benefit. If the value is more than $500, you are subject to up to five years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine. If the value is $500 or less, you are subject to up to 90 days in prison and/or up to a $1,000 fine. See https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=609.86.
The preceding was a summary of the law. It does not describe all of the elements of the crimes. Laws are also constantly changing. You need to contact a skilled bribery defense attorney in Minneapolis to discuss the offenses in detail and with respect to your own particular case. Nothing in this description or anywhere on this site is legal advice.