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Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Criminal Extortion in Colorado, C.R.S. 18-3-207 – Power Corrupts

On Behalf of | Jun 17, 2016 | Extortion |

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Criminal Extortion Charges in El Paso County – Former Sheriff Charged
Criminal Extortion charges were recently filed against a former El Paso County Sheriff and his Undersheriff. The former Sheriff and Undersheriff allegedly threatened to cancel a multi-million dollar contract if a company failed to fire an employee, pressured a domestic-violence victim to modify her story and then put her in jail, and tarnished the reputations of deputies who crossed them. They were charged with six felonies and three misdemeanors. As a Denver Criminal Defense Attorney, I take no satisfaction in the fact that another law enforcement officer is facing serious felony charges. I believe the appropriate reaction to this news is sadness. My Christian attorney perspective reminds me that every person, including myself, is susceptible to making bad choices. I am also reminded of a well known quote from Lord Acton: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

With a quick Google search it is easy to see that law enforcement officers, judges, district attorneys, and politicians – people who are sworn to uphold the law, are no different than the average person. A strange thing happens to people when they are given information or power over others. Many people are tempted to use that power to get what they want. It may happen in subtle ways or not-so-subtle ways when people become intoxicated with the feeling of being able to get whatever they want from others. Those feelings, if acted upon, may lead to Criminal Extortion.

What is Criminal Extortion in Adams County?

The short definition of Criminal Extortion is when a person in Adams County, or anywhere in Colorado, without legal authority, attempts to make another person do something against that person’s will, by threats of violence or economic hardship. The alleged conduct of the former Sheriff and Undersheriff seems to fit this charge. One section of the Extortion statute is specifically devoted to those that would threaten to report the immigration status of another unless they or another do what is demanded. Criminal Extortion is charged as either a class 4 felony.  Read about examples of Extortion in Colorado.

Aggravated Criminal Extortion Lawyer in Arapahoe and Douglas County

A person commits Aggravated Criminal Extortion if they commit Extortion and they threaten to cause the results described by their Extortion using chemical, biological or harmful radioactive agents, weapons or poison. Aggravated Extortion, which is a class 3 felony. We rarely see this occur in Denver or across Colorado.

Prosecutors Act with Impunity – Criminal Extortion Charges Fit in Jefferson County and Across Colorado

Would you play high stakes poker with a professional gambler who was not required to use his own money? That would be crazy. Yet, that is what prosecutors do. They have nothing to lose and they are permitted to raise the stakes at any time. If they get their feelings hurt, they just file more serious charges against someone. There are no real consequences to them. If you are caught in this situation, you can even the odds by hiring the best criminal defense attorney in Jefferson County and across Colorado. Regardless of our constitutional protections, when a person is charged with a crime, the natural assumption of most people in government is to think the defendant is guilty. That is why the getting Denver’s top criminal defense attorney on your side is so important.

So, if you have been accused of Criminal Extortion or Aggravated Criminal Extortion in Douglas County, do not risk your future by fighting it alone. At O’Malley Law Office, P.C. we are dedicated to providing you with the best possible defense. Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 303-731-0719. Together we can protect your future.

Image Credit: Pixabay – BobCarner