Bribery is the offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving of something of value in order to influence the actions of a person who holds a public or legal duty (often someone in public office or government). To prove the crime of bribery, the prosecution must demonstrate that there was a quid pro quo exchange in which the recipient (public official) changed or altered his behavior in exchange for the gift (bribe). The quid pro quo relationship between the gift given and the action taken must be clear and direct. For this reason, campaign donations to political candidates generally do not constitute bribery.

In Oklahoma, bribery is considered a serious offense under both state and federal law. State statutes specifically address bribery in relation to public officials and others holding a public or legal duty. According to Oklahoma statutes, bribery involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting anything of value as a means to influence the actions of a public official in the discharge of their official duties. The law requires clear evidence of a quid pro quo arrangement, meaning there must be a direct exchange where the public official's actions are influenced by the bribe. Campaign contributions are typically not considered bribery unless they are made with the explicit understanding that the public official will perform or refrain from performing an official act in exchange for the contribution. If convicted of bribery in Oklahoma, individuals may face severe penalties including fines and imprisonment.