Rizio and Nelson California Law Blog

When the word “extortion” is mentioned, people may think of Italian men in dark suits carrying Gatlin guns and roaming neighborhoods, searching for business owners to fork over their cash for “protection”. Gone are the days when the mob could openly threaten anyone on the streets, including police, without fear. However, the crime of extortion is alive and well, only now the perpetrators may wear hoodies, business suits, or even uniforms, and a cell phone or computer may be their primary weapon. In short, extortion can be committed by anyone through any means of communication.

Extortion is the crime of threatening another person or institution with the intention of collecting money or services so that the threat is not carried out. The threat itself becomes the crime. The threat can be delivered in person, by phone, by mail, even by e-mail. In this country, one only has to make the threat in order to be guilty of extortion. As long as it can be proven that a threat was made with either audio or visual evidence, the perpetrator can be found guilty.

Not only is it a crime in California, it is also considered to be a federal offense. So a guilty party could face up to four years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Threats that extortionists use can include rape, theft, destruction of property, physical harm, and kidnapping. Some people believe that price gouging is a form of extortion, and judging by the way most people felt last year when gas prices went through the roof, that’s not surprising. Some countries consider it to be a form of terrorism as well. Blackmail is certainly a form of extortion. Even taxes could be thought of as extortion by some ways of thinking. However, what is illegal is extortion that will bring a person, entity, or institution to harm.

In this day and age when communication is so very fast and accessible, extortion is a crime that is very easily committed. Texting is convenient, certainly, but it is also an emotionless form of communication that empowers people to say things they normally wouldn’t. Bullying can morph easily into extortion. A person could find themselves guilty of extortion without realizing it until it’s too late. If you’ve been arrested for extortion, it is important to find the right legal representation. Let the experienced lawyers at Rizio and Nelson help you with your case. We are available twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week, so schedule your free initial consultation today.