Blackmail and extortion are both forms of extortion, however they are not the same thing. The California Extortion and Blackmail Law covers both in California and has the same punishments for both offences, yet they are distinct.
What Does the Term “Extortion” Mean?”
When someone is subjected to compulsion in order to get money, products, or services, this is called extortion. Violence, the fear of violence, damage of property, or wrong government conduct may all be forms of coercion used to get someone to do something. Coercion may also be defined as a threat to withhold testimony. In any وحدة مكافحة الجرائم الإلكترونية, we can help you out.
Consider a neighbourhood gang as an example.
They contact a small company and threaten to destroy it if the owner does not pay a monthly “protection” charge. Extortion is a criminal act. There are various forms of coercion, such as when a government official receives money in return for doing an official act or when a police officer refrains from making an arrest in exchange for payment.
What Does the Term “Blackmail” Mean?
Blackmail, on the other hand, is the threat of releasing humiliating, incriminating, or socially injurious information in order to extract money, products, or services from a person. Consider the situation when Joe learns of Bill’s past sexual misconduct as an example of blackmail. It’s Joe’s understanding that disclosing the truth to Bill’s wife might lead to the breakdown of their marriage, and so he threatens that he would divulge the truth unless Bill coughs up some cash. That’s a kind of blackmail that’s against the law. Countless celebrities have been blackmailed into paying to keep their romances a secret. Intriguingly, blackmail is illegal regardless of the veracity of the information used to extort money or other valuables. You are still blackmailing and violating the law if you threaten to divulge actual criminal action. You can get our help in الجرائم الإلكترونية.
When Is It Illegal to Demand Money in Exchange for Information?
Blackmail and extortion are crimes in California, unlike in other states, and may result in up to four years in jail and a $10,000 fine. No matter how many times someone tries to blackmail or extort someone else and fails, they are still guilty of a crime – even if they were unsuccessful. Depending on the gravity of the offence, attempted blackmail is either a misdemeanour or a felony. If the offence is a misdemeanour, the maximum punishment is 364 days in jail and a fine of $1,000. If it’s a crime, the punishment is four years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Accused of Blackmail or Extortion?
If you’ve been accused of blackmail or extortion, your best option is to hire a Los Angeles criminal defence lawyer. If you’ve been accused of blackmail or extortion, contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP right once.