You are not a criminal. If you have been accused of extortion – or, even, charged with extortion – then the legal system will treat you like one.
Going over what you can do to obtain the best possible legal outcome when charged with extortion in the state of Illinois is essential to protecting yourself. Speaking with a Chicago criminal defense lawyer for legal representation can help.
What Is Extortion?
The definition of “extortion” is as follows: imposing an action or obtaining something by force or coercion.
For example, if someone threatens to destroy your car if you don’t pay them a certain amount of money by a certain date, then that would be extortion.
On the other hand, extortion does not include legitimate negotiation methods that, while they may seem a little odd or even controversial, do not involve force or coercion.
Regarding the above, suppose someone puffs up their services and mentions that it is for a “limited time only.” While this might affect the purchaser’s decision, it is not considered extortion.
If, on the other hand, that same individual threatens to hurt the purchaser if they do not purchase what they are attempting to sell them, then that would be considered extortion.
What Can Happen If You Are Charged With Extortion In The State Of Illinois?
Right before we dive into what can happen if you are charged with extortion in the state of Illinois, there is one key point that must be clarified: extortion in Illinois, while not legal per se, isn’t necessarily illegal.
Rather than being illegal, extortion is often charged under Illinois’ intimidation laws. And these laws require either a direct or indirect threat to:
- Inflict physical harm on a particular individual.
- Inflict physical harm on a particular property.
- Subject anyone to confinement or restraint.
- Commit a Class A misdemeanor or felony.
- Accuse a particular individual of an offense.
- Expose someone to contempt, ridicule, or hatred.
- Use your ability, as a public official, to take action against someone.
- Use your ability, as a public official, to withhold action against someone.
- Create a boycott, strike, or some other collective action.
If someone directly/indirectly threatens to commit one of the above, with the intent of forcing the threatened person to commit a particular act or to not commit a particular act, then they are committing the crime of intimidation.
Someone who is convicted of intimidation faces a prison sentence of two to five years. In turn, they also face a fine of no more than $25,000.
No matter the specifics behind your case, it is likely that if you are convicted, you will need to spend some time in prison and pay a sizable fine.
Given the severity of an intimidation offense, if you are accused of intimidation or other related, extortionate acts, then it is of the utmost importance that you obtain the legal help that you need.
Obtain The Qualified Legal Help You Need
If you need representation for an intimidation charge in Cook County, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.
When you need an attorney, experience matters. Contact a Cook County criminal defense attorney today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.