Former Prosecutors Who Know How To Defend Against Extortion Charges
If you have been accused of using threats to obtain money or property from another person, you face extortion charges. At Bachner & Associates, PC, we have extensive experience handling criminal defense matters for people from New York City and across the nation. For example, we have successfully defended an attorney charged with felony extortion. The penalties for an extortion conviction are severe. Start building a powerful criminal defense today.
Contact us today online or by telephone at 917-639-5370 to speak with a knowledgeable New York City defense lawyer.
Fighting Extortion Charges
At Bachner & Associates, PC, we handling a wide range of criminal defense matters, including defending clients against charges of extortion. Our clients include corporate executives, public officials and people accused of organized crime activity, among others. Acts of extortion include:
- Threats to inflict bodily harm
- Threats to expose harmful information
- Threats to withhold money or services
- Threats to accuse someone of a crime
- Threats of arrest, fines or imprisonment by government officials
Former Prosecutors On Your Side
Failure to adequately defend yourself against these charges could result in steep fines and significant time in prison. Our attorneys understand the severity of these charges and will work to devise intelligent and creative defense strategies for you. As former prosecutors, we understand the strategies and tactics the prosecution may employ in building a case against you. This allows us to proactively build a strong case on your behalf.
Common Questions About Extortion Investigations
If you are accused of extortion, you may have questions about what counts as a threat, how intent affects the case and what to do during an investigation. The following FAQs address issues that can arise at different stages of an extortion case:
Is it extortion if the information I threatened to reveal is true?
It can be. Under New York law, extortion may involve a threat to expose a secret or publicize a fact that could subject someone to hatred, contempt or ridicule. The law can apply whether the asserted fact is true or false.
The larger question is whether the threat was used to make another person give up property. The surrounding facts, including what you demanded and how you communicated the threat, may affect the case. An attorney can review those details and explain whether the conduct fits New York’s definition of larceny by extortion.
Does “intent” matter if I was joking, venting or never meant to follow through?
Yes. Intent can be a central issue because New York larceny law requires an intent to deprive another person of property or appropriate that property. Investigators may therefore look at your words, messages, conduct and the events surrounding the alleged threat.
Saying that you were joking or venting does not automatically end the inquiry. At the same time, the context may help show what you actually intended. A defense attorney can examine the full exchange and challenge conclusions that do not match the evidence.
What should I do if detectives ask me to come in “just to talk” about extortion?
Treat the request seriously, even if detectives describe the meeting as informal. Before agreeing to an interview, you can ask why they want to speak with you and whether they consider you a witness, subject or suspect.
You may also want to speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions. An attorney can help you understand the purpose of the interview, prepare for possible issues and communicate with investigators when appropriate. Avoid guessing, deleting messages or trying to explain the situation without first considering how your statements could affect the investigation.
Contact Us
Are you facing charges of extortion, bribery or corruption? Contact us today online or by telephone at 917-639-5370 to speak with a knowledgeable New York City defense lawyer.