Extortion Under Color of Official Right Lawyer in Allegany County, MD
Extortion under color of official right is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1951, known as the Hobbs Act, which prohibits public officials from using their position to obtain property not due to them. In Allegany County, such cases are prosecuted by the U.S.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | Maryland General Assembly
Federal Statute for Extortion Under Color of Official Right
The primary federal statute governing extortion under color of official right is 18 U.S.C. § 1951, the Hobbs Act. This law makes it a crime for any person, including a public official, to obstruct, delay, or affect commerce by robbery or extortion, or to attempt or conspire to do so. “Extortion under color of official right” is defined as the obtaining of property from another, with their consent, induced under color of official right. This means a public official uses their actual or purported office to obtain a payment to which they are not entitled. The crime is a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, fines, and potential forfeiture of assets.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal Hobbs Act, see 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the federal court where such cases would be heard, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland website.
Defending Against Federal Extortion Charges in Allegany County
Federal extortion charges in Allegany County are investigated by agencies like the FBI and prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. A key defense often involves challenging the element of “inducement”—showing the official did not induce the payment or that the payment was a lawful campaign contribution or gift. The prosecution must prove a quid pro quo, an explicit or implicit exchange of an official act for money or property.
- Initial Investigation & Grand Jury: Federal agents (FBI, IRS) conduct an investigation, which may lead to a grand jury indictment.
- Arraignment: You appear in U.S. District Court to hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a potential plea agreement or prepares for a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider the value of the extortion and your role.
Potential Penalties for Federal Extortion
In the federal system, extortion under color of official right carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms, substantial fines, and a permanent felony record.
| 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) | Forfeiture of assets, permanent felony record, loss of public office/pension, supervised release. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Federal Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand the high stakes of federal charges and the specific strategies needed to defend against allegations of public corruption and extortion. Our approach is thorough, examining every facet of the government’s case for weaknesses.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific case results for extortion under color of official right in Allegany County are not publicly listed, our firm’s overall record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our senior attorney, Mr. Sris, provides strategic oversight on complex federal matters, leveraging his multi-state experience and background.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Extortion Under Color of Official Right Lawyer Near Allegany County
Our Maryland office represents clients in Allegany County federal matters. We serve communities including Cumberland, Frostburg, LaVale, Westernport, and Lonaconing.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
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FAQs: Extortion Under Color of Official Right in Maryland
What is “extortion under color of official right”?
It is a federal crime where a public official uses their position to obtain money or property they are not entitled to, under the Hobbs Act (18 U.S.C. § 1951).
What are the penalties for this federal charge?
Penalties can include up to 20 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000 for individuals, asset forfeiture, and a permanent felony record. There is no parole in the federal system.
How is this different from bribery?
Bribery involves offering something of value to influence an official act. Extortion under color of official right involves the official demanding or receiving payment by exploiting their office, often where the victim feels compelled to pay.
What are common defenses to this charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent, absence of a quid pro quo, entrapment, that the payment was a lawful gift or campaign contribution, and challenging the sufficiency of the evidence linking the official to the extortionate act.
Which federal agency investigates these cases?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the primary agency, often working with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section.
Where would a case from Allegany County be prosecuted?
It would be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which has divisions in Baltimore and Greenbelt.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing federal charges, it is critical to seek experienced counsel immediately. For state criminal defense in Allegany County, we also provide representation. Explore our main resource for Maryland federal criminal defense lawyers. For defense against related state charges, a blackmail defense lawyer in Montgomery County can assist.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.