Anderson Extortion Lawyer

If convicted of extortion, you could face many years in prison, hefty fines, and reputational issues. Securing solid legal assistance can allow you to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

An Anderson extortion lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your case, review law enforcement behavior during your arrest, and find loopholes in the prosecution’s case. Consult with an experienced federal criminal attorney as soon as possible to maximize your chances of avoiding an unfair penalty.

Understanding Extortion Charges

Many people have a vague understanding of extortion, and when they face such charges, they can be confused about what they have done. Extortion involves using threats or pressure to force someone to give up something of value.

For example, someone might threaten to post embarrassing photos online unless they are paid money or communicate that they will damage a person’s business property unless they provide them with financial gain.

Extortion can take many forms, including blackmail, cyber extortion, domestic extortion, and sextortion. A seasoned lawyer in Anderson can review and explain your extortion charges in detail.

Penalties for Extortion

Extortion can be a state or federal crime, depending on the circumstances. Penalties for federal crimes are more severe than for state crimes.

In South Carolina, extortion is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. You could face 20 years in prison and more significant fines if convicted of a federal crime. Sometimes, a conviction also involves paying restitution, which can amount to millions of dollars.

Besides the immediate penalties, a person convicted of extortion can face long-term reputational consequences. A criminal record can keep you from getting specific jobs or securing loans and housing.

A skilled lawyer in Anderson can build a strong defense against both state and federal extortion charges. The legal team at Ellis Hinton, LLC, can protect you from unfair court decisions and help prevent maximum penalties.

Defenses in Extortion Cases

Extortion cases can be highly complicated. With many details surrounding each situation, the prosecution may have difficulty proving the case. An extortion attorney in Anderson can build a strong defense and break the prosecution’s argument apart. Some of the most common defenses used include the following:

False Accusations

In some cases, a person might be falsely accused of extortion due to personal disputes or misunderstandings. Evidence, such as emails or witness testimony, can help counter these allegations.

Absence of Threats or Coercion

Extortion requires the use of threats or coercion to force someone into compliance. If no actual threats were made, the charges might not hold.

Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution must provide clear evidence of the crime, such as recordings, documents, or witness testimony. If the evidence is weak, the case could be dismissed.

An Anderson lawyer with niche experience in extortion cases knows the multiple nuances accompanying these charges. This makes building a robust defense that holds up in court easier.

Consult a Dedicated Extortion Attorney in Anderson Today

You must begin working with a competent Anderson extortion lawyer as early as possible when you are charged with this crime. A reliable criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights, defend your reputation, and reduce the penalty.

Sloan Ellis and Brandi Hinton have extensive experience handling complex extortion cases. Call to schedule a case evaluation at any time. Our firm is based in Greenville, servicing SC and beyond.