If you have been charged with extortion in Florida, then you may have a defense. Idle threat, which is simply making a comment without the intent to blackmail someone, and litigation privilege are both defense that are oftentimes successful when fighting extortion cases. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about idle threat and litigation privilege or how to beat your extortion case in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
In Florida, extortion is defined under Florida Statute 836.05. A person commits extortion when they maliciously threaten to:
- accuse another of a crime of offense;
- injure the person, property or reputation of another;
- expose any secret affecting another; or,
- impute any deformity or lack of chastity of another
with the intent to extort money or any pecuniary advantage, or the intent to compel any person to do any act or refrain from doing any act against their will.
Extortion is a second-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, or up 15 years of probation and a $10,000 fine (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed fifteen years). In addition to facing prison time, if you are adjudicated guilty of extortion then you will lose constitutional rights and you’ll have to deal with many other collateral consequences.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for extortion related charges, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with extortion in Florida and they need effective representation, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.