Extortion Under Color Of Official Right Lawyer in Mecklenburg, Virginia
Extortion Under Color Of Official Right is a serious federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1951, the Hobbs Act, which prohibits obtaining property from another through wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear, under color of official right.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western/Eastern District of Virginia (serving Mecklenburg) | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Statute for Extortion Under Color Of Official Right
The federal statute governing Extortion Under Color Of Official Right is 18 U.S.C. § 1951, commonly known as the Hobbs Act. This law makes it a crime to obstruct, delay, or affect commerce by robbery or extortion. The “under color of official right” element applies when a public official uses their office to obtain property not due to them or their office. The crime is a felony with severe penalties. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on complex federal defense.
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, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Local Federal Court Process in Mecklenburg
Federal cases for Mecklenburg County are typically prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond or Alexandria divisions) or the Western District. The process begins with a federal indictment or information. A criminal attorney must handle initial appearances, arraignments, discovery, pre-trial motions, and potential trial in U.S. District Court.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will review all evidence, including wiretaps, documents, and witness statements.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Plea Negotiations: The U.S. Attorney may offer a plea agreement; your attorney will advise you on its terms.
- Trial Preparation: If no plea is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which are often severe.
Potential Penalties for Federal Extortion
In federal court, Extortion Under Color Of Official Right under the Hobbs Act 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 (18 U.S.C. § 1951) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Forfeiture of assets, permanent loss of public office, felony record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled thousands of criminal cases. Our approach to federal charges involves detailed analysis of the prosecution’s evidence and challenging the government’s legal theory. For extortion charges, we examine whether the alleged conduct truly falls under the “color of official right” and whether interstate commerce was affected.
Case Results
Our firm has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Mecklenburg County, our team has secured dismissals in various matters, such as a safety belt violation for a minor that was dismissed in Mecklenburg County General District Court. For federal extortion charges, our defense strategy focuses on the nuances of the Hobbs Act and the government’s burden of proof.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Mecklenburg
Our Richmond location serves clients in Mecklenburg County and surrounding communities for federal court matters. We are accessible for consultations regarding federal criminal charges.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Extortion Under Color Of Official Right
What does “under color of official right” mean?
It means a public official used their actual or purported government authority to obtain property they were not entitled to. The victim’s consent is induced by the official’s position of power, not necessarily by a direct threat.
Is this a state or federal crime?
Extortion Under Color Of Official Right is primarily a federal crime prosecuted under the Hobbs Act (18 U.S.C. § 1951). State bribery or misconduct laws may also apply, but the federal charge is more common for public officials.
What are the defenses to this charge?
It depends. Common defenses include lack of intent, entrapment, that the payment was a lawful gift or campaign contribution, or that the official’s actions were within their lawful authority. A criminal court lawyer must analyze the specific facts.
Do I need a lawyer who handles federal cases?
Yes. Federal procedure and sentencing are vastly different from state court. You need a criminal attorney with specific experience in federal court and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines to handle the details of your criminal charges defense.
What is the typical sentence?
Sentences vary based on the value of the property, the official’s position, and criminal history. Under federal guidelines, sentences can be severe, often involving years in prison. Fines and asset forfeiture are also common.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing federal charges, you may also want to learn about Virginia federal criminal defense. For charges in nearby areas, see our pages for a federal criminal lawyer in Fairfax County and a federal criminal lawyer in Fairfax City. For other legal issues in Mecklenburg, consider a reckless driving lawyer in Mecklenburg or a criminal lawyer in Mecklenburg.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.