Scrofano Law, PC: Your Extortion Attorney
If you need an extortion attorney, Scrofano Law P.C can be of service to you. Schedule an appointment with us today.
The Role of an Extortion Lawyer
Extortion is considered a white-collar crime and a felony offense. It carries severe consequences in all U.S. states.
Extortion is a criminal act in which one person unlawfully obtains something, often money or property, from another individual or entity through coercion, threats, intimidation, or force. It typically involves a threat of harm or damage to the victim or their interests if they do not comply with the perpetrator’s demands.
An individual convicted of extortion in DC can spend up to ten years in prison and pay fines of up to $25,000.
An extortion charge can be prosecuted as either state or federal crime. For example, using the postal service to commit extortion can result in federal charges. Compelling a government official to perform a specific act can also be prosecuted as a federal offense.
Federal extortion can also involve threats made to or by government officials. Making a threat of violence against the President can constitute extortion. In that case, gaining property or money is unnecessary for the crime to be considered extortion.
The definition of extortion can cover a wide variety of activities. If you or a loved one has been accused of extortion, contacting a federal blackmail and extortion attorney can be crucial.
Skilled attorneys can closely examine the specific details of your case. After that, they can start developing a defense strategy. Scrofano Law, PC attorneys have a track record of successfully protecting the rights of people accused of federal crimes.
How Extortion Charges Work
The crime of extortion often includes several elements:
- Communication between the defendant and the alleged victim
- Threats of committing a crime or injure the victim or their loved one
- Defendant’s intent to extort money or property or make the victim perform an official act
- The use of force to compel a victim to perform an act
Due to threats by the defendant, victims give consent. They give the defendant money or property or perform the official act.
Individuals who commit extortion often threaten to do physical harm. However, they can also threaten to damage the victim’s property or reputation. They can also threaten to harm the victim’s family, business, or career.
The defendant doesn’t need to use force. The threat itself can be sufficient for an extortion conviction. Besides, if the defendant doesn’t get what they wanted from the victim, they could be convicted of attempting to commit extortion.
Difference Between Blackmail and Extortion
Blackmail and extortion both involve threats or coercion. These crimes involve forcing victims to do something against their will. But these are different offenses. Blackmail typically involves someone knowing a secret and staying quiet if the victim gives them something or does something they want. The secret often involves embarrassing information. That information can damage the victim’s reputation, relationships, or career. But, if the secret involves a federal offense, it would be prosecuted on the federal level.
Difference Between Bribery and Extortion
Extortion occurs when the defendant threatens the victim. The victim does something they typically wouldn’t do out of fear. On the other hand, bribery involves giving, offering, or promising something valuable to another person to influence their conduct.
These crimes may appear similar since they affect someone else’s conduct. However, bribery requires an exchange. An individual offers something in exchange for an action another person takes. Bribery can include offering money to a public official to do an official act. But it can also include giving money to a police officer to avoid a traffic ticket.
The federal court can prosecute both offenses. That means the assistance of an experienced federal lawyer can be beneficial. The federal bribery attorney at Scrofano Law, PC, may be able to help.
Defenses Available for Extortion Charges
There are several possible defenses to extortion charges, including the defendant’s actions not meeting the elements of extortion. The crime cannot be considered extortion if there was no threat to harm. Other common defenses include the following:
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Absence of threat, force, or fear for inducing consent: Generally, threatening harm refers to causing harm through wrongful violence or fear. To be extorted, a victim must reasonably believe that the threat is real. Extortion charges may be dismissed if a defendant proves that there was no danger of harm and that the victim had no reasonable belief that they were at risk.
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Establishing ownership of the property: The defendant and their attorney can also argue that they made a mistake. The defendant can claim they believed the property they were attempting to obtain was theirs.
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Insanity, incapacity, or intoxication: The offender can successfully defend extortion charges if it can be shown that they were incapacity. Although voluntary intoxication is not an excuse for committing a crime, it can be used as a defense in specific intent cases.
Contact seasoned attorneys at Scrofano Law PC if you’re unsure whether your circumstances can be raised as a solid defense. Our lawyers will review the facts of your case and advise you on the best legal options for you.
How an Attorney Can Help You
Experienced criminal defense attorneys are crucial to your case – they know the rules and speak the prosecutor’s language. The following are some of the ways a criminal defense attorney will protect your rights and serve your best interests:
Conducting a Thorough Investigation into the Charges Against You
Your attorney will visit the crime scene, interview witnesses, review official reports, examine physical evidence, and review official reports during your criminal defense case. In order to raise reasonable doubt, your attorney will look for evidence gaps, inconsistencies, and discrepancies.
Examining the Officers’ Conduct
Your attorney can file a motion (a formal, written request) to have the judge “suppress” or throw out any unlawfully obtained evidence before the trial if there have been constitutional violations during the investigation or your arrest.
Formulating a Defense Theory
Your attorney can help you formulate and present a coherent defense theory based on the facts of your case.
Representing You in Court
As your voice in court, your attorney will assist you in selecting the jury, objecting to improper evidence and testimony, cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses, and presenting your defense.
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
Still, Have Questions About Extortion? Contact Scrofano Law, PC!
As a serious crime, extortion can result in imprisonment, fines, and property forfeiture, as well as restitution to the victim. Federal extortion cases can result in 20-year prison sentences.
The experience of an attorney from Scrofano Law may also be crucial in negotiating a favorable plea deal or reducing your charges. With Scrofano Law, PC on your side, you can achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
Our extortion lawyers have substantial experience in defending individuals against federal and white-collar crimes. Our attorneys assist clients with a variety of criminal and white-collar charges, including:
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Conspiracy
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Corruption
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Robbery
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Embezzlement
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Extortion
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Fraud
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Money Laundering
Reach out to us to schedule a free consultation today! We look forward to hearing from you.
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