Extortion is incredibly serious. If you are convicted of extortion, you could face criminal penalties that affect you for a long time. Following an arrest for extortion, remember that you have access to legal support. Let a Chula Vista extortion defense lawyer help you fight back against your criminal charges before they lead to a conviction.
The team at Simmrin Law Group has served thousands of clients, including those who are dealing with the ramifications of extortion charges.
Our Chula Vista criminal defense lawyers can review your extortion case. From here, we may be able to develop a legal defense specific to your charges.
Give us the opportunity to help you with your extortion defense. To get started, request a free case evaluation.
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Extortion Case?
Your Chula Vista extortion defense attorney knows the legal challenges that may come up in your case. They can help you address these challenges and make informed decisions throughout your litigation.
As your case moves forward, your lawyer may assist you in several ways, including:
- Teaching you about the California Penal Code and how it relates to your case
- Providing insights into what it takes to prove extortion and exploring many legal avenues to contest the prosecution’s case
- Conducting an investigation into your arrest and charges to determine if law enforcement may have violated your constitutional rights
- Gathering witness statements, digital communications between you and the alleged victim, and other types of evidence to use in their argument
- Assessing whether now may be the ideal time to seek a plea bargain and, if so, negotiating a plea deal with the prosecution on your behalf
- Representing and advocating for you in court if a trial is necessary
At Simmrin Law Group, we are committed to treating our clients like family. Our criminal defense lawyers will make no assumptions about you and your extortion case.
Rather, we will allocate time and resources to help you achieve your desired case outcome. To find out more, schedule a free case evaluation.
For a free legal consultation with an extortion defense lawyer serving Chula Vista, call (310) 896-2723
What Will Happen if You’re Convicted of Extortion?
Extortion is defined under California Penal Code § 518 and related provisions, and it is punishable as a felony under § 520. Your extortion defense lawyer serving Chula Vista can explain the potential penalties that you will receive if you’re convicted of this crime, which can include:
- Incarceration
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Probation
- Restitution
A court may convict you of extortion if it finds that you used force or threats to obtain money, property, or an official act from another person or a public official. In some cases, sentencing enhancements may apply, depending on factors such as alleged gang involvement or the characteristics of the alleged victim.
Chula Vista Extortion Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Chula Vista Extortion Defense Strategies to Consider
Your extortion defense attorney serving Chula Vista wants you to take your criminal charge seriously. They can discuss the short- and long-term implications of a conviction with you, since doing so may help you see why you need a strong legal defense strategy.
In addition, your attorney may utilize any of the following defense strategies to contest your extortion charges:
- Absence of threat or coercion: You never made a threat against someone or used fear, and the alleged victim acted voluntarily.
- Lack of intent: You did not have a specific intent to coerce or intimidate.
- False accusation: You were wrongly accused of extortion due to bias, misunderstanding, or false statements.
- Mistaken identity: You were incorrectly identified as the perpetrator due to witness error or unreliable identification.
- Claim of right: There was a good-faith belief that you were legally entitled to the money or property that you sought from someone else, which may, in limited circumstances, be relevant to the “wrongful intent” element of extortion.
- Not enough evidence: The prosecution doesn’t have sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you extorted an alleged victim. Or, if law enforcement obtained evidence illegally, the court could suppress that evidence, which can weaken the prosecution’s case.
Your lawyer may attempt to negotiate for reduced charges or lesser offenses based on the facts of your case. If you accept a plea agreement, you may receive lesser penalties than those you could have faced if your case went to trial and the court ruled against you.
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Our Chula Vista Extortion Defense Lawyers Are Ready to Handle Your Case
Getting arrested for extortion can be overwhelming. At this point, if you go through the legal process alone, you could wind up making mistakes that hurt you now and in the future. Work with Chula Vista extortion defense attorneys, and they can help you take appropriate steps to protect your rights and build your legal defense.
Simmrin Law Group has decades of legal experience. Our criminal defense attorneys will remain available to you at each stage of your extortion case. Any time you have legal concerns or questions, we can address them.
Allow our attorneys to evaluate your extortion case and detail your legal options. Contact us today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form