Miami Extortion Attorney

If you or a loved one has been arrested for extortion or is under criminal investigation, a Miami extortion attorney can review the allegations and help protect your rights. Extortion is a felony offense with serious penalties. Getting legal advice early can help you understand the charge and avoid mistakes when responding to investigators.

What is Extortion Under Florida Law?

Florida Statutes section 836.05 prohibits certain malicious threats made to obtain money or another financial advantage, or to force someone to act or refrain from acting against their will. The State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

  • The defendant communicated a threat covered by the statute, such as threatening criminal accusations, injury to someone’s person, property, or reputation, or exposure of a secret or disgrace.
  • The threat was made maliciously, meaning intentionally and without lawful justification.
  • The defendant intended to obtain money or another financial advantage, or to compel the person threatened or someone else to act or refrain from acting against their will.

Extortion can involve threats to someone’s reputation or private information as well as threats of physical harm.

Examples of Extortion in Florida

Extortion charges may arise from a variety of circumstances. Here are some examples of extortion cases that occur in Miami:

  • A former employee threatens to reveal company trade secrets or embarrass an executive unless paid off.
  • An individual threatens to publicly accuse someone of sexual misconduct if they don’t pay them.
  • A person threatens to destroy property or harm pets if money isn’t delivered.
  • A gang member threatens physical violence against a business owner’s family unless “protection” money is paid regularly.
  • An anonymous perpetrator sends electronic messages threatening to reveal private photos or information exposing secrets if demands are not met.
  • An abusive spouse extorts a partner by threatening to harm children, pets, or relatives if demands are not satisfied.

These examples may support an extortion charge if the State proves each required element. If someone also posts or electronically shares sexually explicit images without consent, the conduct may support separate sexual cyberharassment charges, commonly called revenge porn, if the requirements of that offense are met.

Penalty for Extortion

Extortion is generally a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Under Florida Statutes section 775.087, it may be reclassified as a first-degree felony if the defendant carries, displays, uses, threatens to use, or attempts to use a weapon or firearm during the offense. Section 836.05(2) separately makes extortion a first-degree felony when committed by a foreign agent intending to benefit a foreign country of concern. A first-degree felony ordinarily carries up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Other sentencing enhancements or higher fines may apply when authorized by law.

Contact an Experienced Miami Extortion Lawyer

By taking the immediate action of hiring an experienced Miami extortion lawyer to defend yourself, you are minimizing the chances that your criminal case will have lasting consequences for your career, personal life, and reputation.

CALL US NOW for a CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION at (305) 538-4545, or simply take a moment to fill out our confidential and secure intake form.* The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry.

*Due to the large number of people who contact us requesting our assistance, it is strongly suggested that you take the time to provide us with specific details regarding your case by filling out our confidential and secure intake form. The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry promptly and appropriately.

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