Fort Lauderdale Extortion & Bribery Lawyers: Defending Your Rights
Living in South Florida, we’ve all seen the headlines – high profile extortion and bribery cases making the news. But these crimes can happen to anyone. If you or a loved one is facing accusations, it’s critical to have an experienced legal team on your side. Fort Lauderdale extortion and bribery lawyers know how to navigate these complex cases and protect your future.
Understanding Extortion and Bribery Charges
Extortion and bribery often go hand-in-hand. Extortion involves illegally obtaining money, property, or services through coercion or intimidation. Bribery refers to offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving something of value to influence an official action or decision.
Both are felony offenses at the state and federal level. Potential penalties include substantial fines and years in prison. Prosecutors tend to pursue these cases aggressively, so skilled defense is a must.
Common Defenses in Extortion and Bribery Cases
Fort Lauderdale extortion and bribery attorneys routinely handle these allegations. There are various defenses we may utilize, depending on the circumstances:
- Duress – If you only complied due to threats against you or loved ones, this may negate intent.
- Entrapment – If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t, this is entrapment.
- Lack of evidence – Without solid proof like recordings, prosecutors can have a hard time meeting the burden of proof.
- No corrupt intent – For bribery, you must intend to influence an official act. There may be benign explanations.
- Statute of limitations – For some charges, the deadline to prosecute has passed.
An experienced lawyer will thoroughly analyze the facts to identify the best defense strategies.
The Value of an Aggressive Legal Defense
Given the severe potential penalties, the stakes in extortion and bribery cases are sky-high. These allegations can destroy personal and professional reputations. That’s why it’s critical to have a tenacious defense lawyer challenge the prosecution’s version of events at every turn.
Skilled Fort Lauderdale extortion and bribery attorneys have a proven track record getting charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial. We know how to negotiate firmly with prosecutors. Even if a trial is necessary, we aren’t afraid to take our case to a jury if it’s in our client’s best interests.
Our top priority is always protecting our clients’ futures. We work tirelessly to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
Federal vs. State Extortion and Bribery Charges
Most extortion and bribery cases arise at the state level. But federal prosecutors also pursue these crimes under statutes like:
- Hobbs Act – Prohibits robbery or extortion affecting interstate commerce.
- Travel Act – Bans traveling interstate or overseas to commit crimes like bribery.
- Federal programs bribery – Illegal payments involving federal funds or programs.
The federal system brings additional complexity. But our Fort Lauderdale extortion and bribery lawyers regularly handle federal cases. We know how to navigate this process to protect our clients’ rights.
Our Proven Record of Results
Every case is different. But our attorneys have successfully defended all types of allegations, including:
- Corporate bribery – Bribing officials for government contracts or other benefits.
- Labor extortion – Coercing employers using threats of force, violence, or economic harm.
- Police bribery – Bribing officers to avoid charges or gain favors.
- Political bribery – Illegal campaign contributions or kickbacks.
- Sports bribery – Fixing games or shaving points.
- Extortion by public officials – Demanding bribes or kickbacks.
Regardless of the circumstances, our top-rated lawyers will build a tenacious defense focused on achieving the best possible outcome for our client.
Schedule a Free Strategy Session
If you or someone you love faces accusations of extortion, bribery or related charges in Fort Lauderdale, don’t leave your future to chance. Schedule a free case review now with our experienced defense attorneys. Call (954) 999-9999 or contact us online to set up a confidential consultation right away. We’re here to help 24/7.