Extortion Under Color Of Official Right Lawyer in Arlington, Virginia
Extortion under color of official right is a federal Hobbs Act violation under 18 U.S.C. § 1951, prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. This charge carries up to 20 years in prison and severe fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 applies when a public official obtains property not due to them or their office, exploiting their actual or purported power. The property is obtained through consent induced by the wrongful use of official power, not necessarily by explicit threats of force or violence. The government must prove the defendant was a public official and that the property was obtained through the misuse of their office.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures in Arlington, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Arlington Federal Court Process for Hobbs Act Charges
Cases for extortion under color of official right in Arlington are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division). The process is intensive and moves quickly under the Federal Speedy Trial Act. An indictment is typically sought within 30 days of arrest, with trial required within 70 days of indictment, though complex motions can extend this timeline. The investigation preceding charges is often lengthy and conducted by federal agencies like the FBI.
- Federal Investigation: The FBI or another agency conducts a covert investigation, which may include surveillance, interviews, and financial analysis.
- Grand Jury Indictment: Prosecutors present evidence to a federal grand jury to secure an indictment, which formally initiates the case.
- Arraignment & Initial Appearance: You appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Alexandria to hear the charges, enter a plea, and address bail conditions.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense attorney reviews extensive discovery from the government and files pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases resolve through plea agreements. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial before a U.S. District Judge.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which are advisory but carry significant weight.
Potential Penalties for Federal Extortion
In Arlington, a conviction for extortion under color of official right under 18 U.S.C. § 1951 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extortion Under Color of Official Right (18 U.S.C. § 1951) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | As set by the court | Forfeiture of property, permanent loss of public office, loss of professional licenses, lifelong felony record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Court
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal criminal defense. We have handled complex federal investigations and trials. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, personally leads on complex federal defense matters, bringing a strategic perspective honed over decades. Our approach involves meticulous case analysis, aggressive motion practice, and skilled negotiation with federal prosecutors.
Case Results & Defense Strategy
Our defense strategy for extortion under color of official right charges begins with a thorough review of the federal investigation. We scrutinize the methods used by the FBI or other agencies for constitutional violations. We challenge whether the government can prove the “affecting commerce” element required by the Hobbs Act and whether the alleged conduct truly constitutes the wrongful use of official power. We also explore potential pretrial diversion programs or negotiations for reduced charges where appropriate. In Arlington, having a defense lawyer who understands the nuances of federal procedure and the tendencies of the local U.S. Attorney’s Office is essential.
Our secondary attorney for federal criminal defense in the DC area is Matthew Greene. With over 30 years of experience, including former certification for death penalty cases and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, Mr. Greene provides deep litigation experience for complex federal matters.
Local Service for Arlington Federal Defendants
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients facing federal charges at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. We are accessible to residents of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with 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 power to obtain property they were not entitled to receive. The victim’s consent is induced by the official’s position, not necessarily by a direct threat of force.
Do I need a criminal attorney for a federal extortion charge?
Yes. Federal charges are exceptionally serious. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has vast resources. An experienced criminal court lawyer is essential to protect your rights, challenge the investigation, negotiate with prosecutors, and provide a strong defense at trial.
What is the difference between bribery and extortion under color of official right?
Bribery involves a two-way exchange where the official is offered something of value in return for an official act. Extortion under color of official right is a one-way taking where the official exploits their power to obtain property, with the payer receiving only relief from the official’s negative power.
Can these charges be fought before trial?
Yes. A skilled defense lawyer can file motions to dismiss the indictment if it’s legally flawed or to suppress evidence obtained illegally. Challenging the “affecting commerce” element or the sufficiency of the evidence before a grand jury are common pre-trial strategies.
What are the long-term consequences of a conviction?
Beyond prison, consequences include permanent loss of any public office, disqualification from future government employment, loss of state professional licenses (like law or real estate), a lifelong felony record, and substantial fines or asset forfeiture.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing federal criminal charges, you need an attorney who specializes in this complex area. For more information, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Alexandria. For other legal needs in Arlington, our firm handles state criminal charges defense and business law matters.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Arlington County, our page on extortion under color of official right charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.