Boca Raton Extortion & Bribery Lawyers

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Boca Raton Extortion & Bribery Lawyers

Boca Raton, Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and upscale lifestyle. But even in this idyllic setting, extortion and bribery can occur. When facing federal charges like these, it’s crucial to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.

Extortion and bribery are serious felonies that can lead to substantial prison time and fines. Both charges involve trying to obtain money or something of value through coercion, threats, or improper influence.

In extortion cases, the accused threatens some form of harm unless money or favors are provided. With bribery, the defendant offers a benefit or payment to sway the actions of a public official or witness. These crimes undermine the integrity of the legal system and fair commerce.

Prosecutors pursue extortion and bribery charges aggressively. The burden is on them to prove the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. But these cases often rely heavily on circumstantial evidence that is open to interpretation.An adept federal defense lawyer can poke holes in the prosecution’s version of events. They will work to show reasonable doubt by presenting exculpatory evidence and questioning the credibility of witnesses.

Common Extortion & Bribery Defenses

There are several defenses that may defeat or mitigate extortion and bribery allegations:

Lack of criminal intent – For these charges to stick, the prosecution must prove the defendant knowingly and willfully committed the crimes. But sometimes there are innocent explanations for questionable conduct.
Entrapment – This occurs when law enforcement induces someone to commit an offense they otherwise wouldn’t have. The conduct of investigators may come under scrutiny here.
Duress – If threats or coercion from a third party forced the defendant’s actions, this defense may negate criminal liability.
Statute of limitations – There are deadlines on how long after an alleged crime prosecutors can file charges. If missed, the case likely gets dismissed.
First Amendment – Certain speech acts are constitutionally protected. Your lawyer may argue statements at issue were hyperbolic speech not meant to be taken literally.
Withdrawal – In attempted bribery, abandoning the act before completion may prevent conviction.

A former federal prosecutor knows how to craft the strongest defense by exploiting every weakness and contradiction in the prosecution’s case.

Sentencing Considerations in Extortion & Bribery Cases

Those found guilty of federal extortion or bribery face harsh penalties. But the exact punishment depends on the circumstances of the case and prior record of the defendant. For extortion under the Hobbs Act, the maximum sentence is 20 years in federal prison. The penalty rises to 30 years if the crime relates to drug trafficking.

Federal bribery carries a maximum 15 year prison term. But the sentence can go up to 30 years if bribery impacted programs receiving federal funds.

Under advisory sentencing guidelines, prison time is based on the amount of the bribe or extorted funds. The more money involved, the longer the recommended incarceration.Judges have wide latitude at sentencing though. A seasoned defense lawyer will present mitigating factors aimed at securing the lightest punishment. With no prior record, probation or home confinement may even be possible.

Fines up to $250,000 are also common in extortion and bribery cases. Your attorney may argue for a below-guidelines sentence if the financial penalty would prove excessive.

Recent Boca Raton Extortion & Bribery Cases

Several notable extortion and bribery prosecutions have occurred recently in the Boca Raton area:

In 2021, a lawyer pled guilty to extorting $1.5 million from his clients in Boca Raton. He falsely claimed their relatives in Poland faced criminal charges and needed payment to avoid prison there. The attorney used threats and deception to collect the funds, which he spent on himself.
A former executive at Office Depot’s Boca Raton headquarters received a four year sentence in 2020 for an elaborate bribery and kickback scheme. Over $3 million was paid to vendors the executive favored, defrauding the company. She got over $1 million in kickbacks from the vendors in return.
The mayor of Delray Beach resigned in 2021 after being charged with bribery. He allegedly accepted $50,000 in undisclosed campaign contributions from developers in exchange for supporting their projects. The case highlighted corruption risks when developers wield influence over local leaders.
In a 2020 case, a Palm Beach County businessman got sentenced to a year in prison for attempting to bribe the chief of police in Boca Raton. He offered the chief $300,000 in donations to the police charity in exchange for getting a relative’s drug charges dropped.

As these cases show, officials in Boca Raton aggressively pursue corruption and financial crimes. Skilled defense counsel can sometimes get charges dismissed pre-trial. When that fails, they work tirelessly to mitigate penalties and avoid jail time if possible.

Why Hire a Top Boca Raton Extortion & Bribery Lawyer?

Facing federal extortion or bribery charges is scary. But the stakes are too high to take chances with your defense. A conviction can ruin careers, destroy reputations, and lead to a lengthy prison term.

You need an accomplished lawyer who knows the federal criminal justice system inside and out. They must understand the complexities of proving these charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Look for an attorney with experience as a federal prosecutor. This background gives them unique insight into the prosecution’s playbook. They know how to exploit weaknesses in the government’s case to raise doubt about guilt.

Your lawyer should also have a proven track record defending complex white collar cases. Handling high-stakes fraud and corruption matters takes specific skills. Look for an attorney familiar with parallel civil and criminal proceedings too.

Local connections are also key. A lawyer who has practiced for years in South Florida courts has relationships that could help. Judges familiar with their advocacy skills may look more favorably on their arguments.Don’t take chances with an inexperienced lawyer to defend against serious federal felonies. The consequences are too great. Retain tough, seasoned counsel to protect your rights and future.

The Attorneys at The Law Place Fight for You

The attorneys at The Law Place in Boca Raton have the skills and experience to defend complex extortion and bribery cases in South Florida courts. Their knowledge of federal law and passion for criminal defense make them strong advocates for clients.The legal team has over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. They leverage their litigation talents to exploit every weakness and contradiction in the prosecution’s case.

The Law Place’s founding attorney, Howard Finkelstein, served as a public defender for over a decade. He tried serious felony cases and fought for the rights of the accused.

Clients appreciate the firm’s compassionate approach. The lawyers know an arrest is traumatic and treat each client with dignity. Their personal attention provides the support and guidance to weather a criminal case.

Contact The Law Place today for a free consultation on your extortion or bribery charges. Their seasoned lawyers are ready to start building the strongest defense for your case. Don’t leave your future to chance. An experienced federal defense attorney can make all the difference.

Boca Raton Extortion & Bribery Lawyers