It's not a "get out of jail free" card. It's a "my cop friend isn't here but if he were he would ask you to be lenient, within your discretion" card. It doesn't get you off for murder, it just helps just a little... Just like knowing the DA does.
Interesting angle on it being a bribe. But if you accept your definition of bribery (the payment is the agreement to help out later) then I fail to see how other activities in the DA's office are not illegal bribes as well.
Maybe you think they are?
