Extortion is the obtaining of property from another induced by wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear, or under color of official right.  Extortion is California state offense and a federal offense. 

Extortion is a federal offense when it interferes with interstate commerce. It is punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both. Another federal statute makes it a crime to engage in extortionate transactions.

Under the common law, extortion is a consisting of an unlawful taking of money by a government officer. It is an oppressive misuse of the power with which the law clothes a public officer.

Virtually all extortion statutes require that a threat must be made to the person or property of the victim. Threats to harm the victim's friends or relatives may also be included. It is not necessary for a threat to involve physical injury. It may be sufficient to threaten to accuse another person of a crime or to expose a secret that would result in public embarrassment or ridicule. The threat does not have to relate to an unlawful act. Extortion may be carried out by a threat to tell the victim's spouse that the victim is having an illicit sexual affair with another.

Defenses

A person who acts under a claim of right (an honest belief that he or she has a right to the money or property taken) may allege this factor as an to an extortion charge.

Punishment

Extortion is generally punished by a fine or imprisonment, or both. Where the offense is committed by a public officer, the penalty may include forfeiture of office. Under some statutes, the victim of an extortion may bring a and recover pecuniary damages.

San Francisco extortion attorney, Ginny Walia, can represent you in California state or federal criminal charges.