Extortion, any form of taking or obtaining property from another person by means of illegal compulsion or oppressive exaction.
In common law it is defined as a crime committed by an officer of the law, who, under cover of office, unlawfully takes any money or other valuable. In many states of the U.S., the term is still so defined by legal statutes. In other states, the statutes define the term in its broader sense to include the obtaining of property from another through a wrongful use of force or fear, or by pretense of right.
The term is also used synonymously with blackmail, such as, for example, the extortion of money from a person by threats of exposure of wrongdoing. The crime of extortion is punishable by fine and imprisonment and subjects the offender to removal from office.
In the U.S., the Federal Extortion Statute of July 8, 1932, makes it a criminal offense to use the mails for the purpose of extortion.
Bribery, in law, the illegal influencing of any person in the exercise of a public duty through the payment of money or anything of value.
In the United States bribery and attempted bribery are defined by the federal government and by most of the states as felonies, punishable in many states by imprisonment. Many states also forbid the bribery of labor union agents, business representatives, athletes, jury witnesses, and voters.
If you of someone you know has been accused of extortion or bribery, you or that person need inmediate assistance. Call us or click here to find a qualified criminal defense attorney in your area.
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