Burlington County Extortion Under Color of Official Right Defense Lawyer
Extortion under color of official right is a serious federal crime under the Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1951, prosecuted in the District of New Jersey. If you are a public official or employee in Burlington County accused of using your position to obtain property not due to you, you face severe penalties. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is Extortion Under Color of Official Right?
Extortion under color of official right is a specific type of public corruption defined in the federal Hobbs Act. It occurs when a public official, such as a government employee, police officer, or elected official in Burlington County, uses their actual or purported office to obtain property from another person with that person’s consent, induced by wrongful use of fear or under color of official right. The “color of official right” means the power or authority of the office itself is the vehicle for the extortion. This is distinct from bribery, as the focus is on the official’s coercive exploitation of their position.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the statutes and the court where your case will be heard is critical. The charge is federal, not state. The official text of the Hobbs Act is found at 18 U.S.C. § 1951. Federal cases for Burlington County are typically heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Defending Against Federal Extortion Charges in Burlington County
Federal prosecutors in New Jersey aggressively pursue public corruption cases. A key local procedural fact is that these investigations often involve extensive electronic surveillance, undercover operations, and cooperation from individuals who may have made payments. The defense must challenge whether the alleged property transfer was truly induced by fear of the official’s power or was a voluntary payment for a legitimate service. An experienced extortion charge defense lawyer Burlington County will scrutinize the evidence for entrapment, lack of criminal intent, or overreach by federal agents.
- Immediate Legal Intervention: Contact a federal criminal defense attorney as soon as you are aware of an investigation. Do not speak to investigators without counsel.
- Investigation & Evidence Review: Your attorney will conduct a parallel investigation, review all discovery, and analyze wiretap or recording evidence.
- Motion Practice: File pre-trial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss charges based on legal insufficiency.
- Negotiation & Trial Strategy: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will negotiate for a favorable plea or prepare a vigorous trial defense focusing on intent, lack of coercion, or official authorization.
- Sentencing Mitigation: If convicted, present compelling mitigation to argue for the most lenient sentence possible under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Hobbs Act Extortion
In Burlington County, a federal 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 significant fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extortion Under Color of Official Right | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Forfeiture of property, permanent loss of public office/employment, loss of pension benefits, lifelong felony record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to your defense. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high-stakes nature of federal prosecutions and the unique pressures faced by public officials. Our approach is direct and strategic, built on thorough case preparation and aggressive advocacy.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results for extortion under color of official right lawyer Burlington County matters are confidential, our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in serious federal and state cases, including dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements in matters involving complex charges. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Burlington County courts, including Mount Holly. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike and I-295. If you need a blackmail defense lawyer Burlington County or are under investigation for public corruption, we are here to help.
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) 455-5120
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Serving: Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, Marlton, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bribery and extortion under color of official right?
It depends on the direction of the exchange. Bribery involves offering something to an official to influence an act. Extortion under color of official right involves the official using their office to coercively demand or obtain property from another. The Hobbs Act covers the latter when it affects interstate commerce.
Can I be charged if I never actually received any property?
Yes. An attempt to commit extortion under color of official right is also a crime under the Hobbs Act. The government must prove you had the intent to obtain property and took a substantial step toward doing so, even if unsuccessful.
What does “affecting interstate commerce” mean for a local official?
The federal government’s jurisdiction under the Hobbs Act requires a connection to interstate commerce. This can be minimal, such as the victim using a phone that traveled across state lines, the property taken being from a business engaged in interstate commerce, or the official’s actions depleting assets that could have been used in interstate commerce.
Should I speak to FBI or federal investigators if they contact me?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a federal criminal defense lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you, and investigators are under no obligation to be truthful about their case or your status.
What are the best defenses to this charge?
Common defenses include lack of criminal intent (you believed you were entitled to the property), entrapment, that the payment was a legitimate gift or campaign contribution, absence of coercion or fear, and challenging the sufficiency of the interstate commerce link. A skilled extortion charge defense lawyer Burlington County will identify the strongest defense based on the facts.
Internal Resources
- New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Hub
- Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Camden County
- Burlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding extortion under color of official right charges.