Extortion is a serious crime that can encompass a wide range of criminal activity. More commonly referred to as blackmail or ransom, an extortion conviction can have a damaging effect on your entire life. If you are facing extortion charges in Minnesota, you need a qualified defense attorney on your side.

Understanding Extortion Charges

Extortion is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain money, property, goods, or services through the use of force, intimidation, or threat. Typical examples of extortion include blackmail or ransom. Robbery is not considered a type of extortion.

An individual does not have to actually receive money, or other goods, in order to be charged with extortion. Even the unsuccessful act of threatening someone for pecuniary gain can lead to felony charges. For example, if a kidnapper asks for a ransom but never gets it, he or she can be charged with extortion. The same is true if you try to bribe someone into doing something for you.

In most cases, extortion is charged as a felony. This means very serious penalties in the event of a conviction. In Minnesota, the punishment for extortion can range all the way up to ten years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine. The exact penalty will depend on several factors, including the pecuniary gain or loss at stake in the case:

  • If the gain or loss is under $300, then the sentence is typically up to 90 days in prison and up to $1,000 in fines;
  • If the gain or loss is between $300 and $2,500, the sentence can be up to five in prison and/or fines up to $10,000; and
  • If the gain or loss is over $2,500, the sentence can be up to ten years in prison and/or fines up to $20,000.

No matter what the penalty is, the effects of a conviction will be long lasting. Fortunately, you don’t have to fight these charges alone.

Extortion Defense Lawyer

When you are charged with extortion, it’s important to speak with a qualified defense lawyer as soon as possible. Without a lawyer on your side, you could be facing long jail time and steep fines. Your attorney will build an aggressive defense to help get your charges reduced or even dropped completely.

An extortion conviction can have a lasting impact on your life. Long after you have served your jail time and paid your fines, you may find yourself unable to secure employment or even carry on normal social behavior. A qualified extortion defense lawyer can help you overcome this by getting you the best result possible.

Always a Free Consultation

If you are charged with extortion, our attorneys can help. The extortion defense lawyers at the Brown Law Offices, P.A., have the knowledge and experience to handle your case, and get your charges reduced – or even dropped. An extortion charge doesn’t have to ruin your life. Call us today at 763-323-6555, or complete our online consultation form.