Extortion under color of official right is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Hobbs Act) carrying up to 20 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Henrico County, Virginia. You need an experienced Extortion Under Color of Official Right lawyer Henrico County to protect your rights.
Extortion Under Color of Official Right Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Extortion under color of official right is a federal offense under the Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1951. This statute prohibits a public official from obtaining property from another person under the pretense of their official position, even if no force or threat is used. The prosecution must prove that the official used their position to induce payment or property, affecting interstate commerce. In Henrico County, these cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1951
For the full text of the Hobbs Act, see 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, see U.S. Sentencing Commission (official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue extortion under color of official right charges aggressively. We have observed that federal agents often conduct lengthy investigations before charges are filed.
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all financial records and communications.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Understand that federal sentencing guidelines apply and there is no parole.
- Work with your attorney to evaluate potential defenses.
- Consider the possibility of negotiating with prosecutors.
In Henrico County, extortion under color of official right under 18 U.S.C. § 1951 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, fines, and supervised release.
| 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 or more | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release, no parole, loss of public office |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Advocacy Without Borders — our firm is committed to providing dedicated federal criminal defense representation in Henrico County and throughout Virginia.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Henrico County: 17 dismissed or not guilty, 4 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 10 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-64 and I-95. We are an extortion charge defense lawyer Henrico County and blackmail defense lawyer Henrico County serving the community. Serving the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extortion Under Color of Official Right in Henrico County
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Henrico County, Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against extortion under color of official right charges?
Defense strategies for extortion under color of official right in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 1951 to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies for extortion under color of official right in Virginia may include challenging evidence and examining procedural compliance.
What should I do if I am facing extortion under color of official right charges in Virginia?
If facing extortion under color of official right charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
If facing extortion under color of official right charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
What are the penalties for extortion under color of official right in Virginia?
Penalties for extortion under color of official right in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1951, consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia federal criminal attorney for case-specific guidance.
Penalties for extortion under color of official right in Virginia depend on the specific charges and circumstances.
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also be interested in our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County page or Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake page. For related practice areas, see Business Dissolution Lawyer Henrico County and Business Succession Lawyer Henrico County.
Last updated: 2026-05-01