Your future hangs in the balance when you face extortion charges in Cerritos. You could be looking at significant jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record that could affect your employment opportunities for the rest of your life.
We at Simmrin Law Group work to protect people accused of crimes like extortion. Our criminal defense lawyers in Cerritos stand ready to fight for your freedom and good name in Cerritos or federal court.
Contact our extortion defense lawyers in Cerritos for a free consultation about your situation. Our lead attorney, Michael Simmrin, has successfully tried over 100 jury trials and knows how to present your case effectively to judges and juries.
How Is Extortion Defined in California?
Extortion occurs when someone uses force, threats, or fear to obtain money, property, or services from another person. These threats can involve physical harm, damage to reputation, or exposure of sensitive information. If convicted, you face up to four years of prison for each count plus fines.
To prove extortion, the prosecution must show that you made specific threats and intended to obtain something of value through those threats. California law categorizes extortion as a felony offense, which means you could face significant prison time if convicted.
The consequences of an extortion conviction will follow you long after you complete your sentence. A conviction could affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, or maintain professional licenses. You will also lose several civil rights because of the felony conviction.
For a free legal consultation with an extortion defense lawyer serving Cerritos, call (310) 896-2723
How an Extortion Defense Attorney in Cerritos Can Build Your Defense Strategy
First, our lawyers work to understand the complete context of your relationship with the accuser and any business or personal dealings that led to these allegations. Once we know the full situation, we can develop defense strategies.
Challenging The Elements of Extortion
For a successful extortion conviction, prosecutors must prove several specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Your case might lack evidence of a clear threat, or there may be no proof that you intended to induce fear or force compliance.
Sometimes, what appears threatening to one person might be a normal business negotiation to another. We can also investigate whether there’s evidence that you intended to follow through with any alleged threats.
Demonstrating Legitimate Business Practices
Depending on your situation, you may have been justified to get aggressive toward your accuser. We gather documentation of any contracts, agreements, or business relationships that might justify your actions.
This might include showing evidence of proper demand letters, documented business disagreements, or legitimate attempts to resolve disputes through proper channels. Sometimes, miscommunications or cultural differences in business practices can lead to misunderstandings that get mistaken for criminal conduct.
Exposing False Allegations
Some extortion accusations arise from someone trying to gain an advantage in a business or personal dispute. We will investigate the accuser’s motivations and look for evidence of fabricated claims.
The alleged victim might have financial incentives, personal vendettas, or other reasons to make false accusations. Our extortion defense lawyers in Cerritos can scrutinize the timing of the allegations and look for inconsistencies in the accuser’s story.
Sometimes, we discover evidence that the accuser actually initiated the disputed interactions or that they have a history of making similar false claims. These findings can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case against you.
Cerritos Extortion Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Federal vs. State Extortion Charges
Extortion cases can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. Federal extortion charges typically arise when extortion involves interstate commerce, federal officials, or crossing state lines. These cases often carry more severe penalties and require different defense strategies than state charges.
Your extortion case might move to federal court if it involves communications across state lines, including emails, phone calls, or text messages. The use of federal banking systems or mail services in the alleged extortion scheme can also trigger federal jurisdiction.
Federal prosecutors typically have more resources at their disposal than state prosecutors. They often work with agencies like the FBI or the Postal Inspection Service to build their cases. If you are facing federal extortion charges, you need a lawyer with federal case experience like the team at Simmrin Law Group.
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You Have Legal Rights as the Accused
Many people unknowingly damage their cases by not fully exercising their constitutional protections. Know your rights when talking with the police or the prosecution!
Rights During Investigation
You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions without your lawyer present. This applies whether local police or federal agents are questioning you. Even if you believe you can explain the situation, speaking without legal representation present can harm your case.
Protection Against Searches
Law enforcement needs proper warrants or probable cause to search your property or seize your devices. We carefully examine whether any searches or seizures in your case were legal. If your rights were violated, we can work to suppress that evidence.
Right to Legal Representation
You have the right to have an attorney present during any questioning or legal proceedings. We can step in at any point in your case, even if you’ve already spoken to law enforcement. The sooner you exercise this right, the better we can protect your interests.
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Why Time Is Critical in Your Defense
The prosecution starts building its case against you immediately after your arrest. You need someone working just as hard on your defense from the beginning. Early intervention allows us to gather evidence immediately when it is most useful.
Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and crucial details might be lost if too much time passes. The sooner you contact us, the more options we have to help you. Quick action also gives us more time to negotiate with prosecutors and potentially reduce or dismiss charges.
Contact Our Cerritos Extortion Defense Lawyers Today
Don’t let extortion charges threaten your future and freedom. When you work with Simmrin Law Group, you get a team that has handled thousands of criminal cases and isn’t afraid to take your case to trial.
Let us use our experience to help you. Contact our extortion defense attorneys in Cerritos today for a free consultation about your extortion case. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can build your defense against this serious charge.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form