Extortion Lawyer Burlington County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Extortion in Burlington County is a serious felony under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If you are accused, you need an experienced extortion lawyer Burlington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our firm, founded in 1997, provides a strong defense against these charges. We offer 24/7 consultations to discuss your case.
Understanding New Jersey Extortion and Blackmail Laws
In New Jersey, extortion and blackmail are prosecuted under the state’s theft and extortion statutes. The core of the offense involves unlawfully obtaining property, services, or something of value from another person through coercion. This coercion typically involves threats—such as to inflict bodily injury, accuse someone of a crime, expose a secret, or take or withhold official action. The severity of the charge often depends on the value of what was obtained and the nature of the threat used.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and forms for Burlington County cases are available through the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage website.
Local Defense Strategy in Burlington County Court
Defending against an extortion charge in Burlington County Superior Court requires a precise understanding of local prosecution patterns. The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office handles these cases, which are heard in the Law Division. A common local procedural fact is the court’s use of Early Settlement Panels (ESP) in the Civil Division; however, in criminal extortion cases, plea negotiations are handled directly with the prosecutor’s office before any potential trial. Building a defense often hinges on challenging the element of intent and the credibility of the alleged threat.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Promptly contact an attorney to secure representation. All communications with your lawyer are protected.
- Evidence Analysis: Your attorney will review all evidence, including witness statements, financial records, and digital communications, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Indictment Negotiations: Before formal charges are filed by a grand jury, your lawyer may engage with the prosecutor to present mitigating facts or argue for a lesser charge.
- Formal Plea or Trial Strategy: If indicted, your attorney will advise on whether to negotiate a plea agreement or prepare for trial, based on the strength of the evidence and potential penalties.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your lawyer will advocate for the most favorable sentence possible or file an appeal if legal errors occurred during the process.
Potential Penalties for Extortion in New Jersey
In Burlington County, extortion is typically a second-degree crime carrying 5 to 10 years in state prison, but it can be charged as a third-degree crime or even a first-degree crime depending on the circumstances.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extortion (Typical) | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Felony record, restitution, permanent loss of certain civil rights. |
| Extortion (Lesser Value) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Felony record, restitution. |
| Aggravated Extortion | 1st Degree Crime | 10-20 years | Up to $200,000 | Most severe felony penalties under NJ law. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a history of thousands of cases, our firm brings substantial resources and insight to every defense. Our blackmail defense lawyer Burlington County team understands that these charges can stem from business disputes, personal relationships, or misunderstandings, and we work diligently to protect your rights and future.
Our Approach to Your Case
We begin every case with a thorough investigation. For an extortion charge, this means scrutinizing the timeline of events, the context of all communications, and the motives of all parties involved. We look for defenses such as lack of intent, entrapment, or that the alleged threat was not actually a crime. Our goal is to achieve a favorable resolution, whether that is a case dismissal, reduction of charges, or a favorable verdict at trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Extortion Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Burlington County. We are accessible via major routes like the NJ Turnpike and I-295, making it convenient to meet with your extortion lawyer Burlington County.
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) 651-3900
By appointment only.
We serve Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, Marlton, and all surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between extortion and blackmail in New Jersey?
Yes, there is a distinction. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5) defines extortion broadly as obtaining property through threats, which can include threats of physical harm, criminal accusation, or exposure of secrets. Blackmail is often considered a subset of extortion specifically involving threats to reveal embarrassing or damaging information.
Can an extortion charge be dropped if the victim doesn’t want to press charges?
It depends. While a victim’s cooperation is important, in New Jersey, extortion is a crime against the state. The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office decides whether to proceed. A reluctant victim can make the case harder to prove, but the prosecutor may still move forward with other evidence like recorded communications or witness testimony.
What are common defenses to an extortion charge?
Common defenses include lack of criminal intent (showing the communication was a misunderstanding or lawful negotiation), entrapment by law enforcement, insufficient evidence that a true threat was made, and challenging the credibility of the accuser. An experienced extortion charge defense lawyer Burlington County can identify which defense strategy fits your specific situation.
Is extortion a federal crime?
Yes. Extortion can be prosecuted federally under the Hobbs Act if it affects interstate commerce (e.g., threatening a business owner). It can also be federal if it involves electronic communications (wire fraud) or is part of a racketeering (RICO) enterprise. You need an attorney familiar with both state and federal courts.
Should I talk to the police if I’m accused of extortion?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with a blackmail defense lawyer Burlington County. Contact our firm for a 24/7 consultation at (888) 437-7747 before speaking to anyone.
Internal Resources: For more information on related legal issues in Burlington County, see our pages on federal criminal defense and business law. To understand how we handle similar cases statewide, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. directly.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey extortion practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington 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 Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, 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 Burlington 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: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Extortion Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Extortion Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Extortion Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.