Are you facing extortion charges in Irvine? You might feel scared about what will happen next. Simmrin Law Group and our team of extortion defense lawyers in Irvine can help you fight these charges.
Many extortion cases aren’t as simple as they seem at first. There are often mix-ups or false claims that we can fight in court. Our team will stand up for your rights and work hard to get you the best result possible.
You need a lawyer as soon as you think you’re being investigated for extortion. Contact our criminal defense lawyers in Irvine for confidential legal help. Our firm is unafraid to go to trial on your behalf.
Extortion Charges in California
In simple terms, extortion (California Penal Code Section 518) means forcing someone to give you money or items by using threats. This can include threats of violence or threats to share private information about someone. California takes these cases very seriously.
You can get in trouble for extortion even if you just threaten to tell others about someone’s bad actions unless you get something in return. This is true even when the person really did something wrong.
The threat doesn’t have to be in person. Sending threats by text or email can also lead to extortion charges. Just one text or email could be used to prove you extorted someone.
For a free legal consultation with an extortion defense lawyer serving Irvine, call (310) 896-2723
Penalties You Could Face for Extortion
If you’re found guilty of extortion in California, you could face big problems. The courts see extortion as a felony. You might have to spend two to four years in state prison, and you will be marked as a felon afterward.
You could also have to pay up to $10,000 in fines. The court might additionally make you pay money (restitution) to the person who accused you. These costs can hurt you and your family for a long time while you pay them off.
Also, a guilty verdict can make getting a job or renting a home hard due to your status as a felon. Many places won’t hire someone with this charge on their record because it shows you’re not trustworthy with money. You’ll also lose several civil rights, like the right to vote and the right to carry a firearm.
Irvine Extortion Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Elements of an Extortion Charge
To prove extortion, the law says prosecutors must prove four main things. Here’s what they need to show:
- You made a clear threat to someone
- The threat was meant to make them scared
- You tried to get money or something else of value
- The person felt forced to give you what you wanted because of the threat
If they can’t prove all these parts, you might not be guilty. The threats that count as extortion can be about many things. You might get charged for threats to hurt someone, to damage their stuff, or to share their secrets. Even threats to report someone to the police can count if you ask for something in return.
Asking for things only becomes criminal extortion when there’s a clear link to the threat. The person must feel forced to give you what you want because they’re scared of your threat. Simple requests for payment, even if you’re upset, usually don’t count as extortion.
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How We Build Your Defense
What looks like extortion might just be a normal business deal or personal fight that doesn’t rise to the level of extortion. We’ll search for problems with the evidence against you to see if there’s a flaw. If so, we could get that evidence barred from your case.
We’ll also ensure the police follow all the rules when investigating your case. If they didn’t respect your rights, we can try to get their evidence thrown out. This has helped many of our clients get better results.
Through our investigation, we may also find evidence in your favor that shows you didn’t commit extortion. If so, our extortion defense attorneys in Irvine will use it to build your case.
Common Defense Strategies for Extortion Cases
One way we defend our clients is by showing there wasn’t a threat. People sometimes think normal talks are threats when they’re not. We help explain what you meant and why it didn’t rise to the level of extortion.
We might also show that you had a right to ask for what you wanted. If you were trying to get back money someone owed you, that might not be extortion. You’re allowed to take fair steps to protect yourself.
Also, some people make up claims of extortion to hurt others. This happens more than you’d think. We’ll see if your accuser is lying to make you look bad before the court.
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Why You Need an Irvine Extortion Defense Lawyer
While you have the right to a public defender, many of them do not have the time or resources to investigate a crime like extortion. Without a lawyer focused on your case, you might be unable to avoid conviction.
Simmrin Law Group knows how the courts work in Irvine and Orange County. With us, you’ll have a friend who knows the law and has strong relationships in the legal space. We can use those to your advantage.
You need to act fast in cases like this. The sooner you get a lawyer, the better your chances. We can start helping you right away after you call us.
Get Help With Your Extortion Defense Today
If you’re facing extortion charges in Irvine, don’t wait to get help. Our team at Simmrin Law Group is ready to fight for you. We’ve helped many people beat extortion charges before.
Call us now for a free consultation with an Irvine extortion defense attorney about your case. We’ll listen to what happened and tell you how we can help. Let our team work to protect your future.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form