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It is unlawful to use threats or extortion to compel people to provide you with benefits or to compel people to behave in a certain way towards you. You could be charged under state laws where you live if you engage in threatening or extortionate behavior. You could also face federal criminal charges, which could carry harsher penalties.
Federal criminal charges tend to be much more serious than state charges, not only because the penalties are often more severe but also because the federal government has ample resources to conduct investigations into your conduct and build a case against you.
Not all defense lawyers are experienced with federal cases or able to defend you when you’re facing federal criminal charges so it is important that you are represented by a federal criminal defense attorney with the knowledge and experience to help you respond to accusations related to extortion and threats.
LV Criminal Defense has successfully represented clients in Arizona, Utah, Oregon, California, Nevada, and surrounding areas who have been charged with engaging in extortion or making threats to others.
We know the ins-and-outs of the law, we understand what prosecutors must prove to secure a conviction against you, and we can provide the comprehensive help and support you need to fight charges. To find out more about how our firm can help you, give us a call today.
Only certain types of extortion and threats will result in federal charges. 18 U.S. Code Chapter 41 defines the types of conduct that can lead to you being prosecuted by the federal government instead of by the state. There are 10 different statutes within 18 U.S. Code Chapter 41, each of which defines a different type of offense. These statutes explain what prosecutors need to prove to secure a conviction, and establish penalties for particular offenses. The statutes include:
Nick Wooldridge has a long track record of representing clients accused of serious federal and state crimes in Nevada.
If you’ve been accused of extortion or threats, you need to know the specific elements of the crime, as each of these statutes establishes a detailed definition of a particular federal offense.
For example, under 18 U.S. Code 873, blackmail is defined to include demanding or receiving money or other valuable items as a result of a threat to provide information or demanding or receiving money or valuable items in exchange for not revealing information. The penalty for blackmail under 18 U.S. code section 873 is up to a year of imprisonment as well as a fine.
Kickbacks from public work employees is also a crime under 18 U.S. Code Chapter 41, but has a different definition. Under 18 U.S. Code section 874, this offense is defined to include using force, intimidation, or threat of termination from employment to induce people who are engaged in construction, prosecution, completion or repair of public buildings, public works, or other work financed in whole or in part by the U.S. government to give up any part of the compensation that their federal contract entitles them to. Anyone who forces public workers to give up some of their money by force, intimidation, or threat of losing the public job can be imprisoned for up to five years and can face fines.
Mailing threatening communications, which is also a form of prohibited threat or extortion under 18 U.S. Code Chapter 51, has its own specific definition as well. 18 U.S. Code section 876 makes it a crime to knowingly cause to be mailed any communication that contains a request or demand for ransom or reward for the release of a kidnapped person. A defendant who deposits a demand for ransom or reward using the Post Office, or who takes other steps to get threats mailed, can be fined and can be imprisoned for up to 20 years.
These are just several examples of the many different statutes found within Chapter 41 that define different kinds of extortion or threats and that impose specific penalties for violating various federal statutes.
When I initially met with Mr. Wooldridge, he took the opportunity to sit and go over my problem with me. He described details in my case which he found disturbing and explained why he I should have him on my side.
It is up to a prosecutor to prove every element of the particular offense that you have been charged with or you should not be convicted since the U.S. justice system is built around defendants being considered innocent until proven guilty.
You’ll want to work with an attorney who can help you to understand the nature of the charges against you and who can help you to introduce the doubt you need to avoid conviction.
5 Star30 reviewsWhen you are accused of breaking the law by engaging in extortion or making threats, federal criminal defense attorneys at LV Criminal Defense can provide you with aggressive, knowledgeable representation during the criminal justice process. Whether you are being interviewed by investigators, are arguing for bail, are trying to decide how to plead, or are fighting in court or during negotiations to avoid penalties, we can provide the legal support and advocacy you deserve.
Our firm knows your future is at stake and conviction for extortion and threats can derail your life, so we treat your case with the importance that it deserves. We will always fight hard on your behalf to help you get the most favorable possible outcomes, so give us a call as soon as you have been accused of wrongdoing to find out what our legal team can do for you.
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