You need strong legal support if you want to challenge extortion charges in Thousand Oaks. Our extortion defense lawyers can help you defend yourself against accusations of blackmail, cyber extortion, workplace extortion, and other complex crimes.
Simmrin Law Group relies on decades of combined legal experience to walk our clients through the process of challenging criminal accusations. We’ve defended thousands of clients from prison time, significant fines, and other consequences of legal misconduct.
Are you ready to fight back? Contact our Thousand Oaks criminal defense lawyers today to book a free consultation.
How Thousand Oaks Extortion Defense Lawyers Define Extortion in California
California state law understands “extortion” to define the following behaviors:
- Threats made against another person to obtain something of value
- Force used against another person to obtain something of value
- Intimidating used against another person to obtain something of value
Any party that uses private information, the threat of physical harm, or social collateral to manipulate another person may face accusations of extortion.
However, the definition of “extortion” is broad. Alleged victims can misuse that definition to retaliate against someone they dislike. Criminal defense lawyers in Thousand Oaks have an obligation to challenge the prosecution’s assertions of a crime when challenging accusations of extortion.
For a free legal consultation with an extortion defense lawyer serving Thousand Oaks, call (310) 896-2723
Common Types of Extortion
The term “extortion” encompasses a wide variety of crimes, most of which take place in white-collar environments. Some of the most common examples of extortion include the following:
- Cyber-extortion, or the use of threats, intimidation, or force to secure someone else’s digital assets.
- Corporate extortion, or threats made to control corporate decisions.
- Blackmail, or threats to expose private information in exchange for favors or money
Our team accounts for the specific charges brought against our clients when developing a client’s defense. We’ll work with you to discuss why the prosecution accused you of a specific kind of extortion, how they may have misinterpreted your circumstances, and how we can present your narrative to a judge.
Thousand Oaks Extortion Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Penalties For Extortion in California
It’s always in your best interest to challenge accusations of extortion. If you don’t, you may face felony consequences for your alleged crime. According to California Penal Code 518 PC, those consequences include the following:
- Imprisonment of four years or more
- Maximum fines of $10,000
- Restitution to victims
- Permanent additions to your criminal record, which carry the risk of impacting your housing or employment
A judge will go over the consequences you risk facing during your arraignment. We recommend having an extortion defense attorney in Thousand Oaks on standby during this process to help you ask any questions you may have about your possible penalties.
As your case progresses, we’ll argue that California’s criminal courts should reduce the severity of the consequences you risk facing or that the court should drop the charges brought against you.
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It’s Time to Connect With a Thousand Oaks Extortion Defense Lawyer
Challenging accusations of extortion requires time, patience, and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law. We always recommend that parties facing accusations of extortion meet with experienced criminal defense attorneys to discuss possible approaches to their defense.
The sooner you contact an attorney for guidance, the sooner you benefit from a private defender’s access to comprehensive legal resources, including our professional contacts and analytical experience. You also benefit from personalized defense consultations, which public defenders may not be able to provide.
Our team doesn’t back down from complicated extortion cases, and we don’t let the criminal system mistreat you. Let’s work together to protect you from wrongful extortion charges.
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Defending Against Accusations of Extortion
The defenses we cultivate on our clients’ behalf vary depending on their circumstances. Some of the most common defenses heard in California’s criminal courts include the following:
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution in your case has an obligation to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you engaged in behaviors that the state can categorize as extortion. Our team can question the prosecution’s evidence by identifying circumstantial evidence and hearsay.
We can also provide counter-evidence establishing your alibi or presenting an alternative interpretation of the alleged “extortion.” When we successfully argue that the prosecution has failed to meet the state’s burden of proof, the court can reduce or drop the charges brought against you.
False Accusations
Other parties can use accusations of extortion as retaliation to get back at you for whistleblowing, reporting workplace harassment, or in response to romantic entanglements. If you suspect that someone’s accused you of extortion to get back at you, you can ask an attorney to investigate the prosecution’s motivations.
If we can prove that someone leveled accusations of extortion against you out of bias or with retaliatory intent, we can convince California’s courts to drop the charges brought against you.
Lack of Intent
When arguing against accusations of extortion, you can claim that you had no intention of making someone feel threatened or unsafe. To prove extortion, the prosecution has to present evidence indicating that you intentionally engaged in illegal activity.
You can demonstrate a lack of intent by elaborating on your relationship with the prosecution and calling witnesses to comment on the incident in question.
Our Thousand Oaks Extortion Defense Lawyers Fight for You
We recommend that anyone facing an extortion charge reach out to an extortion defense attorney in Thousand Oaks, CA, as soon as possible. Simmrin Law Group can protect you from wrongful accusations and provide you with the defense you need to preserve your personal and financial well-being.
Extortion charges don’t have to have a life-long effect on your well-being. Our team is committed to providing you with the defense you need to counter someone’s attempts to discredit you. You can book a free defense evaluation with our team members today to learn more.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form