What is Extortion in Florida?

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The crime of Aggravated Battery on a visitor or detainee is a Second Degree Felony that is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The offense of Extortion occurs when a person:

  1. Person made a written, printed or verbal communication to victim.
  2. In that communication, the person threatened to:
    • Accuse another person of any crime or offense;
    • Injure another person;
    • Injure the property or reputation of another person;
    • Expose another person to disgrace;
    • Expose any secret affecting another person; or
    • Impute any deformity or lack of chastity to another person.
  3. Person’s threat was made maliciously.
  4. Person’s threat was made with the intent to:
    • Extort money or nay pecuniary advantage whatsoever from victim; or
    • Compel any person to do any act or refrain from doing any act against their will.

“Maliciously” means with ill will, hatred, spite, or an evil intent.

Some of the defenses to Extortion are:

  • Litigation Privilege.
  • Idle Threats.
  • Did not have required intent.

References:

Calamia v. State: On maliciously.

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Glenn M. Swiatek for a Free Initial Consultation

If you have been arrested or believe you will soon be arrested for the offense of Extortion in Destin, Shalimar, Crestview, Ft. Walton Beach or other areas of Northwest Florida please call us today at (850) 609‑0940 or contact us online.

Initial Office Consults are free, and I will make myself available to suit your schedule. Get the peace of mind that an attorney with over twenty-three years of criminal law experience can bring.

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