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 Virginia Beach, Virginia, and provides representation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Extortion Under Color of Official Right Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Federal extortion under color of official right is defined under the Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1951, which prohibits obtaining property from another, with their consent, under color of official right, where such consent is induced by the wrongful use of fear or force. This statute applies to public officials who use their position to demand or receive property not lawfully owed to them. The offense affects interstate commerce and is prosecuted in federal court. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to federal criminal defense in Virginia Beach.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Cornell LII)
For the full text of the Hobbs Act, visit the 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, see the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines (ussc.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek indictments through federal grand juries. We have observed that the government often relies on witness testimony and financial records to establish the “color of official right” element.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
- Preserve all relevant documents and communications.
- Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
- Attend all scheduled court hearings in the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding plea negotiations and trial strategy.
In Virginia Beach, 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, loss of public office, forfeiture of property |
Results may vary.
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 extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia Beach, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. While specific case results for extortion under color of official right in Virginia Beach are not available, the firm has a favorable-outcome rate above 93% across all practice areas. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond, VA is approximately 100 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Norfolk Division), with access via I-64 and I-264. We serve as an extortion charge defense lawyer Virginia Beach and blackmail defense lawyer Virginia Beach for clients in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extortion Under Color of Official Right in Virginia Beach
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Yes. 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 for the Eastern District of Virginia. They carry longer sentences under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and there is no parole in the federal system. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical to handling these complex cases.
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 the sufficiency of evidence, examining procedural compliance by federal agents, negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 1951 to build the strongest possible defense.
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 federal law require prompt action.
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 up to 20 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000 or more, supervised release, and forfeiture of property. Consult a Virginia federal criminal attorney for case-specific guidance.
Learn more about federal criminal defense in Virginia: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia.
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Last verified: May 2026 | Page generated: 2026-05-01