Information on Extortion Charges
Extortion involves a person obtaining goods, services, or money through the use of direct threats or threatening behavior. Threats for the purposes of extortion can include:
- Threats of accusing the victim of criminal activity
- Threats to expose harmful or secret information about the victim
- Threats of bodily injury towards the victim
Depending upon the severity of the offense, extortion can be a federal crime, especially if there is evidence of threats. An extortion conviction can carry with it a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 4 years in prison, as well as probation, parole, and restitution to the victims. Retaining the services of a successful defense attorney may help you avoid the penalties and notoriety of a conviction.
Proving Extortion Charges
As with any criminal case, the burden to prove extortion charges lies with the prosecution.
In order to convict you, prosecutors must be able to prove that you:
- Threatened or employed force to get another person to give you property of value
- Threatened or employed force to compel a public officer to perform an official act
- Used the authority that comes with holding public office for the purpose of demanding that someone give you money or property of some value
Okabe & Haushalter: Vigorously Fighting on Your Behalf
If you are being charged with extortion, it is important that you contact our legal team at of Okabe & Haushalter. We can dedicate ourselves to providing personalized, comprehensive legal assistance at every step of your criminal proceedings. As our attorneys have experience on both sides of the courtroom, we can craft a multi-faceted defense that aggressively disputes the claims of the prosecution. You can trust in our legal counsel as we fight to protect your rights.
Okabe & Haushalter aims to minimize the damage that will be inflicted if a conviction occurs. We may be able to negotiate with prosecutors and law enforcement in order to reduce your charges—or, in some cases, have charges dropped altogether. Aggressively fighting against your charges is the best way to avoid a harsh sentencing if you are convicted, and an attorney from our firm may be able to help. If you are being faced with extortion charges, contact us today!