Extortion Under Color of Official Right Lawyer in Gloucester County, NJ
Extortion under color of official right is a serious federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Hobbs Act) prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. A conviction can result in up to 20 years in federal prison, substantial fines, and permanent loss of public office.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey federal statutes.
Federal Statute for Extortion Under Color of Official Right
The federal crime of extortion under color of official right is defined in the Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1951. This statute prohibits actual or attempted robbery or extortion that affects interstate or foreign commerce. The “under color of official right” element specifically applies when a public official corruptly obtains property not due to them or their office, exploiting their position of power. This is distinct from bribery, as it focuses on the official’s wrongful taking rather than a quid pro quo exchange. The statute has been interpreted broadly by federal courts, and cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, often involving investigations by the FBI or other federal agencies.
Official Resources & Court Information
For the official text of the Hobbs Act, see 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents (FBI, IRS, etc.) may conduct interviews, execute search warrants, or issue grand jury subpoenas. Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a federal grand jury. If indicted, you will be formally charged and arraigned in U.S. District Court.
- Pretrial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to challenge evidence and obtain discovery from the prosecution, which can be voluminous in corruption cases.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The government may offer a plea deal. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial where the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which can include prison, fines, restitution, and supervised release.
Potential Penalties for Federal Extortion
In Gloucester County and across New Jersey, a federal conviction for extortion under color of official right under the Hobbs Act carries severe, life-altering penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extortion Under Color of Official Right (18 U.S.C. § 1951) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Forfeiture of assets, permanent loss of public office, restitution, supervised release, permanent criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high-stakes nature of federal public corruption prosecutions and the unique pressures faced by public officials and employees.
Case Results & Defense Strategy
While specific local results for this charge are not disclosed, our approach to federal defense is proven. We meticulously analyze every interaction and transaction alleged by the government, challenging the “under color of official right” element and the effect on interstate commerce. We scrutinize the investigation for constitutional violations and aggressively negotiate with prosecutors. Our secondary attorney, Mr. Sris, whose background includes amending Virginia state code, applies a detail-oriented, strategic perspective to building a defense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Gloucester County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Gloucester County. We are accessible via I-295, Route 55, and the NJ Turnpike. We provide representation for individuals in Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, Monroe Township, and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 763-0384
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Federal Extortion Defense FAQs
What does “under color of official right” mean?
It means a public official used their actual or purported government authority to wrongfully obtain money, property, or something of value. The official exploits their position, and the victim typically pays out of fear of economic harm or official adverse action.
Is this the same as bribery?
No. Bribery involves a two-way exchange: something of value is given to influence an official act. Extortion under color of official right is a one-way taking by the official, where the payment is induced by the official’s wrongful use of power. The line can be fine, and charges may overlap.
What should I do if I’m contacted by the FBI about this?
Do not answer any questions. Politely state you wish to speak with your attorney and end the conversation. Immediately contact a federal criminal defense lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you, and agents are trained to obtain incriminating statements.
Can I get a plea deal in a federal extortion case?
It depends. The U.S. Attorney’s Office frequently offers plea agreements, especially if they seek your cooperation against others. The terms depend on the strength of their evidence, your criminal history, and the value of your cooperation. An experienced extortion charge defense lawyer Gloucester County is essential to negotiate effectively.
What defenses are available?
Potential defenses include lack of intent, entrapment, challenging the effect on interstate commerce, proving the payment was a lawful gift or fee, and attacking the legality of the investigation (e.g., illegal search, Miranda violations). Each case requires a unique strategy developed with your blackmail defense lawyer Gloucester County.
Related Practice Areas: New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer | Federal Criminal Lawyer Camden County | Business Lawyer Gloucester County
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Gloucester County, our page on extortion under color of official right charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.
Your case in Gloucester County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Gloucester County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage (15th Vicinage), 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, telephone (856) 853-3200, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Gloucester County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Gloucester County NJ lawyers directory · Extortion under Color of Official Right Lawyer Bergen County · Extortion under Color of Official Right Lawyer Hudson County · Extortion under Color of Official Right Lawyer Monmouth.