Attempted Extortion

The crime of Extortion is defined as the malicious threat to accuse another of a crime, or any person of authority unlawfully using the powers invested in him, with intent to extort money or any pecuniary advantage, or with intent to compel any person to do any act against his will.

In Massachusetts, the crime of Extortion is punishable by imprisonment for up to 2.5 years in the House of Corrections, or up to 15 years in state prison.

In order to be convicted of the crime of Extortion, the prosecutor is required to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt:
  1. That the defendant engaged in a verbal, written or printed communication;
  2. That the communication constituted a threat;
  3. That the threatening communication was undertaken maliciously;
  4. That the threat was to accuse another person of a crime or offense, or to do injury to the person or property of another; and
  5. That the threat was undertaken with the intent to extort money or other pecuniary advantage, or to compel another to do an act against his or her will.
The prosecutor must prove that the defendant specifically intended to coerce from another the payment of money, or the securing of a pecuniary advantage for himself.  It is irrelevant whether or not the defendant actually succeeded in the attempted extortion.

The emphasis of the crime of extortion is on the wrongful use of fear to compel the alleged victim to surrender something of value to the extortionist.

Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis handles all White Collar Crimes and is available 24/7 for consultation.

To schedule a Free Consultation with Attorney Lefteris K. Travayiakis, Contact Us Online or call 617-325-9500.