Extortion Lawyer Salem County — Defending Against Blackmail Charges in NJ
Extortion is a serious felony in New Jersey, prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5. An extortion lawyer Salem County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can defend you against charges involving threats to obtain property. Our firm has extensive experience in the Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage. We provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. By appointment only.
New Jersey Extortion Law and Penalties
In New Jersey, extortion is defined by statute as purposely obtaining property of another by threatening to inflict bodily injury, accuse anyone of a crime, expose any secret that would subject a person to hatred or impair credit, take or withhold official action, or testify or provide information with intent to affect a legal proceeding. This is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5. The law treats extortion as a form of theft, and the degree of the crime depends on the value of the property involved.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the high stakes of felony charges in Salem County.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s extortion statute, refer to the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.). Court procedures and filing information for Salem County cases can be found on the Salem Vicinage website.
Facing Extortion Charges in Salem County Court
Extortion cases in Salem County are heard in the Law Division of the Superior Court. The process is formal and complex. Prosecutors must prove you acted purposely to obtain property through a specific threat. A common local procedural fact is the court’s use of mandatory Early Settlement Panels to explore case resolution before trial. For a blackmail defense lawyer Salem County, the nuances of proving intent and the credibility of threats are central to building a defense.
- Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty. Your attorney will secure all discovery from the prosecution.
- Pre-Trial Conferences: Attend case management conferences where evidence issues and motions are discussed.
- Motion Practice: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if the prosecution’s case is weak.
- Negotiation & Settlement: Engage in plea negotiations, potentially through the Early Settlement Panel, to seek a reduction in charges.
- Trial Preparation: If no settlement is reached, prepare for a jury trial where the state must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, advocate for the most favorable sentence possible under New Jersey sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Extortion in NJ
In Salem County, extortion is graded as a crime of the second, third, or fourth degree based on the property’s value, with penalties ranging from 18 months to 10 years in state prison.
| Offense Degree | Property Value Threshold | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Degree Crime | $75,000 or more | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Felony record, restitution |
| 3rd Degree Crime | $500 to $74,999 | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Felony record, restitution |
| 4th Degree Crime | Under $500 | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we have a documented history of handling complex criminal charges. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of the courtroom. This background is critical when building a defense against serious charges like extortion.
Case Results and Defense Approach
While specific case results for extortion in Salem County are not publicly verifiable, our firm’s approach to similar serious felony charges is consistent. We conduct a thorough investigation, challenge the prosecution’s evidence on intent and threat, and explore all procedural and substantive defenses. For an extortion charge defense lawyer Salem County, the goal is to create reasonable doubt or negotiate a favorable resolution to avoid the severe penalties of a conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Salem County Extortion Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Salem County. We are accessible via I-295, Route 45, and Route 49, near the Salem County Courthouse. We represent individuals in Salem, Pennsville, Carneys Point, Woodstown, Pilesgrove, Alloway, Quinton, and Elsinboro.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Extortion Defense in Salem County
What is the difference between extortion and blackmail in New Jersey?
In New Jersey law, blackmail is typically considered a form of extortion. The statute (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5) defines extortion broadly to include obtaining property through threats to expose a secret, accuse of a crime, or inflict bodily injury—all scenarios commonly called blackmail. The legal charge is extortion.
Can an extortion charge be dropped if the victim doesn’t want to press charges?
It depends. While a victim’s cooperation is important, extortion is a crime against the state of New Jersey. The Salem County Prosecutor’s Office makes the final decision on whether to proceed. A victim’s reluctance can be a powerful negotiating point for your attorney to seek a dismissal or favorable plea, but it does not aim for the case will be dropped.
What are common defenses to an extortion charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to obtain property, that the communication was not a true threat, that the property was lawfully owed, or that the evidence was obtained illegally. An effective extortion lawyer Salem County will also challenge the value of the property alleged, which directly impacts the degree of the crime and potential sentence.
Is extortion always a felony in NJ?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5, extortion is always indictable (New Jersey’s term for a felony). It is graded as a crime of the second, third, or fourth degree. There is no disorderly persons (misdemeanor) version of extortion in New Jersey.
What should I do if I am being investigated for extortion?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney. Do not speak to law enforcement or the alleged victim without your lawyer present. An attorney can intervene early, often before charges are formally filed, to present your side and potentially influence the prosecutor’s initial charging decision.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing criminal charges in Salem County, you may also need information on other practice areas. We also assist with business law, federal criminal defense, and DUI charges. For more information on criminal defense across New Jersey, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring counties like Camden County and Burlington County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding extortion charges in Salem County, NJ.