Are you facing criminal charges of extortion in Philadelphia? These serious allegations require an experienced extortion attorney who understands the unique nuances of Pennsylvania law and will fight aggressively to protect your rights. At The Zeiger Firm, our dedicated legal team has defended clients against extortion and other criminal charges since 2005. We are ready to put our experience, skills, and resources to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a skilled Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer who can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
How Can Our Extortion Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?
At The Zeiger Firm, we believe in providing aggressive, personalized representation for every client. As your extortion defense attorney, we can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of all evidence against you
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Interview witnesses and gather supporting evidence
- Challenge unlawfully obtained evidence
- Negotiate with prosecutors when appropriate
- Present a strong defense at trial if necessary
Our legal team understands that facing extortion charges can feel overwhelming. A conviction can carry significant personal and professional consequences. We want to set your mind at ease. We will work closely with you throughout the process, ensuring you thoroughly understand your options and helping you make informed decisions about your defense.
Federal Extortion Charges
Extortion is defined very differently under state and federal law. Various federal laws use the term “extortion.” Generally, extortion involves threatening to do something or disclose something that would harm the victim of the threat. 18 U.S.C. § 873 states that someone commits the crime of “blackmail” by receiving any money or other thing of value by threatening to inform or not inform the government of a violation of federal law. This crime is punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine.
Many extortion crimes are prosecuted under the Hobbs Act, which it defines as “obtaining of property from another, with his consent, induced by wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear, or under color of official right.” Under this federal law, you can face up to 20 years’ imprisonment. The Zeiger Firm handles state and federal extortion cases. We can evaluate your case during a free consultation and explain how we can build a solid defense.
What Is Theft by Extortion Under State Law?
Understanding what is extortion under Pennsylvania law is crucial to building a solid defense. Theft by extortion occurs when someone intentionally obtains or withholds property belonging to someone else by making specific types of threats, including:
- Threatening to commit another crime
- Threatening to accuse an individual of a criminal offense
- Threatening to expose information that could subject someone to hatred or ridicule
- Threatening to influence official actions
- Threatening to organize strikes or boycotts
- Threatening to interfere with a valid legal claim or defense
For the state to prove guilt for an extortion charge, prosecutors must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that you used coercion or intimidation and that your actions directly led to obtaining property from the alleged victim.
Extortion Penalties in Pennsylvania
An extortion conviction in Pennsylvania carries serious consequences. The severity of punishment depends on several factors, such as:
- The value of property involved
- Whether threats were used
- Any prior criminal record
- The presence of aggravating circumstances
The offense can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, and the criminal penalties differ accordingly. Depending on how the crime is classified, potential penalties include:
- First-degree felony – Up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines
- Second-degree felony – Up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines
- Third-degree felony – Up to 7 years in prison and $15,000 in fines
- First-degree misdemeanor – Up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines
With so much at stake, it is crucial to enlist the services of an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight these charges effectively.
Building a Defense Strategy Against Extortion Charges
As a criminal offense, extortion requires the prosecution to prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. At The Zeiger Firm, we meticulously analyze your case to build the strongest possible defense. Our strategic approach includes several key elements:
Challenging Evidence of Coercion or Intimidation
We carefully examine all communications and interactions between parties to demonstrate potential misinterpretations of legitimate business negotiations. Our team can work to show that any communications were not actual threats and that the alleged victim acted voluntarily. We understand that context is crucial in these cases. We’ll work to have all communications evaluated within their proper framework.
Constitutional and Procedural Challenges
Our legal team thoroughly reviews how law enforcement obtained and handled evidence in your case. We examine whether the police obtained proper warrants for any searches or seizures, ensure your Miranda rights were properly administered and respected, and challenge any procedural violations that may have occurred during the investigation or arrest process.
Intent Considerations
Criminal intent is a critical element in extortion cases, and we focus on demonstrating good faith beliefs about property claims and legitimate business practices. State law recognizes a defense when the property obtained was honestly claimed as restitution or indemnification for harm the defendant did to you or is compensation for property or lawful services. We will work to establish the absence of malicious purpose in your actions and show that you conducted all communications or negotiations within normal business parameters.
Evidence Analysis
We conduct a comprehensive review of all case evidence, including electronic communications, financial records, and witness statements. Our team investigates the alleged victim’s motivation and gathers supporting evidence corroborating your events. In our experience, thorough evidence analysis often reveals crucial details that can significantly strengthen your defense.
Property Rights Defense
Our attorneys can work to establish legitimate claims to the property in question by demonstrating reasonable belief in the right to payment, showing the history of business relationships, and establishing legitimate debt collection practices. We understand that many extortion allegations arise from misunderstandings about property rights and work to clarify these issues.
Expert Testimony
We may collaborate with various experts to strengthen your defense, including financial analysts who can explain complex transactions, forensic experts who examine electronic evidence, and business practice experts who can establish industry standards. When necessary, we also work with handwriting experts to verify document authenticity.
The Zeiger Firm’s detailed approach to building your defense includes gathering all available evidence, interviewing potential witnesses, and thoroughly investigating your case’s circumstances. We understand that successful defense strategies often depend on careful attention to detail and provide sage legal counsel at every phase of the case.
Contact an Aggressive and Experienced Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney for Help
When facing extortion charges in Philadelphia, you need a defense team that will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom. At The Zeiger Firm, we pride ourselves on providing aggressive representation and personalized attention to every client.
Our experience handling complex state and federal criminal cases, combined with our thorough preparation and attention to detail, optimizes our clients’ path to a favorable outcome. We work closely with you, your family, and any witnesses to build the most robust possible defense.
Time is of the essence when facing serious criminal charges like extortion, so you should work to start building your defense immediately. Call us today or contact us online for your free consultation with a Pennsylvania extortion defense attorney. Our experienced legal team is ready to evaluate your case and help you understand your options moving forward.
