Extortion Under Color of Official Right Lawyer in Frederick County, MD
Extortion under color of official right is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1951, commonly called the Hobbs Act, which prohibits public officials from using their position to obtain property not due to them. If you are a public official in Frederick County facing this charge, you need a lawyer who understands federal court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal Statute for Extortion Under Color of Official Right
Extortion under color of official right is defined under the federal Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1951. This statute 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. The “under color of official right” element specifically applies when a public official uses their real 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.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal Hobbs Act, see 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (official U.S. Code). For information on the federal court where these cases are prosecuted in Maryland, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland website.
Defense Strategy in Frederick County Federal Court
Defending against a charge of extortion under color of official right requires a detailed understanding of federal procedure and the specific elements the government must prove. The prosecution must establish that you, as a public official, obtained property from another person with their consent, but that the consent was induced by the wrongful use of fear of economic harm or under color of your official office. A key defense often involves challenging the existence of a quid pro quo—a specific exchange of an official act for payment or property.
- Initial Investigation & Grand Jury: Federal agents (FBI, IRS, etc.) conduct an investigation, often culminating in a grand jury indictment.
- Arraignment: You appear in U.S. District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files pretrial motions to challenge the admissibility of evidence or the legal sufficiency of the charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows under the complex U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Federal Extortion
In federal court, a conviction for extortion under color of official right under the Hobbs Act carries severe penalties, including up to 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | 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 public office | Supervised release, restitution, permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, ineligibility for future public office. |
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. Our firm handles complex federal criminal matters, including charges under the Hobbs Act. Our approach is based on a thorough investigation of the government’s evidence and a strategic defense case-specific to the unique pressures of federal court.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our attorneys work to protect our clients’ rights and futures. We examine every detail of the government’s case, from the initial investigation methods to the evidence presented. While we cannot aim for specific results, our goal is to seek the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation, motion practice, or trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Federal Defense for Frederick County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
Our Maryland office serves clients in Frederick County facing federal charges. We represent individuals in Frederick, Thurmont, Brunswick, Middletown, Emmitsburg, New Market, Urbana, and Walkersville. Federal cases for this area are typically handled in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
FAQs: Extortion Under Color of Official Right in Frederick County
What is “extortion under color of official right”?
It is a federal crime where a public official uses their office to obtain money or property from someone else, with that person’s consent, but the consent is induced by the official’s wrongful use of fear or their official position.
Is this a state or federal charge in Maryland?
Extortion under color of official right is prosecuted federally under the Hobbs Act (18 U.S.C. § 1951). While Maryland has its own extortion laws, cases involving public officials are typically investigated by federal agencies like the FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
What are the key defenses to this charge?
Common defenses include lack of corrupt intent, absence of a quid pro quo (an explicit exchange), entrapment, and challenging the sufficiency of the evidence that the official’s actions were “under color of official right.” The specific defense depends entirely on the case facts.
Do I need a specific extortion charge defense lawyer Frederick County?
Yes. You need an attorney experienced in federal court, not just state court. Federal procedure, sentencing guidelines, and the agencies involved are entirely different. A lawyer familiar with the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland is critical.
How is this different from blackmail?
While both involve obtaining property through coercion, blackmail defense lawyer Frederick County cases typically involve threats to reveal damaging information. Extortion under color of official right specifically involves a public official misusing their governmental power or authority to obtain the property.
What should I do if I am under federal investigation?
Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you. An attorney can advise you on your rights and may be able to interact with prosecutors before formal charges are filed.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing federal charges, it is important to understand your options. For more information on our federal defense practice, visit our Maryland Federal Criminal Lawyer hub page. For defense on related state charges, see our page for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Frederick County. For other federal legal matters, consider our Frederick County Business Lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.