Experienced Los Angeles Extortion Defense Attorney | Protecting Your Rights

If you have been accused of extortion, it is critical to contact an experienced extortion defense attorney immediately. At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we understand the serious consequences associated with extortion charges, including significant prison sentences, heavy fines, and lasting damage to your reputation. Extortion is considered a felony in California, and in some cases—such as blackmail linked to gang activity—it can be classified as a “strike” offense under California’s Three Strikes Law, carrying a potential sentence of 25 years to life if convicted.

The first step in protecting your rights is to avoid making any statements to law enforcement without legal representation. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Instead, remain silent and contact our experienced Los Angeles criminal defense team immediately. We will carefully analyze the specifics of your case, explain your legal options, and craft a powerful defense strategy tailored to your situation. Schedule your free consultation today by calling (310) 448-1529. Speak with a Los Angeles extortion attorney ready to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

What Is Extortion Under California Penal Code 518?

Under California Penal Code 518, extortion is defined as the act of obtaining property, money, or services from another person through the use of wrongful threats, force, or fear. These threats do not need to involve physical violence or harm to the individual. They may include threats to damage the victim’s business, career, reputation, or even expose sensitive information.

Common examples of extortion include:

  • Official Misconduct: A government official demanding excessive payments in exchange for granting licenses, permits, or other forms of preferential treatment.
  • Political Coercion: Using threats to pressure an elected official into casting favorable votes or providing other political benefits.

The law takes a broad view of extortion to include both physical threats and non-violent coercion, ensuring that victims are protected from various forms of intimidation or exploitation.

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    Elements of Extortion and How Prosecutors Build a Case in Los Angeles

    To secure a conviction for extortion under California Penal Code 518, prosecutors must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt. First, they must demonstrate that the defendant made a credible threat to harm the victim, their family, or their property, or to accuse the victim of a crime, or reveal damaging information (a secret) that could cause disgrace. These threats are central to proving coercion.

    The prosecution must also establish that the defendant acted with specific intent to compel the victim to relinquish money, property, or perform an official act. It is not enough to show threats were made; the intent to achieve a specific outcome must be clear. Additionally, they must prove that the victim complied with the defendant’s demands due to fear or duress caused by the threats. This compliance can take the form of giving money, property, or performing an act they would not have done otherwise. Finally, it must be shown that the victim actually transferred something of value or performed the demanded act as a result of the coercion.

    Even if no money or property is ultimately exchanged, a person can still face charges for attempted extortion if they made threats with the intent to compel compliance. Key terms in these cases include “secret,” which refers to private information that could harm the victim’s reputation, and “official act,” meaning any action performed by a government official within their official capacity.

    Prosecutors will rely on evidence of threats, intent, and compliance to build their case, making it essential to have a extortion defense attorney to challenge these elements and protect your rights.

    It is important to note that you do not need to physically harm the victim to be convicted of extortion. The prosecution must only prove that you made a credible threat with the intent to intimidate and coerce the victim into compliance.

    Penalties for Extortion in California

    • State Prison: Two, three, or four years.
    • Fines: Up to $10,000.
    • Formal Probation: Instead of serving time in prison, some offenders may be placed on formal probation. This requires compliance with strict conditions, regular check-ins with a probation officer, and adherence to court-ordered rules for a period of three to five years.

    Aggravating Factors

    Certain circumstances can result in enhanced penalties for extortion convictions. For example, if the extortion involves gang activity, it may be classified as a “strike” offense under California’s Three Strikes Law. This designation can significantly increase the severity of the sentence, potentially resulting in 25 years to life in prison for repeat offenders. Additionally, targeting a vulnerable victim, such as someone with a mental or physical impairment, is considered an aggravating factor and can lead to harsher sentencing.

    Attempted Extortion

    Attempted extortion occurs when you make threats to a victim intending to obtain money, property, or compel an official act, but the victim does not comply with your demands.

    The penalties for attempted extortion in California depend on whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony:

    • Misdemeanor Attempted Extortion:
      • Up to one year in county jail.
      • A fine of up to $1,000.
    • Felony Attempted Extortion:
      • 16 months, two years, or three years in state prison.
      • A fine of up to $10,000.
      • Formal probation.

    Legal Defenses against Extortion Charges

    When facing extortion charges, a strong legal defense can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Depending on the specifics of your situation, Attorney Arash Hashemi may employ several strategies to protect your rights. One common defense is demonstrating that there was no coercion or threat involved. If the victim voluntarily gave money, property, or performed an act for reasons unrelated to any alleged intimidation, this can be a critical argument.

    Another effective defense is challenging the credibility of the accusations. False allegations often arise in highly emotional or contentious situations, such as divorce or child custody disputes, where a person may fabricate claims out of revenge, jealousy, or other personal motives.

    Attorney Hashemi may also focus on the prosecution’s lack of sufficient evidence. This involves identifying inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, exposing unreliable testimony from the alleged victim, or pointing out gaps that fail to meet the burden of proof. By thoroughly investigating your case and applying these defenses, Attorney Hashemi works diligently to secure the best possible outcome for you.

    Contact a Los Angeles Extortion Attorney

    Being accused of extortion is a serious matter that can have life-changing consequences, but early legal intervention can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At the Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, Attorney Hashemi will thoroughly evaluate the details of your case and develop a strategy tailored to protect your rights and future.

    Through pre-filing intervention, Attorney Hashemi may be able to engage directly with law enforcement and prosecutors to prevent formal charges from being filed. If your case proceeds, we will explore every legal option, challenge the evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf. Take control of your situation and ensure your rights are protected by reaching out for a consultation today.

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    Arash Hashemi, a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, providing expert legal representation for clients in California.