Extortion Under Color of Official Right lawyer Near Me
A federal extortion charge — especially one brought under the color-of-official-right theory —
puts your freedom, your career, and your reputation at immediate risk. The U.S. Attorney’s Office
prosecutes these cases actively in federal district court, and a conviction carries the potential
for decades in prison. If you are searching for an extortion under color of official right lawyer
near you in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, or New York, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is available to discuss your situation. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the
firm in 1997 and works with experienced Of Counsel attorneys to defend clients in federal criminal
matters. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Extortion Under Color of Official Right Means
Extortion under color of official right is a federal crime defined by the Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1951.
The statute makes it a felony for a public official to obtain property from another person under color
of official right — that is, by using the power or authority of the public office to extract a payment
or benefit to which the official is not lawfully entitled. The government does not need to prove that
the official used force or a threat; the misuse of the office itself supplies the required element of
coercion. Because the charge arises from the official’s position, the federal interest is especially
strong, and federal investigative agencies — including the FBI and the Public Integrity Section of the
Department of Justice — are frequently involved.
A conviction for extortion under color of official right carries a maximum prison term of 20 years
under the Hobbs Act. Federal sentencing guidelines will determine the advisory range based on the
amount of money involved, the official’s position, and other offense characteristics. There is no
parole in the federal system, so any portion of a sentence that is imposed must generally be served.
Because these cases often involve complex financial records, witness testimony, and jurisdictional
questions about the scope of the official’s authority, an experienced federal defense attorney is
essential from the earliest stage of the investigation or prosecution.
In Virginia, extortion under color of official right cases are prosecuted in either the U.S. District
Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria, Richmond, Newport News, or Norfolk) or the
Western District of Virginia (Roanoke, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, or Abingdon),
depending on where the alleged conduct occurred. The same federal statutes apply in Maryland, the
District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and the firm regularly appears in those federal
districts as well.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle These Cases
Every federal extortion case is fact-intensive, and the government often begins building its file
months or years before an indictment is returned. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work
to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the government’s evidence early, often while the matter
is still under investigation. That phase is critical because statements made to investigators,
document productions, and pre-indictment negotiations can shape the entire trajectory of the case.
Once charges are filed, the defense team examines the grand jury process, the scope of the official’s
duties, the alleged benefit, and whether the government can prove that the official’s position was
used to obtain the property. Defense strategies may include challenging the sufficiency of the
indictment, filing motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth or Fifth
Amendment, and presenting mitigating information during plea negotiations or at sentencing.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to achieve a favorable resolution while keeping the client
informed at each step of the federal criminal process.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has
practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the
District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he personally handles complex federal
criminal matters. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee
in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background in accounting
and information systems gives him particular insight into the financial evidence that often
drives extortion prosecutions.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced litigators who handle federal cases alongside
Mr. Sris. Together, they bring extensive combined legal experience to every representation.
Results may vary. The team
answers calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can reach a knowledgeable professional
whenever you need one. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is extortion under color of official right?
It is a federal felony under the Hobbs Act that occurs when a public official uses the
authority of his or her office to obtain money or property to which the official is not entitled.
The crime does not require proof of physical force or explicit threats; the misuse of the office
itself is the coercive element. Federal prosecutors must also show that the offense affected
interstate commerce, a requirement that is interpreted broadly. Because the charge targets the
integrity of public office, it is prioritized by the Department of Justice and can carry severe
penalties, including substantial prison time.
What should I do if I am under investigation for extortion under color of official right?
You should contact an experienced federal defense attorney immediately and decline to speak
with investigators until counsel is present. Anything you say to federal agents can be used
against you, even if you believe you are only providing background information. An attorney can
communicate with the government on your behalf, preserve evidence that may be favorable, and work
to resolve the matter before charges are filed. Prompt engagement can significantly affect the
direction and outcome of the case.
What are the potential penalties for extortion under color of official right?
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1951 carries a maximum prison term of 20 years.
The actual sentence is determined under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider factors such
as the amount of money or property involved, the defendant’s role in the offense, and any prior
criminal history. Fines of up to $250,000 or more may also apply, and the court can order restitution.
There is no parole in the federal system, although good time credits can modestly reduce a sentence.
Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with extortion under color of official right?
Yes, retaining a qualified federal criminal defense lawyer is critical. Federal
court procedures differ significantly from state court, and the resources available to the U.S.
Attorney’s Office are extensive. An attorney can evaluate the sufficiency of the indictment,
negotiate with prosecutors, file pretrial motions, and mount a defense at trial if necessary.
Representing yourself or relying on a lawyer without federal experience can put you at a serious
disadvantage.
How can a lawyer defend against extortion under color of official right charges?
Defenses commonly focus on whether the defendant was acting under color of official right
and whether the property was obtained with the defendant’s knowledge that it was not due to the
office. A defense may also challenge the sufficiency of the evidence linking the official’s
position to the alleged extortionate act, contest the government’s interpretation of the official’s
lawful duties, or demonstrate that the property was legitimately owed. In some cases, constitutional
challenges to how evidence was gathered can lead to suppression of key items.
Why choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a federal extortion case?
The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with extensive experience in federal
criminal defense, and the firm has been serving clients since 1997. Mr. Sris and his Of
Counsel attorneys are admitted in five jurisdictions and have handled complex financial and
public-corruption matters. The firm takes a detail-driven approach, examining the government’s
case from every angle to identify the strong $1 strategy. To discuss your situation,
contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.