Defense of Blackmail Charges
Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney
Blackmail, also known as extortion, is a
white collar crime that occurs when one individual attempts to gain property or elicit actions
through the use of threat or coercion. California takes these crimes seriously
and a conviction is punishable by years in prison and thousands of dollars
in fines. If you have been charged with blackmail, the first step in protecting
your future is to contact Blumenthal Law Offices. Our Riverside criminal
defense attorneys have more than a century of combined experience and
are devoted exclusively to the defense of the accused.
What sets our firm apart? Our awards and accolades include:
- AV Preeminent® Rating (top rating for ethics and legal skill)
- Selected to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States by the National
Trial Lawyers
- Named a Top Ranking Law Firm in the nation by U.S. News and World Report
-
Chosen for
Super Lawyers® – top 5% of CA attorneys (Attorney Blumenthal)
Your
initial consultation is FREE. Let us begin building your defense.
What Is Blackmail?
While some states distinguish between the crimes of extortion and blackmail,
California regulates both crimes under the same legal statutes. Both written
and verbal threats of injury, false accusation, or the exposure of secrets
can constitute blackmail. In order to secure a conviction for blackmail
or extortion, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that
several aspects of the crime took place. It must be shown that the defendant
(1) threated the victim in order to (2) force them into providing money
or performing an act and (3) the act then took place. If the victim never
acted, a prosecutor may have a difficult time proving extortion. Our attorneys
know how to fight for acquittals and reduced charges.
In California, blackmail can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony,
depending on the circumstances of the alleged events. If charged as a
felony, defendants can be facing punishments of up to 4 years in prison
and $10,000 in fines. The severity of these crimes and the potential sentences
can cause immeasurable stress in the accused. When securing legal representation,
it is vital to select attorneys who understand the legal and psychological
pressures associated with allegations of blackmail.
Former Prosecutor Defending the Accused
Unlike other law firms that assign a single lawyer to a case, or that only
staff one attorney, Blumenthal Law Offices can bring a team of knowledgeable
attorneys to your defense. Our lead Riverside white collar crimes attorney
spent eight years as a deputy district attorney focusing on white collar
crimes such as blackmail and extortion and knows how to effectively structure
your defense. Our team also includes a private investigator, and former
police officer, who is a certified fraud investigation specialist. Our
firm can provide you with the unbiased and uncompromising defense that
you deserve. When you need top-tier legal advocacy, our attorneys are
here to help.
Call (951) 682-5110 and talk to an attorney about your case today!