Were you recently arrested on extortion charges in West Chester, PA? If so, you could face harsh penalties for conviction. At DiCindio Law, LLC, our West Chester criminal defense attorneys can help you build a solid defense to give you the best chance of winning your case.
As a former Chester County prosecutor, our founding partner Mike DiCindio understands the criminal justice system. For more than a decade, our legal team has aggressively fought to protect our client’s rights to fair and just outcomes in their criminal cases.
Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation at (610) 430-3535 with an experienced West Chester extortion defense lawyer.
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How Our West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You With Extortion Charges
Whether you are facing criminal charges in Delaware County, Montgomery County, or Chester County, you need an experienced legal team to work on your case. You need a lawyer who understands criminal law and how to use the law to fight for your freedom.
Working in the district attorney’s office for the first part of his career gave Mike DiCindio a unique understanding of how the state prosecutes cases. He uses that knowledge and his years of experience to represent clients facing criminal charges.
When you hire DiCindio Law, LLC to handle your case, you can expect us to:
- Conduct an exhaustive investigation into the criminal charges against you
- Obtain and analyze the evidence the state has gathered
- Collect evidence to use in your defense
- Challenge the evidence against you, including hiring expert witnesses when necessary
- Explain your legal options to help you decide whether to accept a plea deal or go to court
- Aggressively negotiate with the prosecutor to obtain a plea agreement to minimize your penalties
- Advocate for you in court and vigorously defend you at trial
We will keep you informed of the progress of your case. Our West Chester White Collar lawyers and the rest of our legal team will discuss issues and decisions that impact your case with you because we understand this is your life and your freedom we are working to protect.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
What Is Theft by Extortion in Pennsylvania?
Extortion is defined as using force or coercion to obtain something by illegal means. Under Pennsylvania law, extortion is a criminal offense that uses threats or harm to force someone to take specific actions or to obtain property.
Unlike robbery, extortion involves forcing someone to hand over property instead of forcibly taking the property from them. Extortion is illegal under federal and state law.
Pennsylvania’s theft by extortion law is codified in 18 Pa.C.S. §3923. The statute defines theft by extortion as intentionally obtaining or withholding another person’s property by threatening to:
- Commit another criminal offense
- Accuse someone of committing a crime
- Exposes a secret that could subject a person to contempt, hatred, or ridicule
- Withhold or take action as an official or cause an official to withhold or take action
- Being or continue a boycott, strike, or other collective unofficial action if the property is not received or demanded for the group the person claims to represent
- To provide or withhold information or testimony regarding the legal claim or defense of another person
- Inflict any other harm that benefits the act
Examples of extortion include bribery, ransom, and blackmail. Intimidation and coercion and key elements that must be present for the offense to be theft by extortion.
How Is Extortion Charged and Punished in Pennsylvania?
Extortion can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor offense in Pennsylvania. The grading and penalty depend on several factors, including:
- The value of the property taken
- Whether the defendant owed the victim a fiduciary duty
- If the item was a motorized vehicle, anhydrous ammonia, or a firearm
- Whether the defendant used threats to commit the crime
Theft by extortion can range from a third-degree misdemeanor charge to a first-degree felony. The prison term for a misdemeanor extortion conviction ranges from one year to five years. The fine ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.
Felony extortion charges carry harsher sentences. The prison sentence for felony extortion ranges from seven years to 20 years. The fines for felony extortion range from $15,000 to $25,000.
Extortion charges are complex criminal cases. The potential punishments are severe. Therefore, it is crucial that you hire an experienced West Chester extortion lawyer as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a West Chester Extortion Defense Attorney
You have the right to legal counsel. Extortion is a serious criminal charge that requires a swift and aggressive defense.
At DiCindio Law, LLC, we want to help you build a defense that gives you the best chance of beating the criminal charges against you. We use our experience, resources, and skills to advocate for you.
Don’t wait to talk with a lawyer about the criminal charges against you. Call our office to schedule your free consultation with a West Chester defense attorney.