Obtaining money or property by threat to a victim's property or loved ones, intimidation, or false claim of a right (such as pretending to be an IRS agent). It is a felony in all states, except that a direct threat to harm the victim is usually treated as the crime of robbery. Blackmail is a form of extortion in which the threat is to expose embarrassing, damaging information to family, friends or the public.

Defending those accused of white collar criminal charges is where our law firm stands out from the rest. Extensive experience combined with an intimate understanding of white collar legal issues gives you an edge in court, where it counts the most. Call us for a quick chat at (800) 209-4331. We can be of service to you.

Extortion Defense Considerations

Extortion and Bribery charges range from interactions between individuals and small businesses to those between government officials, corporate officers and the general public.

According to Black's Law Dictionary, extortion is defined as "the obtaining of property from another induced by wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear, or under color of official right." And according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, it is "the unlawful exaction of money or property through intimidation."

Extortion was originally the complement of bribery, both crimes involving interference with or by public officials. But extortion, and to a limited extent bribery, have been expanded to include actions by private citizens as well.

Extortion may be unlawful demanding or receiving by an officer, in his official capacity, of any property or money not legally due to him. Examples include requesting and accepting fees in excess of those allowed to him by statute or arresting a person and, with corrupt motives, demanding money or property unlawfully under pretense of duty. The taking of money or property is generally an essential element of the crime. In most states, extortion is more widely defined to include the obtaining of money or property of another by inducing his consent through wrongful use of fear, force, or authority of office; blackmail, ransom, and threat of force are included under this definition.

Corruption is another aspect of extortion, or bribery, and there many good corruption defenses available to attorneys who have a full understanding of Federal and State statutes.

If you are facing potential extortion charges, it is critical that you use a legal defense team with specific experience and expertise dealing with these types of charges. Call us at any time at (800) 209-4331 for a free, confidential initial consultation. Early intervention is critical to obtaining the best results.