Florida EXTORTION
Definition · Law
Bribery · Blackmail · Lobbying · Corruption

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

The Criminal Act of Extortion
Florida extortion is a criminal offense whereby the defendant receives goods or services by the use of direct threats or threatening behavior. Example of threats for extortion purposes include:

• Threats to do bodily injury;
• Threats to expose secret and/or harmful information;
• Threats to accuse the victim of a crime.

Clarifying Extortion
The crime of extortion should not be confused with the crimes of robbery, lobbying, or corruption. Robbery is the crime of taking an additional's possession or possessions by the use of force. Lobbying is not a crime but can lead to bribery (a form of extortion). Corruption is based upon the persuasion of legislators and is a separate crime from extortion. Learn additional about extortion definitions and related terms.

Crimes of extortion all have one thing in common: They attempt to illegally gain behavior changes, property, or funds through the use of threats, bribes, or character defamation. Types of extortion include extortion itself, bribery, and blackmail.

The Legal Definition of Extortion
Based upon to the Florida Penal Code, Sections 518-527, "Extortion is the receiveing of property from an additional, with his consent, or the receiveing of an official act of a public officer, induced by a wrongful use of force or fear, or under color of official right." (§ 518).

"Fear, such as will constitute extortion, may be induced by a threat, either:
1. To do an unlawful injury to the person or property of the person threatened or of a third person; or,
2. To accuse the person threatened, or any relative of his, or member of his family, of any crime; or,
3. To expose, or to impute to him or them any deformity, disgrace or crime; or,
4. To expose any secret affecting him or them."  (§ 519).

Extortion Using Bribery
Bribery is an additional type of extortion. Bribery is the crime of giving money or something of value to influence the conduct of a person in a position of trust (such as a public official). Accepting a bribe also constitutes a crime.

Extortion Using Blackmail
Blackmail is extortion by threatening an additional person's reputation or organization with the disclosure of harmful or secret information that would be damaging to that person if released. The information to be released may be true or false. The disclosure of the information does not have to be criminal nor does the offender actually have to receive money or property for the act to be deemed extortion.

The Difference Between Lobbying and Bribery
It is not against the law to lobby lawmakers. Lobbyists regularly approach legislators and, with convincing arguments, try to successfully get laws changed or influence the thinking of political figures. But, when money is introduced and favors are done in exchange, the crime of bribery may be deemed.

Extortion Penalties
Florida extortion, including bribery and blackmail are severe criminal offenses usually charged as a felony. These crimes are punishable by up to 4 years in state prison and / or fines of up to ($10,000) ten thousand dollars or additional.

The Need for Immediate Action
If in fact you are being charged with the crime of extortion or are under investigation for extortion you need strong representation. You need the assistance of an experienced attorney, such as William H. Bryan III, P.A.. Our Florida criminal defense lawyers are experienced defending all types of extortion crimes. Do not talk to anyone until you have met with Mr. Bryan!

If in fact you have been involved in a Florida extortion charge, please call the criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of William H. Bryan III, P.A. to discuss the evidence and proven facts that surround your case.

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