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Phoenix Extortion Attorney

 

Extortion is using force, intimidation, or threats to obtain something. It is illegal under federal and state laws. If you’re facing extortion charges in Phoenix, Arizona, you need an experienced defense attorney to handle your case.

Attorney Craig Orent has over 34 years of experience in criminal law. He has obtained not guilty verdicts for numerous clients, including serious criminal offenses such as first-degree murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the Arizona State Bar.

Contact our trusted Phoenix extortion lawyer today for help. Call Orent Law Offices for a free consultation to discuss your legal options regarding an extortion charge.

How Orent Law Offices Can Help You Fight Extortion Charges in Phoenix, Arizona

Extortion is often referred to as blackmail. Arizona treats extortion charges as serious crimes. Generally, the charges are felony offenses, which can result in a lengthy prison sentence and substantial fines.

When you hire our award-winning Phoenix white collar crimes lawyer, you can trust that we will:

• Investigate the circumstances that resulted in extortion charges
• Explain Arizona extortion laws and the potential outcomes for a guilty verdict
• Develop a defense strategy based on the evidence and legal arguments
• Aggressively negotiate fair terms for a plea deal if that is in your best interest
• Take your case before a jury and fiercely argue for your innocence if that is the best option to protect your rights

We have an exceptional reputation and a track record of successful outcomes for our clients that you can count on. Call Orent Law Offices today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced extortion lawyer in Phoenix, AZ.

Overview of Arizona Extortion Laws

Theft by extortion is the most common type of extortion. Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1804 defines theft by extortion as knowingly seeking to obtain or obtaining services or property using threats to do any of the following:

• Use a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon to cause serious bodily injury or death to someone
• Damage property
• Cause bodily injury to someone other than using a deadly or dangerous instrument or weapon
• Accuse someone of criminal offenses
• Expose an alleged fact or secret on social media
• Withhold or take action as a public servant or cause a public servant to do so
• Cause someone to give up property
• Take or withhold action regarding the right of access or easement to property under specific circumstances
• Engage in other conduct that constitutes an offense

Theft by extortion is typically a Class 4 felony. However, if a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon is used, the charge is a Class 2 felony.

Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1428 defines sexual extortion as a person knowingly threatening someone with the intent to coerce that person to do any of the following:

• Engage in sexual intercourse or conduct
• Allow their anus, genitals, or female breast to be filmed, photographed, digitally recorded, or videotaped
• Reveal the person’s genitals, female breast, or anus

Sexual extortion is a Class 3 felony. However, if the victim is under 15 years old, the charge is a Class 2 felony.

Penalties for Extortion in Arizona

The penalties for extortion in Arizona depend on the charges as well as the facts and circumstances of the case as a whole. Generally, a Class 2 felony is punished by up to 12.5 years in prison. A Class 3 felony carries a prison term of up to 8.75 years, and Class 4 felonies can result in a prison sentence of up to 3.75 years.

In addition to a prison sentence, the court may impose a fine of up to $150,000. Sexual extortion could also result in registration as a sex offender.

Extortion convictions often result in collateral consequences for a criminal defendant. You may lose your professional license or have trouble finding employment. Felony convictions also result in the loss of gun ownership rights and voting rights. A criminal record could also cause immigration issues and problems finding housing.

Potential Defenses to Extortion Charges in Phoenix, AZ

There are several potential defenses to extortion charges in Phoenix. Common defenses include:

Lack of Intent

Your state of mind is an element in extortion cases. The prosecutor must prove that you knowingly intended to use threats or coercion to obtain money, property, or services. You could argue that you did not intend to threaten someone. Instead, your demands and comments were made as part of negotiations.

Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution must have sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. You may argue that there is insufficient evidence to link you to the crime or to prove all the legal elements of the crime.

Duress

You may claim that you were forced to commit the alleged acts. For example, someone threatened to hurt you or your family if you did not blackmail your boss. Under normal circumstances, you would not have committed the alleged acts.

Violation of Rights

Your attorney may allege that the police or the prosecutor violated your rights. For instance, law enforcement obtained evidence through an illegal search and seizure. In that case, your attorney would argue the evidence is inadmissible in court.

Lack of Reasonable Belief

The alleged victim must have reasonably believed your threat. Your attorney may argue that the context in which you said something would not have made a reasonable person believe you were making a real threat.

Contact a Phoenix Extortion Attorney For Help

If you have any questions about Arizona law or need help with fighting back against criminal charges, contact Orent Law Offices today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Phoenix extortion lawyer. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028.