Extortion Lawyer Union County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Extortion in Union 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 of extortion or blackmail, you need an experienced extortion lawyer Union County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our firm has defended clients in the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage. We provide 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.
New Jersey Extortion Law and Penalties
In New Jersey, extortion, often called blackmail, is defined by statute as threatening to harm a person’s health, safety, property, or reputation, or to accuse someone of a crime, with the intent to obtain property or something else of value. The crime is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5. A conviction is a second-degree crime, carrying severe consequences.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5 (official New Jersey Legislature). For court procedures, visit the Union Vicinage website.
Handling an Extortion Case in Union County Court
Extortion charges are prosecuted in the Law Division of the Superior Court in Union County. The process is demanding, beginning with an indictment by a grand jury. Prosecutors must prove you made a threat with the specific intent to gain a benefit. An experienced extortion charge defense lawyer Union County can challenge the evidence of intent or the credibility of the alleged threat.
- Initial Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence from the prosecution and conduct an independent investigation.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if your rights were violated.
- Plea Negotiations: Your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor, potentially seeking a reduction to a lesser charge.
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a jury trial where the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, your lawyer will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible under the circumstances.
Potential Penalties for Extortion in NJ
In Union County, a conviction for extortion as a second-degree crime carries a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years and a fine of up to $150,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extortion (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses, difficulty finding employment. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Extortion Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand that an extortion accusation can devastate your personal and professional life. Our approach is to build a strong, evidence-based defense from the start, examining every detail of the prosecution’s case for weaknesses. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients across New Jersey.
Our Commitment to Union County Clients
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Union County. We have represented individuals facing serious criminal allegations. While specific results are unique to each case, our firm-wide commitment is to provide aggressive and strategic defense. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Extortion Defense Lawyers
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) 334-7465
By appointment only.
Our NJ location serves clients at Union County courts in Elizabeth. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Route 22. We provide 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. We serve Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
Extortion & Blackmail Defense FAQs
What is the difference between extortion and blackmail in New Jersey?
No practical difference. New Jersey law uses the term “extortion” (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5) to cover what is commonly called blackmail—using a threat to obtain property or something of value from another person.
Can an extortion charge be dropped?
It depends. The prosecutor may drop charges if evidence is weak, if the alleged victim recants, or if your extortion charge defense lawyer Union County successfully challenges the legality of the evidence. Early intervention by a skilled attorney is critical to exploring all avenues for dismissal.
What are common defenses to extortion?
Common defenses include lack of intent to obtain property, that the statement was not a true threat, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, or that your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation. A blackmail defense lawyer Union County can identify the best strategy for your situation.
Is extortion a federal crime?
Yes. Extortion can be a federal crime under the Hobbs Act if it affects interstate commerce. Many state-level extortion cases are prosecuted locally, but federal charges are possible, especially in cases involving public officials or crossing state lines.
Should I talk to the police if I’m accused of extortion?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with an extortion lawyer Union County from our firm.
Related Legal Services in Union County
If you are facing other serious charges, we can help. Explore our related practice areas: Federal Criminal Lawyer Union County or Business Lawyer Union County. For more information on criminal defense across New Jersey, visit our hub page: New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Union County cases are handled by our New Jersey extortion practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Union 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 Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Extortion Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Extortion Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Extortion Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.