Extortion Crimes

Extortion Criminal Defense Lawyer

Extortion is a criminal offense that can result in prison, probation, parole, restitution of money or goods taken from the alleged victim, court-ordered counseling, or fines, depending upon any prior extortion offenses, prior convictions of any kind, and the degree of the crime. Even the attitude of your community and the court in regards to extortion, or press coverage of the case, may have an effect on the severity of the sentence.

What is extortion?

Extortion is the act of obtaining money, property, or in the case of a public officer, an official act, by using threat of injury to the victim or his property or loved ones. It can also include the threat of damaging the reputation of the victim or his loved ones, or accusing him or them of a crime. Blackmail is a form of extortion wherein the threat is to expose something embarrassing or damaging to the reputation of the victim or his friends, family or loved ones.

If you have been charged with extortion, contacting a qualified criminal defense lawyer is crucial if you want to protect your rights and avoid a conviction. Mr. Bernstein and his staff will use their expertise and early preparation and investigation to negotiate alternatives to jail, suppress evidence, or get your case dismissed altogether. Focusing on such things as good character and/or a clean record can go a long way in keeping you from getting a conviction and helping you stay out of jail.

Interviews with witnesses or law enforcement officers involved in your case, as well as interviews with the prosecution team may prove invaluable if evidence is suppressed or the case is dismissed as a result. An interview with a court-approved psychologist can also help to prove that jail is unnecessary and that counseling is all that is needed.

Contact Mr. Bernstein today and get the defense you deserve!