If you have been accused of extortion in California, you need to know your rights under the law. Extortion is a serious crime that carries hefty financial penalties and possible prison time.
A skilled San Marcos extortion defense lawyer can help you make your case and defend yourself. Don’t leave your future to chance. Get the representation you need to prove your innocence and lessen the impact your charges will have on your life.
At Simmrin Law Group, our San Marcos criminal defense lawyers have decades of legal experience defending people in your situation. We are ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today to discuss your case.
What Is Extortion in California?
According to California law, extortion is obtaining something of value from another person through the use of force or fear. These threats may include but are not limited to:
- Physical harm
- Destruction of property
- False arrest and imprisonment
- Denial of care
- Denial of services or payments
Blackmail is another method of extortion. Blackmail involves the threat to reveal information unless certain demands are met. For example, someone with knowledge of an extramarital affair may threaten to reveal this information unless they receive cash payments.
Cyber-extortion is yet another and more recent type of extortion that occurs via the internet. It may involve using ransomware to immobilize or steal content from someone’s computer and then demanding payment to unlock the computer.
For a free legal consultation with an extortion defense lawyer serving San Marcos, call (310) 896-2723
How a San Marcos Extortion Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you are facing extortion charges in California, don’t give up hope. Our San Marcos extortion defense lawyer can help in a number of ways, depending on your specific situation. We can:
Assess Your Case
We want to hear your story and understand what happened. The more information you can give us, the better. If you choose to hire us, we want to be prepared to fight for you.
Investigate Events
We’ll investigate your case and the charges against you, as well as the people and circumstances surrounding the events. We may review police reports, witness statements, and official evidence.
Offer Legal Advice
Once we have a strong grasp of the events and resulting charges, we will give you our best advice on how to proceed. This advice will differ for each case.
Prove Your Innocence
If you are accused of crimes you didn’t commit, we will prepare a defense intended to show you are not guilty. We will examine the prosecution’s case and find holes where we can. We may first attempt to have your charges dropped. If it comes down to it, we will fight for your rights in court.
Negotiate Charges
When you are charged with a crime, that doesn’t mean all is lost. We may be able to negotiate lesser charges or have some or all charges dropped. Again, this is highly dependent on the circumstances and seriousness of your case.
Reduce Your Sentence
If you are convicted of extortion in California, we may still be able to help. Depending on the severity of the charges, we can negotiate a reduced sentence, parole, or better terms for your stay.
Appeal a Conviction
If there is a route to appeal, and you wish to pursue it, we will continue to work for your freedom. This can be a lengthy process, but if we are successful, you will spend less time in prison.
Protect Your Rights
Our number-one job as your defense attorneys is to protect your liberties under California and United States law. You are innocent until proven guilty, and we’ll fight for your rights.
San Marcos Extortion Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Extortion?
Based on California Code PEN 518 (Penal Code § 518 PC), to prove extortion, a prosecutor typically must show the following elements in some manner:
- Threat: You threatened another person. This threat could be made verbally, in writing, or by suggestion.
- Intent: You made your threat with the intent to coerce another person to do something they wouldn’t ordinarily do.
- Fear: The victim experienced reasonable fear as a result of your threat.
- Benefit: As a result of your threat and the fear it created, the victim took action that benefitted you in some way.
If you are unsure if your actions and their effect on the alleged victim constitute extortion, contact an extortion defense lawyer in San Marcos. We’ll explain how to prove extortion in your situation and help you with your case.
Click to contact our San Marcos Criminal Defense Lawyers today
What Is the Penalty for Extortion in California?
Extortion is a felony in California, punishable by the following:
- Up to four years in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Felony probation
Failed extortion attempts are illegal under California law as well. Attempted extortion is a crime that may be filed as a felony or misdemeanor. It is punishable by:
- One year in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
In addition to criminal penalties, you may also face a civil suit filed by the victim of your alleged extortion. If you have been charged with extortion or attempted extortion, it is important to contact an extortion defense attorney in San Marcos as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Reach Out to a San Marco Extortion Defense Lawyer Today
A criminal conviction can turn your life upside down. If you have been accused of a serious crime like extortion, you could face years in prison and extensive fines. Even conspiracy to commit extortion can be charged as a felony in California.
You need a San Marcos extortion defense attorney with a winning track record who will fight for your rights. We can help you weigh your options and choose the best path forward.
At Simmrin Law Group, you’ve got a friend who knows the law. We believe everyone deserves fair representation, and we are ready to go to bat for you. Contact us today and find out how we can help.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form