DC Extortion Lawyer
When someone threatens harm unless the person pays money, it is considered extortion. It is important to note that the threatened violence or harm does not actually have to happen for a person to face these charges. A DC extortion lawyer can further explain the charges and when they might arise.
A skilled fraud lawyer can help you fight the allegations you are facing. They can work to advocate for your rights throughout the legal process to give you the best chance of a positive outcome.
What is Extortion?
Under the District of Columbia law, a person commits extortion when they obtain or attempt to obtain the property of another with the wrongful use of actual or threatened force or violence or by the threat of economic injury. A person may also commit extortion by obtaining someone’s property with their consent if the consent is obtained under false pretenses.
A person convicted of extortion charges faces imprisonment of up to ten years in prison and fines up to $25,000. A DC extortion attorney can further explain when these charges may apply.
Understanding the Difference Between Extortion and Bribery
Bribery and extortion are two different crimes. Bribery occurs when someone offers or gives something of value to a public servant in exchange for an agreement or understanding that the bribe will influence an official act by the public servant. The same bribery law also applies to the public servant who requests or accepts a bribe.
In contrast, extortion refers to receiving something from another person by using a threat of violence or a threat of economic harm. For example, a person commits the crime of extortion by saying they will physically harm someone unless that person pays them a certain amount of money. Bribery is more simply understood as a quid pro quo payment in exchange for an official act or fraud on behalf of the person paying the bribe.
Common Examples in DC
Extortion is a type of theft where someone induces another person to turn over an item of value such as money by instilling fear in them. It is unlike robbery, where a person takes something of value from someone by using the threat of imminent harm such as by pointing a gun at them. Extortion does not require a fear of imminent harm, it can occur with a fear of future harm. For example, an individual sends an email to someone demanding $1,000,000 or they will inflict serious injury on that person.
Extortion is also common in situations where someone threatens economic harm. For example, someone could extort a business by demanding the payment of a million dollars and threatening to reveal damaging information about the business, causing economic harm. Or they could threaten to reveal a company secret unless the business pays a certain amount of money.
Get Help from a DC Extortion Attorney
Extortion is a serious allegation that carries severe penalties. It is also an allegation that can arise from a simple misunderstanding. Therefore, reaching out to a well-versed DC extortion lawyer can be crucial. Call today for the help you need.