Criminal Extortion is a crime that occurs in Colorado when an individual threatens another person as a means of getting them to do something against their will. Some refer to this offense as blackmail. This is a serious felony crime that only amplifies with the presence of a deadly weapon or serious injury. Consulting an experienced criminal extortion lawyer is especially critical in these situations with so much on the line.
What is Criminal Extortion in Colorado?
C.R.S. 18-3-207 defines the circumstances of Criminal Extortion in Colorado. A person commits this felony offense when:
- in order to induce another person to do something against their will, to refrain from performing a lawful act, or to provide money or anything else of value,
- a person makes a substantial threat,
- to confine or restrain another person,
- cause economic hardship to someone,
- cause bodily injury,
- damage another’s property or reputation
There are many different threats that can fit within this definition. Threatening to harm a person’s family member, publicly spread detrimental facts, ruin a person’s business, physically injure someone, and damage property are just a few possibilities. The more serious crime of Aggravated Extortion occurs when in addition to the acts above, a threat includes the use of chemical, biological, or harmful radioactive agents, weapons, or poison.
Sentencing for Criminal Extortion in Colorado
Typically, criminal extortion is charged as a class 4 felony in Colorado. Potential consequences include 2 – 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and a fine of $2,000 – $500,000. If the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon occurs as part of the threats, a crime of violence designation can be added. This increases the penalties to 5 – 16 years in prison alongside the above mentioned fines. The rare offense of Aggravated Criminal Extortion is a class 3 felony. Possible punishments can include 4 – 12 years in prison and fines of $3,000 – $750,000.
Colorado Criminal Extortion Lawyer
Criminal Extortion charges should be handled with the utmost care. A criminal defense lawyer with experience defending felony offenses of this magnitude is a necessity. Maybe the threat in your case wasn’t substantial or you were misunderstood. Perhaps there wasn’t any way that you could feasibly carry out the threat or you weren’t trying to convince the alleged victim to do something against their will. Nonetheless, it is crucial that you not speak with law enforcement or provide statements of any kind. Instead, contact our skilled criminal defense attorneys to schedule a free consultation where we will carefully analyze the details in your unique situation.
If you or someone you know is facing criminal extortion charges, be smart. Contact the unparalleled defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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