CALIFORNIA EXTORTION
Definition · Law
Bribery · Blackmail · Lobbying · Corruption

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

The Criminal Act of Extortion
California extortion is a criminal offense whereby the defendant obtains goods or services by the use of direct threats or threatening behavior. Example of threats for extortion purposes include:

• Threats to do bodily injury;
• Threats to expose secret and/or harmful information;
• Threats to accuse the victim of a crime.

Clarifying Extortion
The crime of extortion should not be confused with the crimes of robbery, lobbying, or corruption. Robbery is the crime of taking another's possession or possessions by the use of force. Lobbying is not a crime but can lead to bribery (a form of extortion). Corruption involves the persuasion of legislators and is a separate crime from extortion. Learn more about extortion definitions and related terms.

Crimes of extortion all have one thing in common: They attempt to illegally gain behavior changes, property, or funds through the use of threats, bribes, or character defamation. Types of extortion include extortion itself, bribery, and blackmail.

The Legal Definition of Extortion
According to the California Penal Code, Sections 518-527, "Extortion is the obtaining of property from another, with his consent, or the obtaining of an official act of a public officer, induced by a wrongful use of force or fear, or under color of official right." (§ 518).

"Fear, such as will constitute extortion, may be induced by a threat, either:
1. To do an unlawful injury to the person or property of the individual threatened or of a third person; or,
2. To accuse the individual threatened, or any relative of his, or member of his family, of any crime; or,
3. To expose, or to impute to him or them any deformity, disgrace or crime; or,
4. To expose any secret affecting him or them."  (§ 519).

Extortion Using Bribery
Bribery is another type of extortion. Bribery is the crime of giving money or something of value to influence the conduct of a person in a position of trust (such as a public official). Accepting a bribe also constitutes a crime.

Extortion Using Blackmail
Blackmail is extortion by threatening another person's reputation or organization with the disclosure of harmful or secret information that would be damaging to that person if released. The information to be released may be true or false. The disclosure of the information does not have to be criminal nor does the offender actually have to receive money or property for the act to be considered extortion.

The Difference Between Lobbying and Bribery
It is not against the law to lobby lawmakers. Lobbyists regularly approach legislators and, with convincing arguments, try to get laws changed or influence the thinking of political figures. But, when money is introduced and favors are done in exchange, the crime of bribery may be considered.

Extortion Penalties
California extortion, including bribery and blackmail are serious criminal offenses usually charged as a felony. These crimes are punishable by up to 4 years in state prison and / or fines of up to ($10,000) ten thousand dollars or more.

The Need for Immediate Action
If you are being charged with the crime of extortion or are under investigation for extortion you need strong representation. You need the assistance of an experienced attorney, such as Stephen G. Rodriguez. Our California criminal defense lawyers are experienced defending all types of extortion crimes. Do not speak to anyone until you have met with Mr. Rodriguez!

If you have been involved in a California extortion charge, please call the criminal defense attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates to discuss the facts that surround your case.

Please contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION

Law Offices of Stephen G. Rodriguez
633 West 5th Street
26th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90071

Telephone
(213) 223-2173