Federal Crimes: Miami Extortion Defense Lawyer

Providing Experienced Protection for Defendants of Federal Crimes in Florida The criminal charge of extortion involves obtaining or attempting to obtain items of value such as, money, services or goods through intimidation, threats, coercion or intimidation. Extortion differs from a typical violent crime in that the victim relinquishes items of value, not by force, but rather by threats, intimidation or violence. Extortion can take many forms such as, bribery, blackmail or ransom. Anyone charged and convicted of extortion in federal court is facing up to 20 years in prison.

Two federal law enforcement agencies are responsible for investigating allegations of extortion. First, the United States Postal Service is responsible for investing extortion cases that involve the mail. The FBI handles investigations in extortion cases that involve interstate or foreign commerce not involving the mail. The criminal law firm of Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A. has years of experience representing clients in federal court. If you or someone you know is being investigated or prosecuted for extortion contact our Miami criminal lawyers with the requisite skill and experience to zealously defend your rights. WHAT THE PROSECUTION NEEDS TO PROVE Extortion charges can be brought in state court, as well as in federal court. In order for a state prosecutor to prove the offense of extortion, it must be proven that defendant made a threat, either verbally or in written form, to another person or entity. The threat does not have necessarily have to imply physical violence. The threat may be psychological which could be established by a defendant offering to reveal a secret, accuse a person of a crime, or in some other fashion damage a person's reputation. The prosecution must also show that the defendant intended to acquire a financial gain, receive property or something else of value in exchange for the threat. In Florida, the crime of extortion is a second degree felony punishable up to fifteen years in prison.

Blackmail, bribery and ransom fall under the umbrella of extortion.

• Blackmail can be charged if evidence exists that an individual threatened another with revealing a secret, threatened harm to another person or his or her family, or threatened to damage another person's business if a sum of money, goods or services are not provided.
• Bribery charges can stem from an individual that offers to pay a sum of money, goods or services to a public official in exchange for an outcome to be decided by that official.
• Ransom is a third type of extortion and occurs when a party demands something of value in exchange for the safe return of child or other family member.

While extortion is not commonly charged in federal court, the offense itself can be severe for someone convicted of this offense. The legal consequences of an extortion conviction can include prison, fines and restitution. Extortion cases can be complex and should be handled by the most experienced attorneys. The accusations and evidence must be thoroughly examined to gain the best possible outcome in front of a jury. Other options should be examined before embarking to trial, such as negotiations with the prosecutor in an attempt to gain a dismissal or a satisfactory plea agreement. GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR DEFENSE FIRM To speak with an experienced Miami federal criminal attorney at DMT about your extortion, or if you have questions regarding a matter involving a federal criminal charge, please contact DMT to schedule a free consultation. You can call our office at (305) 340-2197 or reach us by completing the form on our contact page or by sending an e-mail.