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Aggressive. Experienced.
Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Former Cook County Felony Prosecutor
Federal Extortion
Facing Federal Extortion Charges? Andrew M. Weisberg Can Defend Your Rights
Extortion is a serious federal crime that involves obtaining money, property, or services from someone through coercion, threats, or force. Federal extortion charges can arise in a variety of contexts, including threats of violence, threats to expose damaging information, or misuse of public office. The penalties for extortion are severe, including substantial fines, lengthy prison sentences, and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing federal extortion charges, it is crucial to have an experienced defense attorney like Andrew M. Weisberg on your side to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Understanding Extortion Under U.S. Law
Federal extortion is primarily prosecuted under the Hobbs Act (18 U.S. Code § 1951), which makes it illegal to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion, including acts of robbery or violence, or through threats of force or fear. The Hobbs Act is broadly applied to cover a wide range of extortionate conduct, especially where it impacts interstate commerce. Other relevant statutes include those addressing extortion involving public officials and other specific contexts.
Types of Extortion:
Threats of Violence: Extortion involving threats to physically harm a person or their property unless a demand is met.
Economic Coercion: Forcing someone to pay money or provide services under the threat of causing economic harm, such as ruining their business.
Misuse of Public Office: Public officials demanding money or favors in exchange for performing—or not performing—official duties, also known as “extortion under color of official right.”
Threats to Expose Information: Blackmail, where someone is threatened with the release of damaging personal or professional information unless they comply with demands.
Penalties for Federal Extortion
The penalties for federal extortion under the Hobbs Act and related statutes are severe and can have long-lasting consequences. Under 18 U.S. Code § 1951, the penalties include:
Imprisonment: Penalties can range up to 20 years in federal prison, depending on the severity of the extortion and its impact on the victim or interstate commerce.
Fines: Fines can reach up to $250,000 or more, particularly if the extortion involved substantial financial loss or was committed by a public official.
Supervised Release: Following imprisonment, the defendant may be subject to a period of supervised release.
Restitution: The court may order the defendant to pay restitution to the victims for any financial losses incurred as a result of the extortion.
Asset Forfeiture: The government may seize any property or assets obtained through extortionate activities.
Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction for extortion will result in a permanent federal criminal record, which can affect your ability to secure employment, obtain loans, and more.
Related Federal Offenses
In addition to extortion, individuals may face related charges under federal law, which can compound the penalties:
Blackmail (18 U.S. Code § 873): Demanding money or something of value in return for not revealing damaging information.
Bribery (18 U.S. Code § 201): Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of a public official, often linked to extortion under color of official right.
Wire Fraud (18 U.S. Code § 1343): Using electronic communications to carry out fraudulent schemes, often associated with extortion.
Mail Fraud (18 U.S. Code § 1341): Using the postal service or any interstate carrier to execute a scheme to defraud, commonly seen in extortion cases.
Consequences of a Federal Extortion Conviction
A conviction for federal extortion can have devastating and far-reaching consequences:
Long-Term Incarceration: Lengthy prison sentences can severely disrupt your life, causing financial hardship and emotional stress for you and your family.
Financial Penalties: In addition to fines and restitution, the financial burden of a conviction can leave you struggling to rebuild your life.
Damage to Reputation: A federal conviction for extortion can severely damage your personal and professional reputation, making it difficult to regain trust in your community.
Loss of Professional Licenses: Certain professionals, especially public officials, may lose their licenses or certifications following a conviction.
Loss of Civil Rights: Convicted felons lose certain civil rights, including the right to vote, the right to own firearms, and eligibility for certain government benefits.
Defending Against Extortion Charges
Successfully defending against federal extortion charges requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. Andrew M. Weisberg will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, scrutinizing the evidence and questioning the validity of the prosecution’s claims. Some potential defense strategies may include:
Lack of Coercion or Threats: The prosecution must prove that you used threats, coercion, or force to obtain something of value. If no such coercion occurred, the charges may not hold.
Consent: If the other party voluntarily agreed to the transaction without coercion, this could be a strong defense.
Challenging the Evidence: Andrew may challenge the credibility of the evidence, such as witness testimony or recorded communications, that the prosecution is using to build their case.
Entrapment: If law enforcement officials coerced or induced you into committing extortion that you would not have otherwise committed, entrapment could be a viable defense.
Procedural Defenses: Andrew may challenge the legality of the investigation, including whether law enforcement violated your rights during the gathering of evidence.
Why Choose Andrew M. Weisberg as Your Defense Attorney?
Andrew M. Weisberg is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with extensive experience handling federal offenses, including extortion charges. His background as a former Cook County prosecutor gives him unique insights into how these cases are built and prosecuted, allowing him to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies and develop a robust defense on your behalf.
When you choose Andrew as your defense attorney, you benefit from:
Comprehensive Legal Knowledge: Andrew’s deep understanding of federal extortion laws ensures that your case will be handled with the utmost competence and care.
Aggressive Defense Strategies: Andrew is known for his relentless and proactive defense tactics, exploring every possible angle to protect your rights.
Personalized Attention: Andrew provides each client with individualized attention, ensuring that your specific circumstances and needs are fully addressed.
The Importance of Early Legal Intervention
If you have been charged with federal extortion, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Early intervention by a skilled attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Andrew M. Weisberg will take immediate action to protect your rights, gather evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Andrew M. Weisberg: Committed to Your Defense
Facing charges of federal extortion can be overwhelming and stressful. Andrew M. Weisberg is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation throughout the entire process. He will keep you informed at every stage, answer all your questions, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future.
Contact the Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg Today
If you have been arrested or charged with federal extortion, don’t delay in seeking legal representation. Andrew M. Weisberg is available 24/7 to discuss your case and provide the immediate assistance you need.
Contact Andrew today for a free, confidential consultation:
Phone: Call (773) 908-9811 anytime, day or night.
Online: Fill out the Case Review form on our website, and we will get back to you promptly.
Remember, the sooner you have an experienced attorney on your side, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Let Andrew M. Weisberg put his expertise to work for you.
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