Our West Covina extortion defense lawyer will help you understand the charges you face and develop a sturdy defense strategy. At Simmrin Law Group, we understand what is at stake for you if you are convicted of extortion, such as severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Our West Covina criminal defense lawyer understands extortion laws and will tailor a legal defense to suit your unique circumstances. With decades of experience, our attorneys are ready to protect your rights.
Call us today to discuss your case during a free consultation. We will explain more about how our law firm will help you.
How Our West Covina Extortion Defense Attorneys Will Help
If you are facing extortion charges, the prosecution will try to show that you used fear, violence, or intimidation to coerce someone into giving you something. They may present evidence of threats, either explicit or implicit, that you made to the alleged victim.
Extortion charges can arise from a wide range of situations, from business disputes to personal relationships gone sour. In some cases, the line between extortion and legitimate negotiation can be murky. However, the fundamental difference lies in the presence of criminal intent.
If you’re accused of extortion, our experienced extortion defense lawyer in West Covina can review your charges, scrutinize the evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s claims.
For a free legal consultation with an extortion defense lawyer serving West Covina, call (310) 896-2723
Defenses Against Extortion Allegations Our West Covina Lawyers Will Explore
When you’re facing extortion allegations, having a firm grasp on the defenses available to you is crucial. You may be able to argue that there was a lack of threat, that the prosecution hasn’t proven coercion, or that evidence was obtained through an illegal search. By examining these potential defenses, you can build a stronger case and challenge the allegations against you.
Lack of Threat
To prove extortion, the prosecution must demonstrate that you made a credible threat to obtain something of value from another person. However, if you’re facing extortion allegations, you may be able to argue that there was a lack of threat. This defense is based on the idea that the alleged victim didn’t actually feel threatened or intimidated by your actions.
If the prosecution lacks evidence to prove that you made a credible threat, your defense lawyer can argue that the allegations against you are unfounded.
In some cases, false accusations can arise from miscommunication, misunderstandings, or even malicious intent. Our lawyer will work to identify inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case and challenge the credibility of the alleged victim’s testimony.
Coercion Not Proven
Many extortion cases hinge on the prosecution’s ability to prove that you used coercion to obtain something of value from another person. If the prosecution can’t prove coercion, the case against you may collapse. Our West Covina extortion defense lawyer will scrutinize the evidence to determine if the alleged victim exercised their free will when making decisions.
Here are three scenarios where coercion may not be proven:
- Lack of threats: If there’s no evidence of explicit threats or intimidation, it may be difficult for the prosecution to prove coercion.
- Voluntary actions: If the alleged victim’s actions were voluntary and not induced by fear, the prosecution’s case may be weakened.
- False accusations: In some cases, false accusations of extortion may be motivated by personal or financial gain.
Illegal Search Evidence
Our West Covina, CA, extortion defense lawyer will also investigate whether evidence against you was obtained illegally, potentially rendering it inadmissible in court. Illegally obtained evidence can be thrown out of court under California Penal Code § 1538.5.
We will scrutinize the circumstances surrounding your arrest and the collection of evidence to identify any potential violations of your constitutional rights. Warrantless searches, for instance, can be a clear violation of your Fourth Amendment rights. If the police conducted a search without a valid warrant, any evidence obtained during that search may be inadmissible.
Similarly, if you were held without probable cause or without being read your Miranda rights, any statements or evidence obtained during that time may be deemed inadmissible.
West Covina Extortion Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Minimizing Consequences and Penalties
A criminal conviction for extortion can trigger severe penalties, including imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you’re facing extortion charges, crucially, you must work with an experienced defense lawyer who can help minimize the consequences and penalties.
You may be wondering what penalties you’ll face if convicted.
- Imprisonment: You could be sentenced to prison, which can range from a few years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and your criminal history.
- Hefty fines: You may be ordered to pay significant fines, which can be financially devastating and even lead to bankruptcy.
- Permanent criminal record: A criminal conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record, making it difficult to find employment, housing, or secure loans.
By negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to secure a more lenient sentence or a plea deal that reduces the severity of the charges. With a strong defense strategy and effective negotiation, you may be able to avoid the most severe penalties and minimize the consequences of an extortion conviction under California Penal Code § 518.
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Our West Covina Extortion Defense Attorney Is Ready to Help
As you face extortion charges, remember that the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. With a skilled West Covina extortion defense lawyer from Simmrin Law Group supporting you, you can level the playing field.
By developing a strong defense strategy, we can help you minimize consequences and penalties and potentially avoid a conviction altogether. Our team will work closely with you to develop a tailored approach that addresses your unique situation. Call us today to discuss your case during a free initial consultation.
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