If you are charged with extortion in California, you are in a very serious situation. You’re facing major fines and prison time, and you may feel like there is no hope. You need a lawyer who will stand up for you and protect your rights.
Facing criminal charges is never easy, but a skilled Calabasas extortion defense lawyer can help. Representation by a skilled attorney could mean the difference between proving your innocence or spending years in jail.
At the Simmrin Law Group, our Calabasas criminal defense lawyers are prepared to fight. We have decades of experience defending the liberties of people just like you, and we believe you are innocent until proven guilty. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
What Is Extortion?
Extortion is the use of force of fear to compel another person to take actions they would not have voluntarily taken in order to gain something of value. Some examples of the types of threats that often accompany extortion include:
- Physical assault or violence
- Destruction of personal property
- Kidnapping or holding a person hostage
- Refusal of care
- Denial of services
- Revealing sensitive or embarrassing information
- Revealing or withholding information about a crime
- Fabrication of potentially damaging rumors
Cyberextortion is a relatively new method of extortion. In this method, cybercriminals use the internet to steal or access sensitive data in order to gain a benefit. This could include holding computers hostage with ransomware or threatening to leak data.
In California, extortion is considered a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Even if you were not successful in your efforts, you can be charged with attempted extortion and face a year in jail and a $10,000 fine.
For a free legal consultation with an extortion defense lawyer serving Calabasas, call (310) 896-2723
How a Defense Attorney Can Help
In addition to criminal charges, you may also face a civil suit by the alleged victim. If you are accused of extortion, you need an extortion defense attorney in Calabasas who knows the law. While every case is different, here are some of the things we may do in your defense:
Evaluate Your Case
During your free case evaluation, we’ll want to hear your story. The more detail you can give us, the better, and we’ll probably ask a few questions. Be prepared to ask any questions you have about us as well. We need to start our defense off right, and open communication is essential.
Protect Your Rights
The most important thing we’ll do throughout your defense is protect your civil rights under the law. Everything starts with ensuring you are treated fairly. In the United States, you are innocent until proven guilty, and we want to make sure the court remembers that.
Investigate the Charges
We’ll conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you to better understand the prosecution’s case and how to prove extortion from their perspective. We may review police reports, talk to witnesses, and review any other evidence that gives us a clear picture of what really happened.
Offer Legal Advice
Once we have a solid understanding of your case, we’ll offer our best advice on how to proceed. What that means will depend on the circumstances of your case and the available avenues. The goal is to minimize the impact the charges will have on your life.
Negotiate Bail Terms
We can attend bail hearings and negotiate for your release while you await formal legal proceedings. How successful we can be will depend on the severity of the charges.
Reduce Your Charges
We may first try to negotiate reduced charges or have the charges dropped altogether. Again, our success depends highly on the strength of the prosecution’s case, the alleged evidence against you, and any other charges you may be facing.
Prove Your Innocence
If it is necessary to go to court, we will attempt to put together a strong defense that shows you are innocent of the extortion charges. We are experienced and successful trial lawyers, and we aren’t going to back away from a challenge. We’ll stand beside you and fight for your rights.
Reduce Your Sentence
We may be able to negotiate with the court to reduce your sentence. If you wish, we also may be able to lobby for a better location for your stay so you can be closer to family and friends. Of course, we can’t predict how receptive a judge might be to these requests.
Appeal a Conviction
If you are convicted of extortion in California, that isn’t necessarily the end of the story. If you are willing, we can pursue appeals where they are available and continue to fight for your freedom.
Calabasas Extortion Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What Elements Are Needed to Prove Extortion?
The definition of extortion is outlined in California Code PEN 518 (Penal Code § 518 PC).
An experienced extortion defense attorney in Calabasas will understand the law and whether or not extortion applies.
To prove extortion, the prosecution must show certain elements:
- A threat was made, either verbally, in writing, or by suggestion.
- The threat intended to compel someone to do something they typically wouldn’t do.
- The extortion victim experienced reasonable fear because of the threat.
- The person accused of extortion benefitted from the action of the extortion victim.
Extortion and attempted extortion have serious consequences in California. This alone is a good reason why you should hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
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Contact a Calabasas Extortion Defense Attorney Today
An extortion conviction means fines, prison time, and damage to your reputation. Even years later, the impact of criminal charges can reverberate throughout your life and lead to negative consequences.
It can feel like a hopeless situation. You can fight back, and a defense attorney can help. Don’t leave your future to chance. Take the necessary steps to reclaim your life and start moving forward again.
At the Simmrin Law Group, we believe you deserve fair representation, and we are ready to fight for your rights. When you partner with us, you have a friend who knows the law. Contact us today and find out how we can help.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form