Miami Federal Extortion Attorney

Award-Winning Miami Federal Defense Lawyer

Extortion is a serious criminal offense related most often to public corruption and organized crime. Extortion may be charged as a state or federal crime, although this is dependent upon the particular circumstances of the offense. The consequences for extortion can be very severe, so it's important that you enlist the defense of an experienced lawyer at the Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A. right away.

What Is Extortion Under Federal Law?

Extortion, under federal law, is defined as the act of obtaining money, property, or services from another person through the use of threats, coercion, or violence. For a charge of extortion to be prosecuted federally, it must involve an element that affects interstate commerce. This could mean that the extortion activity either directly or indirectly influences the movement of goods, services, or people across state lines. The prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant used threats or force to obtain something of value, and that the action impacted interstate commerce in some way.

Unlike blackmail, which typically involves threats to reveal damaging information unless a demand is met, extortion can involve threats of physical harm, property damage, or other forms of coercion. Even threats to use one’s authority—such as a public official threatening unfavorable action—can constitute extortion under federal law.

Federal penalties for extortion can be severe, with possible sentences of up to 20 years in prison, significant fines, and restitution payments to the victim. The exact penalty depends on the nature of the extortion, the value of what was obtained, and any prior criminal history.

Understanding the complexities of federal extortion law is critical, as the implications of a conviction can be life-changing. An attorney experienced in federal extortion cases can help navigate these complex legal issues and protect the rights of those accused.

Types of Extortion

Following are three common types of extortion as well as the penalties that may be imposed under federal law:

• Blackmail is a form of extortion defined under federal law as demanding or receiving money as the result of making a threat of informing or as payment for not informing, any violation of the law. This offense may be punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, by a fine, or by both a fine and imprisonment.
• Using the postal system to deliver any type of communication with the intent of committing extortion or blackmail may be punishable by up to 2, 5 or 10 years in prison, depending on the nature of the threat as well as who is targeted (for example, a 10-year term of imprisonment may be implemented if the target was a United States judge or federal law enforcement officer.)
• Receiving, concealing, disposing of or possessing the proceeds of extortion may be punishable by imprisonment for 1 to 3 years as well as fines.

Defense Against Extortion Charges

If you have been arrested for extortion or are the subject of a federal investigation of this kind, it is important that you consider talking to an attorney from the Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A. about your case. An experienced legal professional will know how to approach the matter and take action to protect your Constitutional rights while asserting your interests and seeking the best possible resolution.

Miami criminal defense lawyer Michael Mirer offers a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and what he can do to assist you.

If you would like to fight the many penalties associated with extortion charges in Florida, contact a Miami federal defense attorney by calling (800) 798-0243 today.