8.16 Illegal Gratuity to Public Official (18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(c)(1)(A)) is a federal law that makes it a crime to give or offer a “gratuity” to a public official. A gratuity is defined as a payment, gift, loan, favor, or any other item of value given as an inducement for, or in recognition of, any official act. It is illegal for any person to give or offer a gratuity to a public official with the intent to influence or reward any official action. The different types of 8.16 Illegal Gratuity to Public Official (18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(c)(1)(A)) include bribes, kickbacks, and other forms of improper payments to public officials. It is a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.