What is extortion?
Extortion is when a person attempts to obtain something of value — typically money or property, but it can be other things as well — through force, threats and/or intimidation.
Extortion is commonly confused with blackmail, which is a similar act though with different means. While extortion is generally an attempt to gain something of value through threats of violence or intimidation, blackmail is typically an attempt to gain something of value by threats of revealing something that could be embarrassing or damaging to a person’s character or reputation.
Some legal experts agree that blackmail is a narrower action under the broader term of extortion. In California, both extortion and blackmail are covered under the same law.
What are some examples of extortion?
Some common examples of extortion include:
- Someone threatening to “beat up” another person if they don’t hand over a piece of property;
- Someone threatening to “jump” another person unless they join a gang;
- A local gang threatening to destroy a business unless the owner pays a “protection fee.”
(Flickr Creative Commons)
What are some examples of blackmail?
Some common examples of blackmail include:
- A person threatening to distribute intimate images unless the owner of the photos does something in order to prevent it;
- A person threatening to leak criminal information on another person unless the victim agrees to endorse a political candidate/cause;
- A group of hackers holding a computer system hostage unless a business or organization pays a ransom via Bitcoin.
What’s the penalty for extortion or blackmail?
California lumps extortion and blackmail into the same criminal offense statute. It doesn’t matter if the attempt to extort or blackmail is successful — even an attempt is a crime under the law.
Penalties for extortion and/or blackmail range from misdemeanor punishments including up to 1 year in jail or prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000 to felony punishments that has the potential for a longer prison sentence and/or heavier fines.
Extortion and blackmail charges are very serious. If you have been charged with extortion or blackmail, or you think you could be charged in the future, contact criminal defense attorney Mark Reichel right now for a free consultation.
—
Legal Disclaimer:
The information contained in this web site is general in nature and should not be construed to be formal legal advice. It is provided for informational, illustrative and advertisement purposes only. It is not legal advice. It should not be relied upon in making legal decisions or in place of a consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney regarding a specific matter. Reading this site, sending us information, or receipt of information from us does not establish an attorney – client relationship. Our review of, and/or response to, your query does not mean that we are representing you or that we are your lawyers.
Any results set forth here were, and are, dependent on the facts of that case. Results may differ from case to case. Please contact the Law Office of Mark Reichel for legal advice specific to your situation.
This web site is not intended to solicit clients for representation in criminal proceedings outside of the State of California, except for those matters prosecuted in U.S. Federal Courts. Mark Reichel is a licensed California attorney; a written, signed retainer agreement is a prerequisite for Mark Reichel or any other attorney at the Law Office of Mark Reichel to represent you.
If you wish to obtain a written, signed retainer from Mark Reichel and/or another attorney at the Law Office of Mark Reichel, please contact the firm at your earliest convenience.
Statements, testimonials and endorsements contained herein do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the ultimate result or outcome of your legal matter. External hyperlinks from this website to the website of another entity does not state or imply the existence of a relationship between Mark Reichel, the Law Office of Mark Reichel and/or that entity.
