What are the penalties for violating the COUNTY ETHICS LAW?
  • Civil Penalties: The OCBE may impose civil penalties in an amount not to exceed $10,000 or the value of any financial benefit obtained by the violator or the spouse, child, or member of the household, whichever is greater.
  • Criminal Penalties: The OCBE may, in lieu of a civil penalty, refer a violation to the appropriate prosecutor, and upon conviction, but only after such referral, such violation shall be punishable as a Class A misdemeanor.
  • Disciplinary Action: Any County officer or employee who violates any provisions of the County Ethics Law may be warned, reprimanded, suspended or removed from office or employment, and/or be subject to any other sanction authorized by law or collective bargaining agreement by the appointing authority or body authorized by law to impose such sanctions. A warning, reprimand, suspension, removal or other authorized sanction may be imposed in addition to any other penalty contained in the County Ethics Law.


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1. What is the Board of Ethics ("OCBE")?
2. What are the requirements to be an OCBE member?
3. Who are the current members of the OCBE?
4. Are the Board meetings open to the public?
5. Who can report a violation of the County Ethics Law?
6. How do I report a violation or inquiry to the OCBE?
7. Will my inquiry/report of violation be kept confidential?
8. What is a gift or “financial benefit”?
9. What is confidential information and can County employees and officers disclose such information?
10. What is a conflict of interest?
11. Can County employees and officers seek or accept private employment?
12. What do I do if I am not sure if working a part time job creates a conflict or impairs the proper discharge of my official duties?
13. Are there restrictions on future employment?
14. Are there any exceptions to this rule?
15. What are the penalties for violating the COUNTY ETHICS LAW?
16. Who must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure Form?
17. Where can I find a Disclosure form?
18. When do I need to file?
19. Where do I send my Disclosure Form?
20. Is my Disclosure Form subject to the New York State Freedom Of Information Law ("FOIL")?