2.13 ILLEGAL GRATUITY TO A PUBLIC OFFICIAL / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(c)(1)(A) is a criminal offense in the United States in which someone gives money or something of value to a public official in exchange for a favorable decision or special consideration. This is considered bribery and is a violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(c)(1)(A). This law makes it illegal to give or offer to give a public official something of value in exchange for any official act or act of influence. The types of illegal gratuities to public officials that are prohibited under this law include cash payments, gifts, or other items of value. Violations of this law are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.