In New Jersey, blackmail – where you threaten to expose confidential information about a person if they don’t meet a demand – is a crime that is prosecuted under the charge Theft by Extortion.
Extortion is a coercive attempt to get money, goods, services, or other favors from a person, business, or elected official, so blackmail readily falls under that umbrella.
Persons charged with extortion should take the matter extremely seriously, as it is a Second Degree crime whose conviction can carry a sentence of up to 10 years, plus sizeable fines, fees, and restitution.
In addition, any theft conviction on your record will automatically disqualify you from jobs in nearly all fields, for the rest of your life.
You can fight back. Extortion cases are often complex, relying on witness testimony that may not be reliable, and other evidence that can be attacked outright.
Call attorney Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey extortion and criminal defense attorney.